Podcasts about tylertown

Send us a textPull a seat up at the table and join us in a conversation with Pastor Justin Knight about the mid-March outbreak of tornadoes in the Tylertown area.  Justin pastors FBC Tylertown and recalls the moment multiple tornadoes wrecked the community and how the church and Mississippi Baptists stepped up to help minister.  Around the Corner Events: All Events: mbcb.org/eventsMay 8: Senior Adult Refresh - EllisvilleMay 13: Senior Adult Choir Festival - FlorenceMay 15: Senior Adult Refresh - GrenadaJune 9: Mississippi Baptist Fellowship at SBC - DallasJune 10-11: Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting - DallasJune 24-28: HearSong Worship Arts CampJuly 8-11: SMACK CampJuly 8-12: Super SummerJuly 24-26: State Literacy Missions & Christian Job Corps ConferenceContacts: Jon Martin, Chief Strategy Officer - jmartin@mbcb.orgTanner Cade, Communication Services Director - tcade@mbcb.org

Governor Tate Reeves signs a bill eliminating the state's income tax.Then, disaster response teams are on the ground in Tylertown and surrounding communities to help with recovery efforts from this month's tornadoes.Plus, Mississippi has the worst scores for long term care services for the elderly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Among the 7 Mississippians who died as a result of the March 14th and 15th tornadoes was a child. Their parents, and the community of Tylertown, are mourning the loss.Then, Lawmakers have until Saturday night to negotiate a new tax bill to fix an error-riddled Senate bill passed last week. Plus, insurance officials are sharing tips on when to file a claim in the wake of a storm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Download our app: Apple Here  Android Here We talk with John Jones about the upcoming disaster relief efforts for the people effected by the recent tornadoes that hit Tylertown, MS. Check out the Trident Foundation's Facebook page for more info.  Also big thanks to Southern Magnolia Smiles, Forever Young Men's and Women Health, and Taylor and Cox Law Firm,  for the support!  Want to be a part of the pelican gang? Check out our merch here. 

