Inequity requires a Civil Rights movement, but iniquity requires a Civil Righteousness movement.
We are international movement of holy activism organized as a 501(c)3 pursuing reconciliation and restorative justice through spiritual, cultural, and economic renewal.
Civil Righteousness began as a message. In 2020, that message exploded into movement upon the tide of cultural change in America following the death of George Floyd. With over 100,000 people participating in our actions, CR chapters expanded into 380+ cities, 50 states, and 5 nations.
The movement demanded that we build a model which required us to establish an organization, which is expressed today through our Ferguson based community transformation center in the skin of a local coffee shop called The Garden Studio Cafe.
Today we are:
ENGAGING INJUSTICE
Mobilizing and raising up faith leaders that can function as peacemakers in places of conflict; and table makers in various spheres of influence.
BUILDING BRIDGES
Creating safe spaces of learning and healing like our Imago Dei Gallery and facilitating courageous conversations that can lead to reconciliation among unlikely neighbors at The Table. These environments cultivate cross-cultural interaction, understanding, relationship, and innovative problem solving.
RESTORING COMMUNITIES
Stimulating restoration, economic mobility, and city transformation through Spark Tank, our entrepreneurial training program.
Hosting visitors from around the St.Louis region, across the country, and parts of the world; The Garden is quickly becoming a destination spot not only for excellent coffee, but for potentially transformative experiences of beauty in a city known for it's ashes.
Additionally, The Garden is specifically fulfilling these three calls to action which were set forth by the Ferguson Commission in 2016:
1. Engage the Faith Community in the Racial Equity Mission
Raising up faith leaders and communities that are called to engage in networks and tables of policy discussion across the region to shape how we work together and continue the discussion of racial equity and reconciliation.
2. Create Neutral Space
Creating spaces of learning and facilitated discussion between police officers, community members and groups.
3. Creating environments that cultivate cross-cultural interaction, understanding, and relationship.
Support and Encourage Creative Spaces
Catalyzing economic mobility through entrepreneurial engagement and opportunity.
Encouraging Innovation and Education through strategic partnerships and creative programming.