Dr. Waymon R. Hinson and I were in graduate school in Memphis, Tennessee thirty-five years ago.
I really enjoyed knowing Waymon then. I continue to appreciate what he is up to today.
Waymon is Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy at Abilene Christian University. I know he does exemplary work in training counselors.
However, what I find most interesting is his work in organizing his students into what he calls "Social Justice Teams." Members of these teams are, as he notes, "committed to making the world a better place, one advocacy effort at a time."
What is even more intriguing is the fact that Waymon has become something of a national expert on the plight of African American farmers across the South who have been forced off and, in many cases, cheated out of their family farms. Waymon's research, as well as the hard advocacy work he and his students have done around this issue, is nothing short of amazing. Here at CDM we've tried to figure out a way to join his efforts legally on behalf of these farmers. At this point the reach of what is needed seems to exceed our grasp by quite a bit.
At any rate, I think you'll enjoy the blog that he and his students at ACU maintain. Check it out at: http://www.letjusticeroll.blogspot.com/.
As I think about this amazing friend, I'm wondering if possibly he has discovered an important secret to securing "happiness" in life, whether individually or as a couple: find meaningful ways to make the world a better more decent place for everyone and then get to work taking concrete action for real change.
I bet Waymon tells his counseling students something like that. His life certainly communicates that message.
I really enjoyed knowing Waymon then. I continue to appreciate what he is up to today.
Waymon is Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy at Abilene Christian University. I know he does exemplary work in training counselors.
However, what I find most interesting is his work in organizing his students into what he calls "Social Justice Teams." Members of these teams are, as he notes, "committed to making the world a better place, one advocacy effort at a time."
What is even more intriguing is the fact that Waymon has become something of a national expert on the plight of African American farmers across the South who have been forced off and, in many cases, cheated out of their family farms. Waymon's research, as well as the hard advocacy work he and his students have done around this issue, is nothing short of amazing. Here at CDM we've tried to figure out a way to join his efforts legally on behalf of these farmers. At this point the reach of what is needed seems to exceed our grasp by quite a bit.
At any rate, I think you'll enjoy the blog that he and his students at ACU maintain. Check it out at: http://www.letjusticeroll.blogspot.com/.
As I think about this amazing friend, I'm wondering if possibly he has discovered an important secret to securing "happiness" in life, whether individually or as a couple: find meaningful ways to make the world a better more decent place for everyone and then get to work taking concrete action for real change.
I bet Waymon tells his counseling students something like that. His life certainly communicates that message.
Waymon and I worked together in Memphis while we were both in grad school. Like you, Larry, I've found few more dedicated servants than Waymon. He has always been one who has taken up the cause of the disadvantaged.
ReplyDeleteWaymon and Charla have remained true friends through the years. I join you in commending them.
I'm blessed to be participate in the third round of Dr. Hinson's social justice teams at ACU. Some of my earliest memories of are of volunteering at CDM with Richardson East church of Christ. It was a great environment to grow up in which intentionally fostered a passion to partner alongside the disadvantaged.
ReplyDeleteThanks to Larry and Waymon for their commitment to advocating for the marginalized.