Over the past year, we’ve made several additions to the Beloved Community Center (BCC) Team. We would like to take this opportunity to introduce new members and highlight the team as we look forward to finishing 2023 strong.
Rev. NELSON JOHNSON and JOYCE HOBSON JOHNSON, Co-Executive Directors, founded BCC in 1991 after over 30 years of organizing in Greensboro, NC. In 2023, they celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary and currently coordinating site visits and meetings for our NC-TJRC ‘23 Summit, taking place Oct 25-28 on the campus of Bennett College. BRIGETTE RASBERRY serves as Operations Officer, joining the team in 2021. Among the number of projects she’s working on, a key one is engaging potential sustainers. LEWIS A. BRANDON, III serves as our Historian, he’s been corresponding with various academic institutions about our archives and tours. Kim Porter, Program Coordinator, recently became a grandmother, welcoming her grandson Russell! TERENCE “TC” MUHAMMAD has traveled the nation and supported various causes, including STOP COP CITY in ATL. He will serve a key role in guiding our new field organizers, providing direction and guidance. NEAH HUBBARD serves as the Office Manager, joining BCC in April ‘23, she’s currently an English major at Guilford Technical Community College, with plans to transfer to North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. Originally from Long Beach, CA, Neah has a passion for black women’s reproductive rights, human rights law, and poetry. Lastly, FIDEL E. BENTON joined the team in June as the Communications Officer. Fidel is a talented DJ, passionate about current political & MCU affairs, host of The Fidel Emmanuel Podcast, and owner of theDCObrand.com. WESLEY MORRIS continues to serve as Associate Director, Southern Vision Alliance and Pastor of Faith Community Church. He’s recently visited Palestine & Israel.
This summer we’re joined by four interns from various colleges. ZAKYHA JONES-WALKER serves as the 23/24 Student Body President at Bennett College, mainly focused on connecting with students from across the state, recently hosting a meeting of student body presidents. JOHN LUKE FARAH is a Journalism and Anthropology double major and French minor at Elon University He’s the president of the Anthropology and Sociology club, a tutor for high school students, and a frequent defensive liability at the basketball courts. His focus is on social media, storytelling, and improving communication systems. FRANCY RAWLS is Journalism and Media Studies double major at Bennett College. She’s interned at the International Civil Rights Center and Museum and actively participates in Durham, NC’s art scene as a mural artist. She’s been working hand and hand with Rev. Johnson, organizing clergy and community leaders. CAROLINE TOMLIN is a Sociology major with a minor in Psychology at Western Carolina University. Caroline Loves cooking and baking, especially cinnamon rolls. Her focus is Merchandise, Sponsorships, and Event Planning.
We’ve recently hired regional organizers to engage local communities about issues, opportunities, and truth. JAMILAH DIXON serves the Western Region, primarily Buncombe and McDowell Counties. Jamilah loves the outdoors and is a mental health advocate. Her life’s purpose is to encourage strengthening herself. YUSUF YOUNG serves the Eastern Region, primarily Northampton, Brunswick, and New Hanover Counties. Yusuf prides himself on staying educated and engaged in his community. He has a passion for the youth and continues the anti-imperialist struggle. TAYLER MICKENS serves the Western Piedmont Region, primarily Mecklenburg and Iredell Counties. Tayler studied Political Science with a concentration in Pre Law along with African American and African Diaspora Studies at UNC Greensboro. She has a background in electoral work and enjoys reading, hanging out with friends, and contemplating law school.
Please give a warm welcome to the entire BCC TEAM! We look forward to making an impact and engaging with communities state and nationwide. If you have questions or just want to send some love, don’t hesitate to contact any member of the team. Don’t forget to sign up for our mailing list and connect with us on social media to be informed about upcoming events and announcements.
Ps. – It’s 98 days til the NC-TJRC Summit ‘23 and this is your invite.