Hear from survivors of the tornado that tore through Tylertown on March 15th. Our Michael McEwen takes us there as they continue recovery efforts.Then, Governor Tate Reeves has signed a bill into law that strictly regulates panhandling. But legal experts say it could violate the First Amendment.Plus, Mississippi's 2nd District Congressman Bennie Thompson reacts to some of the major changes happening in Washington. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A deadly weather system moved across Mississippi this weekend leaving behind destruction and loss of life. Now the long recovery process has begun. Then, Residents in the community of Tylertown where 3 people were killed from the powerful storm share their stories of loss. Plus, A Mississippi food bank is in need of food and supplies to continue helping needy families. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On November 14th, in the context of legal history, the story of Ruby Bridges stands out as a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, particularly in the desegregation of American schools. Born on September 8, 1954, in Tylertown, Mississippi, Ruby Bridges became a symbol of the civil rights movement on November 14, 1960, when she became the first African American child to integrate an all-white elementary school in the South, specifically William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana.At the tender age of six, Bridges' entry into the school was not just a simple walk through its doors. Escorted by federal marshals amidst a hostile crowd, her brave step was a significant action following the landmark 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional.Bridges' integration of the school was the result of hard-won legal battles led by the NAACP, which sought to enforce the Supreme Court's decision. Her courage became a national symbol of the struggle to end segregation, challenging the status quo and societal norms of the time.Despite facing daily harassment and isolation (she was the only student in her class as others were pulled out by their parents), Ruby's perseverance was remarkable. Her teacher, Barbara Henry, from Boston, was the only one willing to teach her, and together they spent a year in a classroom, just the two of them.Her story highlights not only the legal struggles associated with civil rights but also the human element within these battles. The image of young Ruby, depicted in Norman Rockwell's painting "The Problem We All Live With," has become an iconic symbol of the civil rights movement.Ruby's journey was not just a legal milestone but also a deeply personal story of courage and resilience. It underscored the power of law to bring about social change and challenged Americans to confront their prejudices and work towards a more equitable society.In later years, Ruby Bridges has continued to be an active voice in the civil rights movement. She established the Ruby Bridges Foundation in 1999, promoting the values of tolerance, respect, and appreciation of all differences.On November 14th, we remember not just a legal victory in the annals of American history, but also the extraordinary courage of a little girl who stood up against racial segregation and in doing so, helped to change the course of history. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality and the importance of education in shaping a more just society.The U.S. Supreme Court has adopted its first-ever code of conduct in response to recent ethics controversies involving its justices. The code primarily consolidates existing principles and doesn't significantly change how the justices operate. It lacks a public complaint system or external review for alleged violations, aiming instead to clear up misconceptions about the justices being exempt from ethical rules. The move follows reports of Justice Clarence Thomas receiving extravagant gifts from a Republican megadonor, raising questions about the court's impartiality.Critics, like Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, have welcomed the step but point out the need for enforceable mechanisms to ensure compliance. The new code incorporates some rules from the Judicial Conference, like broader disclosure requirements for private plane flights and commercial property lodging, but stops short of a complaint system like that for lower federal judges.Chief Justice John Roberts has directed a review of best practices, but no concrete enforcement process or timeline has been established. All nine justices, including Thomas, who has faced intense scrutiny for his financial dealings and conduct related to the 2020 election, have signed the new code. The court's decision reflects ongoing discussions among the justices, with some expressing support for the initiative in recent months.Supreme Court Adopts Code of Conduct Amid Ethics Revelations (2)Under fire, US Supreme Court unveils ethics code for justices | ReutersU.S. Special Counsel Jack Smith accused former President Donald Trump of trying to create a "carnival atmosphere" at his trial over charges related to the 2020 election defeat. Smith argues that televising the trial, as Trump supports, would lead to distractions from the charges and a public relations campaign. This accusation follows Trump's behavior during a recent civil fraud case in New York, where he often evaded direct answers and made political statements. Trump's lawyers claim that not broadcasting the trial is part of a politically motivated effort by the Biden administration. Prosecutors oppose televising the trial, citing a longstanding rule against broadcasting criminal cases in federal court. Trump, facing four criminal prosecutions, has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including conspiring to illegally subvert the 2020 election results.Special counsel says Trump seeking 'carnival atmosphere' at 2020 election trial | ReutersThe Texas law firm Jackson Walker claims it was misled by former partner Elizabeth Freeman about her relationship with U.S. Bankruptcy Judge David Jones, who handled cases for the firm. Freeman had initially assured the firm that her relationship with Jones had ended, but it was later revealed they had been living together. This conflict of interest led to Jones' resignation in October after it became public. The U.S. Trustee is now seeking the return of millions of dollars Jackson Walker earned in cases presided over by Jones. The firm, however, did not disclose the relationship even after learning of it in March 2021, violating bankruptcy rules that require extensive disclosures of connections. Jackson Walker's lack of standard checks for relationships between its staff and judges has raised questions about the integrity of the bankruptcy system, with the U.S. Trustee arguing that the undisclosed relationship compromised the fairness of all cases involving the firm and Judge Jones. The situation further escalated when Freeman, after leaving Jackson Walker to start her own practice, was appointed by Jones to a lucrative position in a mediation case, without disclosing their relationship.Law firm tied to bankruptcy judge resignation says former partner lied | ReutersA lawsuit filed in Manhattan accuses the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) and over two dozen brokerages, including the Corcoran Group and Douglas Elliman, of conspiring to artificially inflate real estate agents' commissions in Manhattan residential sales. This follows a recent Missouri federal jury verdict awarding $1.78 billion in a similar case against the National Association of Realtors, which could potentially be tripled. The lawsuit claims that commissions in Manhattan remain at a stable 5% to 6%, despite soaring home prices, contrasting with more competitive markets like Brooklyn where commissions are lower and negotiated separately. The plaintiff, Monty March, argues that REBNY's listing service unfairly requires sellers to pay high commissions to buyers' brokers, citing his own experience of selling an Upper East Side apartment with inflated commissions. REBNY plans to change its rules from January 1, requiring sellers to directly pay commissions to buyers' brokers, aiming for more transparency. However, March questions if this will actually lead to lower commissions or create delays in sales negotiations. The lawsuit seeks damages for sellers who paid buyer brokers' commissions under REBNY rules in the last four years.Manhattan real estate brokerages are sued for inflating commissions | ReutersAmazon is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging that it engaged in an "illegal internet gambling enterprise" by distributing casino-style apps and processing payments for virtual chips. The suit, filed by a Nevada resident who claims addiction to these online slot games, accuses Amazon of partnering with virtual casinos to offer over 30 illegal casino apps. This follows a 2018 U.S. appeals court ruling that deemed "social casino" apps illegal under Washington state law. The lawsuit alleges that Amazon, by offering these apps, effectively brought slot machines into consumers' homes continuously. Amazon has not yet responded to the lawsuit.Edelson, the law firm representing the plaintiff, is experienced in such litigation, having secured substantial settlements in related cases. The firm's Todd Logan, leading the gambling practice, expressed eagerness to bring the case before a jury. The games in question are free to play, offering virtual chips instead of cash payouts, but require users to purchase more chips to continue playing. The lawsuit contends that Amazon is aware of the illegality of these social casinos yet maintains a 30% financial interest in them. The plaintiff's lawyers estimate the class size to be tens of thousands, seeking damages and restitution. This case adds to ongoing legal challenges against tech giants like Apple, Meta, and Google over their roles in processing payments for social casino apps.Amazon sued over 'dangerous partnership' with virtual casino apps | Reuters Get full access to Minimum Competence - Daily Legal News Podcast at www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Kooda MaaMaa Grew up in Tylertown, Mississippi. Soon migrating to Jackson, Mississippi she was able to venture off into new lifestyles that she had not previously experienced in a small country town. As she grew older and her sexual identity changed, her family did not agree with it but she didn't let this change her motive to pursue her goals in life. Very passionate about her friends, family, and community, Kooda used her social impact to give back to communities by joining nonprofits and helping others with knowledge in digital marketing. As a social media influencer, she encourages people to always be authentic and chase their dreams! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ieshaspeaksreal/message

