Rev. Violet Johnicker, Executive Director
Violet holds a Master of Divinity degree from McCormick Theological Seminary and a Master of Public Policy degree from Adler University with a Bachelors degree in nonprofit management. She has been involved with faith-based policy advocacy and social justice work ever since her undergraduate internship at the General Board of Church and Society, the United Methodist agency devoted to working for policies that live our faith, seek justice, and pursue peace. Violet joined the staff of Rockford Urban Ministries in July 2021 and is proud to be part of the community’s interfaith work to build love for neighbor into our public policies. She also serves as pastor of Brooke Road United Methodist Church in southeast Rockford. Email her at rockfordurbanministries@gmail.com.
Board of Directors
David Jones, President
David is a retired Presbyterian USA minister. A veteran of the 1960’s civil rights movement he works to maintain voting rights achieved by others over the years.
Marlene Walker, Vice President
Jay Larson, Treasurer
Karen Hill, Secretary
Stephen Bowie
Rev. Stephen Bowie (Steve) is the pastor of Third Presbyterian Church, located at 1221 Custer Ave in Rockford, the home radio station WTPB-LP 99.3 FM which can be found streaming at wtpblp.com. He is married to Rev. Dr. Kristin Frederich. He has a passion for fracturing the color and cultural divides in the city of Rockford, beginning with the northwest quarter of the city.
David Black
David is a retired attorney providing pro bono representation for sealing and expunging criminal records through Prairie State Legal Services.
Keith Kelsey-Powell
Rev. Dr. Hwa-Young Chong
Calvin Culpepper
Dick Wang
