YEARNING TO BE FREE: A Faith-Fueled Pathway to Citizenship in Morningside 76104. Luke 4:18 By Kyev P. Tatum, Sr. Host Pastor.

 

YEARNING TO BE FREE: A Faith-Fueled Pathway to Citizenship in Morningside 76104. Luke 4:18 By Kyev P. Tatum, Sr. Host Pastor. 

A HOLY MOMENT IN MORNINGSIDE

At first, it seemed as if no one was coming.

The room sat still.

The chairs waited.

Hope held its breath.

But then… they started showing up.

One by one.

Family by family.

Dream by dream.

And before long, people started showing up —not just with people, but neighbors with possibility.

You could feel it.

The quiet excitement of neighbors who, many for the first time, felt seen…

heard…

valued.

Men and women who have labored in the shadows of our economy—

raising families, building communities, contributing to a nation—

yet living without the security, protection, and opportunity that citizenship provides.

And in that sacred moment, something became clear:

Morningside is yearning to be free.

WHY MORNINGSIDE 76104 NEEDS A CITIZENSHIP ACADEMY

The 76104 ZIP code in Fort Worth is one of the most historically rich—and yet economically challenged—communities in Texas.

It is a community marked by:

• Limited access to legal resources

• Barriers to English language acquisition

• Economic instability tied to immigration status

• Fear, uncertainty, and vulnerability within undocumented families

• A lack of trusted, culturally competent institutions offering support

Many of our neighbors are not lacking in work ethic—

they are lacking in pathways.

They are not lacking in dreams—

they are lacking in access.

They are not lacking in faith—

they are lacking in opportunity.

Without citizenship or legal status:

• Families remain vulnerable to exploitation

• Workers are often underpaid and overworked

• Educational advancement is delayed or denied

• Generational wealth becomes nearly impossible to build

And perhaps most tragically—

people begin to feel invisible in a country they help sustain.

THE CHURCH STEPS IN: FROM FEAR TO FAITH TO FREEDOM.

At New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church, the call is clear:

We will not ignore the cry of our neighbors.

Under the leadership of Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr., a bold vision has been launched:

THE NOSOTROS LA GENTE ACADEMY

“Yearning to Be Free” — Luke 4:18

A faith-based, community-centered citizenship academy designed to provide:

• A pathway to U.S. citizenship

• A road to economic mobility

• A bridge to belonging in America

A HISTORIC COLLABORATION

This is not just a program—

this is a movement powered by partnership.

Key collaborators include:

• LULAC Council 22309

• University of North Texas at Dallas

Led by:

• Aracely Vasquez

• Mara J. Queiroz-Vaughn

Together, they bring expertise, compassion, and a shared commitment to justice.

WHAT THE ACADEMY PROVIDES

The Nosotros La Gente Academy delivers a holistic, life-changing model:

Citizenship Education

• U.S. history, civics, and naturalization preparation

• Step-by-step legal navigation support

English Language Development

• Practical, workforce-centered ESL instruction

• Confidence-building communication skills

Civil Rights Awareness

• Education on rights, protections, and responsibilities

• Empowerment through knowledge

Faith-Based Support

• Spiritual encouragement rooted in Scripture

• A trusted, safe, and welcoming environment

WHY THIS MOMENT MATTERS

This is bigger than documentation.

This is about:

• Dignity restored

• Families stabilized

• Communities strengthened

• Dreams unlocked

When one person becomes a citizen:

• A family gains security

• A worker gains opportunity

• A child gains a future

• A community gains strength

And when the church steps into that process—

freedom becomes ministry.

VOICES OF THE MOVEMENT

“We have been working on ways to help our undocumented neighbors and families, and now God has sent us partners with both heart and vision.”

— Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr.

“We have discovered that many of our neighbors want to learn English to advance in their employment. This is our opportunity to help them achieve their goals.”

— Aracely Vasquez

“I am truly inspired by the mission of New Mount Rose and welcome the opportunity to expand citizenship education within this community.”

— Mara J. Queiroz-Vaughn

SCRIPTURAL FOUNDATION

“Let us not grow weary in doing good,

for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

— Galatians 6:9

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

Weekly Community Meetings

Every Thursday

7:00 PM

New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church

2864 Mississippi Avenue

Fort Worth, Texas 76104

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Ms. Aracely Vasquez: 817-231-2476

• Dr. Mara Vaughn: (806) 239-1530

• Pastor Kyev Tatum: 817-966-7625

FINAL DECLARATION

This is not just about immigration.

This is about liberation.

This is about a church that refuses to stay inside the walls—

and instead walks into the streets to declare:

“You belong.”

“You matter.”

“And your future in this country is worth fighting for.”

Because in Morningside 76104—

Hope is rising.

Opportunity is knocking.

And a people are…

YEARNING TO BE FREE