Great leadership all around.

BEING A NATIVE HOUSTONIAN AND FORMER MEMBER OF the United Methodist Church, I grew up watching the powerful impact Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell made, especially the phenomenal increase and growth of his congregation.

Pastor Caldwell sparked a new revolution in south Houston in the late '80s, whereby the church began to reinvest in its community and increase small business opportunities in formerly dead or abandoned business zones. These improvements showed us that we could stay close to home; support top-quality services and facilities; and shop at our own small pharmacies and hair salons, saving money, gas, and time.

Even more significant in my life today is the new visionary leadership I now experience under Bishop T.D. Jakes. Bishop Jakes is a dynamic pastor and businessman who leads not only from the pulpit but moreover, through seminars, classes, and forums held locally. Moreover, this new era of leadership in the black church helps us to not only rebuild our communities but to also start building and successfully operating new businesses, increase our savings, build generational wealth for our families, and remember to give back to our churches and communities.

Thank you once again for publishing such a refreshing and informative article.

Michelle D. Fulbright

Unique Business Group L.L.C.

Cedar Hill, TX

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