On this day special to my family, reminisce on childhood memories in the Mississippi back country.    *** Purchase Sonbol e-book or paperback. Subscribe via Apple Podcasts. Subscribe via Google Play. Support via Patreon Subscribe via Stitcher. Subscribe via RSS Feed. Check out the official Prose website. Follow on Instagram.

In this MSMO Classic episode from January 2016, we look back at the inspiring life and career of Coach David Dunaway. Coach Dunaway grew up in Tylertown during the Great Depression. In this episode, he recalls how the town became his substitute family after his parents split up. Dunaway worked all through school to support himself and still found time to participate in sports. He credits the guidance he received from his coach and teachers for his decision to pursue a career in coaching/teaching at the junior high level. Dunaway graduated high school in 1944 at the age of 17. He remembers playing for Mississippi State in the first college football game he ever saw, alongside State football legend, Shorty McWilliams.

We get a lot of questions about “how often do I need to change my oil?” or “when do I need to change the brake fluid?” We've got a handy dandy answer for you today. Coach also takes your repair questions.Recalls: https://www.cars.com/recalls/https://www.cars.com/articles/feds-warn-consumers-to-check-for-recalls-after-faulty-takata-inflator-claims-another-life-459815/ Nissan Rogue SUVs from Smyrna Tenn. Are Recalled for Corroded Harness ConnectorKia Recalls 2023 Sportage SUVs for Improperly Deploying AirbagsThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirmed in November another death linked to the ongoing Takata airbag recall crisis and issued an urgent notice to all drivers to check for airbag-related recalls.You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls and inputting your VIN number. Or find their SaferCar app.News: Southern Lights - 7505 Stonegate Blvd, Southaven, MS 38671, USA https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=499597335542418&set=pb.100064764666712.-2207520000. Richardson Light Show - 219 Sundial Rd, Madison, MS 39110, USA https://www.facebook.com/RichardsonLightShow Magic of Lights. Brandon's Amphitheater 8190 Rock Way (Off, Boyce Thompson Dr, Brandon, MS 39042 https://magicoflights.com/events/brandon/ Christmas in the Park 65 Old Hwy 98 E, Tylertown, MS 39667, USA https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasInTheParkTylertown Lazy Acres in Lights 596 Lazy Acres Rd, Chunky, MS 39323, USA https://www.facebook.com/LazyAcresFarmFun/ Auto Casey: Nissan PathfinderShort video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rx7VRjQKE1I&t=0sLong version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHtdvcvrJUk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I want to share the story of a woman who stood in the shadows of history, but whose vision, whose courage, whose convictions have paved the way for generations. We always talk about Ruby Bridges. We never talk about her mother. Lucille Commadore Bridges, who passed away this week at the age of 86, grew up in Tylertown, Mississippi. She was the daughter of sharecroppers and dreamed of a world where she could learn and grow and become everything she was meant to be. But that world was not her world, and though her parents dreamed of a better life for her, reality limited her opportunity. After the eighth grade, she was forced to leave school so that she could help her parents in the field. She grew up, hemmed in by Jim Crow and blatant racism. She became a housekeeper, married a mechanic, and saved away her dreams for her children.

