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by Corey B. Brooks (Author)
In November 2011, I was preparing to do the funeral of Carlton Archer, a 15-year-old young man who had been shot to death. That was my 10th teenage funeral that year. I had to convince his parents, who were members of my church, to have the funeral here, even though they were afraid that the neighborhood gangs, seeing the young people from different neighborhoods, would show up and start trouble. My thinking: not at this church! Something happened that day that changed my life forever. Down the street, gang members began shooting at the young people entering the church. With over 1000 people in the sanctuary, I was in utter disbelief at what was happening. The war was on my front porch. That ancient enemy called violence was now invading what was perceived as a safe zone, the Church. #RooftopRevelations captures my faith journey to save a community with the highest murder rate in the city of Chicago. Relive my 94-day vigil in a tent on the roof of an abandoned motel to bring awareness to the senseless murders! Witness, first hand, key moments captured in a photo journalistic pictorial that highlights the cost of sacrifice as I cry out to God for answers and He gives me #RooftopRevelations.
Author Biography
As pastor, visionary, mentor, businessman, and philanthropist, Pastor Corey B. Brooks Sr., in November of 2000, with 250 charter members, founded New Beginnings Church of Chicago. It is an urban, non-denominational inner- city church on Chicago's south side, which now supports over 2,500 members. Pastor Brooks is known for leading impactful community efforts to address the educational, economic, social and spiritual ills that burden inner- city communities. He has made national and international news for his unconventional, yet effective, stance against the senseless killings of young people by gun violence. Deemed the "Rooftop Pastor" for living on the roof of an abandoned, dilapidated motel for 94 days and walking across America from New York to Los Angeles in over 4 months, his selfless acts have brought a greater awareness to the issues of violence and raised funds to help build a new community and economic development center, hopefully in the near future. Recognized for his achievements, Pastor Brooks was appointed as Co-Chairman of Governor Bruce Rauner's transition team and was honored with the following prestigious awards: Best Community Leader of the year award by the Steve Harvey Ford Hoodie Awards, Chicago Defender's Newsmaker of the Year, and Chicago Urban League's Top Innovator award. Pastor Brooks ministered for Bishop TD Jakes' Pastors and Leaders conference in addition to sharing his story on the world- renowned TBN. He is highly sought after to teach others how to maximize their purpose by becoming relevant in the 21st century! Pursuing a vision to eradicate violence one block at a time by offering hope, Pastor Brooks meets the people right where they are. He lives by the creed, "It's time for us to Stop ganging up on each other and Start ganging up on the Problem!" A graduate of Ball State University and Grace Theological Seminary, Pastor Brooks is married to Delilah Brooks and they are the proud parents of four children.
