James Morgan, interviewed by Margaret Irwin
As Organizer, what has stood out to you since the last newsletter?
“I’m struck by the number of opportunities that are being presented to MOSES for further community-based collaborations and partnerships,” James said. “At the June General Meeting, Harry Haney spoke about the Madison Justice Team. Kina Collins, Interim Executive Director of WISDOM, spoke about plans for our statewide organization. Following those conversations, I see this as a time of opportunity for us to expand our presence in the community, build our capacity, and increase our membership. Additionally, I recently had the opportunity to engage the president of the Urban League. I will be meeting with him sometime soon to talk about a possible collaboration with MOSES. The Black Men’s Coalition has already expressed an interest in MOSES, and I will be meeting with Cory Marionneaux.”
In addition to the Juneteenth celebration, what are you looking forward to in the next couple of months?
“I am at work on two major events. We hope the November 22 Gala will have a sell-out crowd. We’re getting started early by contacting potential sponsors, considering the cost of tickets for this fund-raiser, and getting people thinking early of things to donate for the raffle. An impressive trio of honorees has been lined up. In addition, I am bringing back the practice of giving a community-impact award to a local organization.
“The National Bus Tour on Solitary Confinement will come to Madison in November. In addition to Talib’s solitary confinement truck, we’ll have the national truck present. We are arranging for several locations where people will be able to access these solitary confinement spaces. We’re also planning a video screening and a panel discussion. Mark Rice from WISDOM’s Transformational Justice Campaign is working with us. We want to have ample time to publicize this campaign, to ensure that the logistics are in place, and to recruit volunteers.”
What do you want our readers to know?
“I am invested in them, in MOSES. I take my position within the organization seriously. I am constantly thinking about and engaging with people in coming up with creative ideas to expand our presence and connections in the community at-large. We also need to increase knowledge within MOSES.
“Community organizing is fun! I meet a lot of wonderful people and also a lot of people with challenges, who simply need someone to listen to what they’re going through. I try to assure these folks they can come to us; we will do our best to reach out to public officials and to legislators to advocate for their needs and to do what’s best for everyone in the community. I would like to sponsor community listening and informational sessions to achieve this.
“Another idea in development is a MOSES-sponsored sit-down with other nonprofits, business entities, and public officials. We would have a conversation to see where we connect on issues and how we can start working collaboratively. It’s important to show that we are not in competition; we can work together to accomplish our goals. This could set a model for the greater community in how to network, how to grow, and how to advocate for themselves. If anyone has suggestions of who to invite or other ideas for implementing this idea, please let me know.”
Let’s Do MOSES!