Guest: Francis Battista is co-founder and chairman of the board of Best Friends Animal Society. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Francis managed the Best Friends rescue shelters in Tylertown, Mississippi, and Metairie, Louisiana. Francis was also involved in the negotiations with federal agencies and courts that brought 22 of Michael Vick’s dogs to Best Friends. In 2012, Francis was instrumental in launching No-Kill Los Angeles. He is also a writer and internal consultant for Best Friends. Main question: What do you think shelters and rescue leaders should be thinking about in this current public health crisis? Takeaways: * Push toward community solutions. As a result of the pandemic many organizations saw a surge of willing foster caregivers and adopters. We should continue the momentum and engage the community still further in our work including in efforts to prevent animals from entering the shelter in the first place. * Seek ways to better utilize the talents of volunteers. Ask what their skill sets are and what they think they could do to best help the organization. * Actively work to support animal lovers within communities of color in developing networks to help animals. A good way to start, if you have not done so in the past, may be hosting adoption events to connect with people in communities where your organization has not historically had much engagement. Links: * Best Friends Animal Society  * Best Friends Network  * Recommendation: Kelly McGonigal's TED talk "How to Make Stress Your Friend" Recorded August 6, 2020.

In the first ever two part episode K Pad interviews TylerTown, Miss native Myreon Sartin on his journey as a track athlete and coach.

In the first ever two part episode K Pad interviews TylerTown, Miss native Myreon Sartin on his journey as a track athlete and coach.

On the final day of Christian's 20's, The boys talk Coffee, Bubble boys, Mormonism... Reminisce about bad Whiskey Devolve into devious bit called Theater Critic Baby... Ponder Black time travel and end up in TylerTown

In 1961, Ruby Magee was a student at Jackson State College, majoring in History and Political Science. In this episode, she explains how her participation in local Civil Rights demonstrations, almost led to her expulsion. That summer, Magee returned to her home in Tylertown and attempted to register to vote. At that time, Mississippians were required to pass a literacy test before being allowed to register. Magee remembers how her application was rejected even though she passed the literacy test. After being denied the right to vote in Walthall County, Magee filed a complaint with the Justice Department.  She describes her parents as supportive, even as they feared for her safety. In 1961, the U.S. Justice Department filed suite against the Walthall County registrar, and others, for denying blacks citizens the right vote. Magee recalls the outcome of that trial. This episode was written by Ellie Forsyth, a senior at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Hattiesburg. Mississippi Moments is produced by Ross Walton, with narration by Bill Ellison.

Join Mississippi's Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson for Mississippi on the MOOVE!, all about the Magnolia State’s proud dairy industry. Dairy farming is not just a job, it’s a way of life—something that these folks are passionate about, and farms often go back generations. In this Genuine MS podcast, Andy has lively conversations with Julie Ard of Ard’s Dairy in Ruth, Doug Popwell of Popwell Dairy Farm in Tylertown, and Larry Martin of L&M Dairy Farm also in Tylertown, which is situated in Walthall County, once touted as the "Cream Pitcher of Mississippi.” And, today’s dairy farmers are not only producing rich, creamy milk, but also yogurt, butter, a variety of cheeses and more. Listen in, and discover what’s happening in this industry on the MOOVE!

Silver Quintette - "Sinner's Crossroads" - NO LP C.B.S. Trumpeteers - "I Want To Know" - NO LP Mighty Golden Bells - "I Want To Be Ready" - NO LP Gospel Songbirds - "The Bible is Right" - NO Lp Bro. Zollicoffer and the Christianaires of Baltmore, MD - "I Recommend Jesus" - NO Lp Mighty Tenerears of Reidsville, N.C. - "Won't Have To Cry No More" - NO LP Keys of Heaven - "I've Got Jesus" - NO LP Mighty Skylighters of Baltimore, MD. - "Not A Friend Like Jesus" - No LP Traveling Echoes - "God Is So Good" - NO LP Sensational Morning Stars of Tylertown, NC - "Jesus You Been Good To Me" - NO LP Hi Way QC's - "Conditions of the World" - NO LP Amazing Zion Harmonizers - "Under the Blue Sky" - No LP Daughters of Zion - "I've Got Everything I Need" - NO LP Silver Harps of Detroit, MI. - "I Found The Lord" - NO LP Fantastic Dixon Singers - "One Thing The World Can't Take Away" - NO LP Kelly Brothers - "He's All Right" - NO LP https://www.wfmu.org/playlists/shows/87718

