FROM THE GRIDIRON TO THE GOSPEL: A Manifesto for Inner-City Leadership in 2025. A Life of Leadership in Service, Justice, and Community Empowerment.



FROM THE GRIDIRON TO THE GOSPEL: A Manifesto for Inner-City Leadership in 2025. A Life of Leadership in Service, Justice, and Community Empowerment.

A CommuniVersity Course on Leadership from the Church Seats to the Community Streets to the City Suites.

By Kyev P. Tatum, Sr.

This course is designed to foster transformational leadership—equipping students to uplift, empower, and create lasting change. By combining theory with hands-on learning, it encourages students to become active agents of justice and progress in their communities.

Course Overview


This course delves into the leadership philosophy, activism, and community-building strategies developed by Kyev P. Tatum, Sr. Students will explore the intersection of faith-based activism, economic empowerment, racial justice, and youth development as pathways for social change. The course includes dynamic discussion points, hands-on assignments, and guest speakers to deepen understanding and stimulate real-world action. It aims not only to educate but to inspire students to lead, act, and create transformative change in their communities.

Table of Contents & Course Modules

Foreword: A Life of Purpose and Passion


Discussion Questions:

1. How does purpose influence leadership?

2. What qualities define a servant leader?

3. How has Kyev Tatum’s background shaped his leadership approach?


Assignment:

Write a personal statement on your leadership philosophy, considering how it aligns with the principles discussed.

Part One: Foundations of Faith and Justice


Chapter 1: Born in the Spirit of Service

Guest Speaker: Local historian on Fort Worth’s Black history

Case Study: The role of faith-based activism in the Civil Rights Movement


Discussion Questions:

1. How does faith influence leadership?

2. What is the relationship between community service and leadership?

3. How does family and upbringing guide a leader’s path?


Assignment:

Interview a community leader about their faith and service journey.



Chapter 2: The Gridiron and the Gospel

Guest Speaker: Former athlete turned community activist

Case Study: Muhammad Ali’s transition from athlete to activist


Discussion Questions:

1. What leadership lessons can be drawn from sports?

2. How can sports serve as a training ground for activism?

3. What values from the gridiron translate to leadership in social justice?


Assignment:

Reflect on how your experiences in sports, arts, or other disciplines have prepared you for leadership.

Chapter 3: Called to Serve

Guest Speaker: Clergy member involved in social justice

Case Study: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Black church’s role in justice movements


Discussion Questions:

1. What does “faith without works is dead” mean in the context of leadership?

2. How can pastors balance ministry and activism?

3. Why is the Black church historically linked to social justice?


Assignment:

Attend a church service or community event and write about how faith and activism intersect.

Part Two: The Fight for Justice


Chapter 4: Millican and the March for Truth

Guest Speaker: Historian on racial massacres in Texas

Case Study: The Tulsa Race Massacre and the fight for historical recognition


Discussion Questions:

1. Why is historical truth vital in the fight for justice?

2. How do communities heal from historical injustices?

3. What role does research play in activism?


Assignment:

Write a proposal for a public memorial or historical exhibit recognizing a forgotten event in Black history.

Chapter 5: Fighting Black in Texas

Guest Speaker: Civil rights attorney

Case Study: NAACP Legal Defense Fund’s work in Texas


Discussion Questions:

1. How has resistance shaped Black identity in Texas?

2. What modern forms of systemic injustice exist today?

3. What strategies have been effective in combating racial oppression?


Assignment:

Analyze a recent court case involving racial justice and discuss its implications.

Chapter 6: The Texas 6888th Project

Guest Speaker: Military historian or descendant of a 6888th member

Case Study: The role of Black women in the U.S. military


Discussion Questions:

1. Why were the women of the 6888th Battalion overlooked for so long?

2. How does honoring the past impact present social movements?

3. What challenges do Black women in the military face today?


Assignment:

Create a digital storytelling project about an unsung Black woman in history.

Chapter 7: For Justice Sake – The Slocum Massacre

Guest Speaker: Journalist covering racial justice

Case Study: The role of media in uncovering racial massacres


Discussion Questions:

1. How do massacres like Slocum shape race relations today?

2. Why is recognizing historical injustices important?

3. How can journalism serve as a tool for justice?


Assignment:

Write an op-ed piece on the importance of recognizing and addressing historical injustices.

Part Three: Economic Empowerment and Community Building


Chapter 8: From Bean to Bank

Guest Speaker: Coffee industry entrepreneur

Case Study: The history of coffee in Black culture


Discussion Questions:

1. How can specialty coffee create economic opportunities for underserved communities?

2. What barriers exist for Black entrepreneurs in the coffee industry?

3. How does global trade impact local economies?


Assignment:

Develop a business plan for a community-centered coffee initiative that promotes economic empowerment.

Chapter 9: Coffeeaires and the Inner City Coffee Exchange

Guest Speaker: Small business development expert

Case Study: The economic model of Black Wall Street


Discussion Questions:

1. What does economic empowerment look like in Black communities?

2. How can sustainable economic ecosystems be created in underserved areas?

3. Why is ownership key to building generational wealth?


Assignment:

Interview a Black entrepreneur and analyze their journey to success, focusing on challenges and strategies for growth.

Part Four: Education and Youth Development


Chapter 10: The Trilogy of Her Story

Guest Speaker: Museum curator

Case Study: The erasure of Black women from history


Discussion Questions:

1. Why are Black women’s contributions often overlooked?

2. How does storytelling shape historical narratives?

3. How can we ensure future generations learn these stories?


Assignment:

Curate a mini-exhibit highlighting the leadership of a Black woman from history.

Part Five: The Future of Our Communities


Chapter 11: The Role of the Church in Social Change

Guest Speaker: Faith leader involved in activism

Case Study: The Black church’s role in the Civil Rights Movement


Discussion Questions:

1. How can faith institutions drive social change today?

2. What are the barriers to church-led activism?

3. How does the Black church’s involvement in justice compare to other religious institutions?


Assignment:

Create a sermon, speech, or podcast episode on the role of faith in activism.

Final Project


Students will design a community action project inspired by course learnings. This could take the form of a public awareness campaign, a historical research project, or a community-based entrepreneurial initiative.

Experiential Learning Enhancements


Readings:

• Strength to Love – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

• Black Fortunes – Shomari Wills

• On the Courthouse Lawn – Sherrilyn Ifill

• The Warmth of Other Suns – Isabel Wilkerson


Documentaries:

• Eyes on the Prize

• Boss: The Black Experience in Business

• Tulsa: The Fire and the Forgotten

• She Did That


Site Visits & Immersive Learning:

• National Museum of African American History and Culture

• Black Wall Street, Tulsa

• Local Black-owned coffee shops

• City council or community meetings


Experiential Assignments:

• Community Oral History Project

• Live Policy Debate

• Advocacy Letter to an Official

This course is designed to foster transformational leadership—equipping students to uplift, empower, and create lasting change. By combining theory with hands-on learning, it encourages students to become active agents of justice and progress in their communities.




Rev. Kyev P. Tatum, Sr., 
Pastor and Mediator 
New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church
Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas
2864 Mississippi Avenue 
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
817-966-7625, kptatum1@gmail.com
https://youtu.be/T7PeAaZkkwI
Website: www.newmountrose.com


Surprisingly, Texas has more African-Americans than any other state in the United States of America: https://blackdemographics.com/population/black-state-population/ #BlackTexans

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