The Fingertips and Footprints of Kyev Tatum. Black Texans, Inc.

The Fingertips and Footprints of Kyev Tatum

With fingertips pressed against history’s page,

Tracing the stories of struggle and sage.

Ink flows steady, bold and true,

Marking the past to guide what’s due.

Footprints deep in justice’s sand,

Walking the path with a steady hand.

From pulpits high to streets below,

Where voices rise and movements grow.

Coffee brews in calloused palms,

Fueling dreams with sacred psalms.

Seeds are planted, fields take root,

Bearing fruit in labor’s pursuit.

The echoes of ancestors call his name,

A legacy lit by justice’s flame.

With fingertips writing, footprints strong,

The journey continues, the fight is long.

FORT WORTH, TEXAS - On December 19, 1965, Kyev Tatum entered the world under dire circumstances. Born premature, jaundiced, and unable to breathe on his own, his tiny body fought for survival. But he had something more powerful than medicine, a praying mother. She refused to give up on her son, spending six days in continuous prayer, believing that God would sustain him. Then, on December 25, 1965, when the doctors placed baby Kyev in her arms, he took his first breath on his own. She called it her best Christmas gift ever.

Born into abject poverty and without ever knowing his father, Kyev faced adversity from the very beginning. As he grew, those struggles became lessons in perseverance and faith. Life would take him through even more trials, including becoming a teenage father himself, forcing him to navigate manhood with responsibility at an early age. Yet, those hardships would mold him into the leader he was destined to be, a champion for justice, faith, and community transformation.

A Journey of Transformation: From Struggles to Service

Raised in Fort Worth, Texas, Pastor Tatum’s early years were defined by struggle, but also by the strength of the Black community that surrounded him. He pursued education and leadership training at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University in Denton, and Texas State University in San Marcos. His time at the Texas Capitol in Austin gave him firsthand experience in public policy and governance, sharpening his ability to fight for systemic change.

His fingerprints and footprints can be found across Texas, the nation, and the world, shaping policies, institutions, and communities. From civil rights and economic justice to education reform and historical preservation, his work has transformed lives.

Economic Empowerment: Founder of the Inner City Coffee Exchange, a groundbreaking initiative connecting Black coffee growers with urban markets to create generational wealth.

Education & History Preservation: Author of Fighting Black in Texas, an anthology chronicling Black Texans, resistance against racial injustice from 1868 to the present.

Food Justice & Health Equity: Leader in the Farm Fort Worth initiative, which combats food insecurity in Fort Worth’s 76104 ZIP code, where life expectancy is the lowest in Texas.

Faith & Social Justice: As Pastor of New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church and President of the Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas, he has led efforts in criminal justice reform, voting rights advocacy, and youth mentorship.

A Global Footprint: Impact Beyond Texas

Pastor Tatum’s influence extends far beyond Fort Worth. His commitment to justice, equity, and community empowerment has taken him across the country and beyond:

Aspen Institute (Washington, DC): Engaging with national thought leaders on social justice, policy, and community development.

Bloomberg CityLab: Collaborating with urban innovators to address challenges in marginalized communities.

Clergy for Safe Cities (New York): Working with faith leaders to promote public safety and reduce violence.

Louisville & Lexington, Kentucky: Advocating for food justice in communities facing systemic inequities.

Sonoma State University (California): Sharing his expertise on black, brown and blue relationships in the community.

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands: Expanding his mission of gun violence awareness, faith and justice beyond the mainland.

A Love Story Rooted in Faith

Through all of life’s battles, love found him in the form of his “Peanut Butter,” Tonya Rochelle. On January 7, 2004, at 7:00 PM, they were united in marriage at Harmony Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. Together, they have built a life centered on faith, service, and family. Combined, they have seven children and fifteen grandchildren, creating a legacy of love that continues to grow.

A Life Still in Motion

From the struggle of fighting for his first breath to fighting for justice and equality, Pastor Kyev Tatum’s journey is one of faith, resilience, and service. His story is not just about surviving, it’s about thriving, leading, and lifting others along the way.

His mother’s prayers did more than keep him alive; they set him on a path to change the world.