Silver Quintette - "Sinner's Crossroads" - NO LP C.B.S. Trumpeteers - "I Want To Know" - NO LP Mighty Golden Bells - "I Want To Be Ready" - NO LP Gospel Songbirds - "The Bible is Right" - NO Lp Bro. Zollicoffer and the Christianaires of Baltmore, MD - "I Recommend Jesus" - NO Lp Mighty Tenerears of Reidsville, N.C. - "Won't Have To Cry No More" - NO LP Keys of Heaven - "I've Got Jesus" - NO LP Mighty Skylighters of Baltimore, MD. - "Not A Friend Like Jesus" - No LP Traveling Echoes - "God Is So Good" - NO LP Sensational Morning Stars of Tylertown, NC - "Jesus You Been Good To Me" - NO LP Hi Way QC's - "Conditions of the World" - NO LP Amazing Zion Harmonizers - "Under the Blue Sky" - No LP Daughters of Zion - "I've Got Everything I Need" - NO LP Silver Harps of Detroit, MI. - "I Found The Lord" - NO LP Fantastic Dixon Singers - "One Thing The World Can't Take Away" - NO LP Kelly Brothers - "He's All Right" - NO LP http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/shows/87718

Youtube host Chuck Morse is joined by Merle Temple, author of "Deputy: Once Upon A Time in Mississippi." Merle Temple Bio: Merle Temple is a native of Tupelo where he lives with his wife, Judy. He received two degrees at Ole Miss, and is the author of the Michael Parker series: Deputy: Once Upon A Time in Mississippi, A Ghostly Shade of Pale, A Rented World, and The Redeemed: A Leap of Faith. The novels are written as fiction but drawn from his experiences as a deputy sheriff, an agent in the first "drug wars," the first captain in the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, a manager in the corporate world, a campaign chairman in the political wars, and an evangelist in prison. Merle was held hostage by drug dealers near Tylertown, and contract assassins hired by the Dixie Mafia tried to kill him near Memphis. Merle and his team were ambushed by a sniper in a terrible gun battle near Columbus, a day of dramatic intervention by God. After investigating a corrupt governor, he moved from law enforcement to the corporate world, and learned that the gangsters, who had tried to kill him, were just choir boys compared to the political criminals who use the full power of the state to crush their enemies in an unholy trinity of politics, crime, and business. Treachery and betrayal ran all the way to the front door of the White House, and the "last of the Boy Scouts" was indicted and sent to federal prison, but it was in that nightmare that God used His "megaphone of pain" to shout at Merle: "Can you hear Me now?" Against all odds, Merle formed what became the most successful inmate led ministry in the history of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and his Christian Movie Nights in three facilities exposed thousands of men to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Merle returned to that first awful prison in December to speak to the inmates. The prison now uses Merle's books in a drug prevention program, and the movie nights that he began so long ago continue today, except now they are in English and Spanish.

ESPECIAL JEWELL "BABE" STOVALL Jewell "Babe" Stovall fue un cantante nacido en Mississippi, cuyo estilo bebía del profundo sonido del Delta, del fingerpicking de Tommy Johnson y la técnica de Mississippi John Hurt. Babe Stovall Nació un 4 de octubre de 1907 en Tylertown, MS, Babe fue el menor de 11 niños, la mayoría de ellos músicos.

ESPECIAL JEWELL "BABE" STOVALL Jewell "Babe" Stovall fue un cantante nacido en Mississippi, cuyo estilo bebía del profundo sonido del Delta, del fingerpicking de Tommy Johnson y la técnica de Mississippi John Hurt. Babe Stovall Nació un 4 de octubre de 1907 en Tylertown, MS, Babe fue el menor de 11 niños, la mayoría de ellos músicos.

