The Beginning of Signposts
OUR STORY
Signposts Beginnings
Vincent Harding, a guiding light in the civil rights movement and speech writer behind Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., believed we could be “live human signposts” of love and justice. He saw it as our duty, especially for those of faith, to lead the way towards a world filled with love – God’s Beloved Community.
Inspired deeply by these words, Autura Eason-Williams sought change within her spiritual home, the United Methodist Church. Teaming up with her close ally, Larry Chitwood, they launched “Signposts”. Their vision was clear: to nurture a generation of church leaders and communities passionate about ending racism and building a world where love, equality, and justice reign supreme.
CFI Partnership & Growth
Signposts was envisioned as a movement for the united Body of Christ, aiming to reach pastoral leaders from various denominations.
Autura and Larry, both alumni of Memphis Theological Seminary, found it to be the perfect home for Signposts. They teamed up with Martha Lyle Ford, the Director of The Center For Faith and Imagination (C.F.I.), creating a meaningful partnership centered on the mission of anti-racism and fostering the Beloved Community. As the curriculum took shape, Autura’s passion and commitment became evident. She wasn’t interested in a superficial understanding of the “Beloved Community.” Right from the outset, she made sure Signposts directly addressed deep-rooted systemic and institutional racism. For her, a true Beloved Community must confront not only societal inequalities and injustices but also the biases and prejudices that reside in individual hearts.
Autura’s Great Legacy
In July 2022, we tragically lost our leader, friend, and sister, Autura Eason-Williams, to a carjacking in her own driveway.
The depth of our collective grief is immense. Yet, even in our sorrow, we find solace knowing that, both in life and death, Autura remains “in the grip of God’s Grace.”
Being in Autura’s presence meant experiencing her genuine love, infectious laughter, and unwavering passion for justice, particularly for those Howard Thurman called the “dispossessed.”
As we continue with Signposts, we honor and dedicate our efforts to Rev. Dr. Autura Eason-Williams. Her absence is deeply felt, but her legacy lives on. She will remain with us in spirit as we heed this call.