KANSAS CITY, Mo. (FinalCall.com) - The momentum of the Millions More Movement continued with grassroots organizing on Apr. 15, when approximately 40 invited guests, representing some of the city’s top leadership, gathered at the home of Dr. Harry and Mrs. Linda Davidson for the first leadership discussion and luncheon of the Greater Kansas City Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the Millions More Movement (MMM).

Dr. Davidson is a psychologist, noted civil rights activist, educator and author. As guests arrived, Mrs. Davidson graciously welcomed them into a pleasant atmosphere of smooth jazz, relaxation and networking. Guests were treated to an inspirational and educational tour of the couple’s rich and vividly colored home. Delicious food and casual conversations in comfortable rooms created an empowering and healthy approach to engaging in serious dialogue.

Naima Abdul-Halim, chair of the LOC, welcomed the distinguished guests, provided an update of the LOC’s activities and summarized the objectives of the event. She said the meeting aimed to help forge a paradigm for leadership in the city with a focus on the nine ministries and identify what people could do to further the goals.

Minister Ralph Muhammad, of Muhammad’s Mosque No. 28B in East St. Louis, Ill., facilitated the discussions, as several Black professionals, community leaders, clergy, politicians and grassroots leaders addressed leadership’s role and responsibility to the MMM agenda. "We must learn how to form entities and strategic alliances," he stated. "It’s all about solutions."

Emphasis was placed on developing a plan of action, as well as the development and implementation of programs and activities that support the ministries outlined. Min. Ralph stressed the importance of working together and the necessity for unity regardless of religion or political affiliations. "Liberation is the key to our salvation. God put us in the room together, so that we can work on our issues collectively," he said.

Spirited comments were voiced by Roy Hobbs, anchor/reporter for Kansas City Action News TV Station Channel 41, an NBC affiliate. He drew attention to the culture of the city’s Black leadership of fighting for crumbs instead of forging unity. When asked to define leader, he replied: "A person who can build a consensus and who can bring several groups together."

Mayoral candidate Alvin Brooks, mayor pro tem of the 6th district-at-large, stated in response to the question: "Integrity, honesty, and others who view that in a leader is very important." Bishop James Tindall, of the Metropolitan Spiritual Church of Christ, who received the Greater Kansas City LOC Service Award for his many contributions to the MMM, said, "A leader is one who is not afraid to challenge the status quo."

Many who attended left with a positive outlook that the community supported the efforts of the MMM. "I gained a renewed sense of support," shared Ms. Abdul-Halim, "and a charge from the group to continue this fight and demonstrate that through our unity, we can be a self-reliant, independent, productive and dominant force."