Justin Knight, of Tylertown Baptist Church, Tylertown, shares a message at MBCB Chapel.

Coach David Dunaway grew up in Tylertown during the Great Depression. In this episode, he recalls how the town became his substitute family after his parents split up. Dunaway worked all through school to support himself and still found time to participate in sports. He credits the guidance he received from his coach and teachers for his decision to pursue a career in coaching/teaching at the junior high level. Dunaway graduated high school in 1944 at the age of 17. He remembers playing for Mississippi State in the first college football game he ever saw, alongside State football legend, Shorty McWilliams. PHOTO: Old postcard of the Tylertown High School  

June 19, 2014 - Read the full Forbes article and watch the interview here: http://onforb.es/1nkd3WG. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes by clicking here: http://bit.ly/ymotwitunes or on Stitcher by clicking here: http://bit.ly/ymotwstitcher. Francis Battista grew up in metropolitan New York and now lives in a rural part of Utah that most Utahns couldn’t find on a map and have never visited. This self-described misfit helped found the Best Friends Animal Society, operating the largest no-kill animal sanctuary for companion animals in the United States and has become a key thought leader in the no-kill movement. When Best Friends Animal Society was launched, 17 million animals were euthanized in the United States every year. Battista is leading a crusade to “save them all.” Battista will also be sharing his insights at the Social Enterprise and Crowdfunding Conference, which I am organizing, on September 26, 2014. More about the Best Friends Animal Society: Every day, more than 9,000 dogs and cats are killed in America’s shelters simply because they don’t have a safe place to call home. Best Friends Animal Society is the only national animal welfare organization focused exclusively on ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters. An authority and leader in the no-kill movement since its founding in 1984, Best Friends runs the nation’s largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals, as well as life-saving programs in partnership with rescue groups and shelters across the country. Since its founding, Best Friends has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters from 17 million per year to about 4 million. Best Friends has the knowledge, technical expertise and on-the-ground network to end the killing and Save Them All. Francis Battista Francis Battista Battista’s bio: Francis Battista: Francis Battista is co-founder of Best Friends Animal Society, and today, considered to be one of the foremost thought leaders in animal welfare. Born in 1945 and raised in the New York City metropolitan area, Francis has always been in the company of pets. He studied engineering and physics at NYU and SUNY Albany and started his career working in the family real estate business. In the late 1960’s the calling to discover a more purposeful life led Francis on a journey with a group of friends, some of whom would become the other co-founders of Best Friends Animal Society. Understanding that kindness towards all – animals and humans –is fundamental to a spiritual life, Francis and his friends devoted their energies to healing our collective relationship with animals, beginning with the challenge to end killing companion animals as a method of population control. Francis used his experience in real estate to help locate and acquire the perfect piece of property in Southern Utah that would become the organization’s headquarters. At the time, they had no idea that perfect piece of property would become the nation’s largest sanctuary for abandoned and abused animals and the flagship of the No-Kill movement. Over the years, Francis has worn many hats at Best Friends including co-director of animal care at the Sanctuary. Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Francis managed the Best Friends rescue shelters in Tylertown, Mississippi and Metairie, LA. Francis was also involved in the negotiations with federal agencies and courts that brought 22 of Michael Vick’s dogs to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. In 2012, Francis was instrumental in launching No-Kill Los Angeles (NKLA), a Best Friends initiative that has reduced shelter deaths from 23,000 to 14,000 in its first two years and is on track to achieve No-Kill status for the city of Los Angeles by 2017. Today Francis takes his crusade to the blogosphere and live speaking appearances. He is a prolific blogger for Best Friends and on the Huffington Post, as well as in animal welfare publications. He gave a TED Talk at TEDx Reno in 2014 and was a presenter at the 2014 Innovation Excellence Cities Tour in New York City and Boston. Francis will also be speaking at the Social Entrepreneurship and Crowdfunding Conference on September 26. “Most immediately, our work is helping the animals and ending shelter killing. But on another level, this is about saving people. It’s about saving our relationship to the animals and the planet.” Francis Battista “Our relationship to the animals begins with an understanding that they are sentient beings. They have their own lives, their own narrative, and their own personal story and being. We should be open and willing to communicate with them, listen to them and respect them.” Francis Battista Co-founder, Best Friends Animal Society, Kanab, Utah francis@bestfriends.org | bestfriends.org