Photo credit: Love Beyond Walls
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Homelessness in America is a growing issue that can often be overlooked. Over 500,000 people are experiencing homelessness on a given night. Terrence Lester founded Love Beyond Walls, a social justice and advocacy organization, to fight against this epidemic and he is just getting started!
In honor of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the 50th anniversary of his assassination, Love Beyond Walls in partnership with The Center for Civil and Human Rights has launched the second March Against Poverty in Atlanta, Georgia. The 386-mile journey began on Saturday and will go until April 4th, with marchers traveling on-foot from Atlanta, to Memphis, Tennessee!
“This isn’t a hobby for me,” Lester said about the organization. “I was once a high-school dropout, living as a homeless teenager out of the trunk of my car.”
Terrence had a turning point after his homelessness struggle, and went on to earn an associate’s degree in Media Production from American InterContinental University (2005), a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Leadership from Atlanta Bible College (2008), a Masters of Education in Counseling from Liberty University (2010) and a Masters of Arts in Theological Studies also from Liberty University (2012).
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Now, he is using education to empower others who are currently experiencing the struggle that he overcame.
“It was total strangers that came alongside me and inspired to overcome my challenges, and I want to be that same stranger to other people.”
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The activist’s hope is to gain national and governmental attention, and to bring the conversation of how to change policy towards fighting homelessness to the table.
Photo credit: Love Beyond Walls
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“This march is a testament to the legacy of Dr. King and to shed light on the millions of people across the nation from all walks of life and nationalities who experience the harsh realities of homelessness and poverty. It is time for the next generation to pick up the baton and we are on the frontlines to leading the charge,” said Lester in a release.
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The March kicked off on Saturday at The Center for Civil and Human Rights and is happening now!
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TELL US: Will you be joining the march with Love Beyond Walls?
