To Our Community: We Stand Against Social Injustice.

Dear neighbors, partners, volunteers, and donors,

As the conversation spreads around the deaths of black American citizens like George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and too many others to name, the Brother Bill’s Helping Hand team and I feel a desire - no, a commandment - to speak up on behalf of the communities we serve.

We publicly denounce all forms of racism, injustice, white supremacy, abuse of power, and other sins that are against the heart of God. Brother Bill’s Helping Hand is not, by nature, an advocacy organization, but we are a social service organization that seeks justice for the poor, oppressed, and marginalized.  What is more, we strongly support those who advocate for our neighbors. In Holy Scripture, the Prophet Isaiah exhorts us to:

Learn to do right; seek justice.

Defend the oppressed.

Take up the cause of the fatherless;

plead the case of the widow. (Isaiah 1:17)

Social justice issues are woven into the fabric of God’s mission and, moreover, in our work as we provide our neighbors with the essentials of life: food for the hungry; care for their mental and physical health; and job training, education, and Christian discipleship. We have not turned a blind eye to these issues in the past and refuse to do so in the present climate.

The neighbors, staff members, and community we know and love are disproportionately vulnerable to the current injustice. This is an unavoidable truth. We have witnessed stories of hardship, abuse, and suffering at the hands of those in power for far too long. We are adding our voice to the current conversation as we have been responding to social injustice for 76 years.

We are praying for black Christian leaders with whom we have relationships in West Dallas. You are invited to join us in prayer for the following leaders or those in your own heart:

  • Jerry Wagner of Disciple City Church

  • Ray Jenkins of New Mount Calvary

  • Cedric West of The Ark of God Revival Temple

  • Arvel Wilson of West Dallas Community Church 

  • James Armstrong of Community Fellowship Church

  • Billy White Sr. of Saint Mark Vineyard A.M.E Zion Church

  • Carlton Oby of Mercy Street

  • Edward Franklin of Voice of Hope Ministries

  • Vincent Young of New Beginnings Covenant Church

  • Ray Evans of Glorious Triumphant Church International

Brother Bill’s Helping Hand intends to unify the body of Christ, starting inside our own building. If you would like to learn more about what you can do to be an advocate, ally, and friend to our brothers and sisters of color in our ministry, I or another team member would be glad to discuss our actions with you. Additionally, we invite you to read and listen to our partner and friend in the fight against injustice, Pastor Jeff Warren of Park Cities Baptist Church, as he shares some practical ways to work towards justice, equity, and reconciliation.

 To our neighbors in West Dallas and Oak Cliff, it is our greatest joy to stand in your corner. I look forward to this day in Revelation 21:4 when our Father will “...will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

In the meantime, know that you have an advocate, ally, and friend at Brother Bill’s Helping Hand.  

Grace and Peace,

Wesley Keyes

Executive Director

Wesley Keyes