Who We Are

Goal

THE GOAL OF THE CAPITAL AREA JUSTICE MINISTRY is to make social justice change in the Tallahassee area by training congregational leaders to build a powerful community voice that will set the agenda in the local public sphere. Leaders will build this powerful voice by engaging their congregations in meaningful action to benefit our neighbors.

Executive Committee

Rev. A.J. Mealor

Rev. A.J. Mealor is the Pastor of Fellowship Presbyterian Church where he has served for six years. When he is not pursuing justice, he loves to cook, travel, and watch movies with his wife and two boys.

Apostle Otis Young

Otis B. Young is a man after God’s own heart and walks in the office of the apostle with great humility. He loves God with an unconditional love for people and passion for ministry. Apostle Young has a strong support system with his life partner and co laborer in the ministry, Elect Lady Michelle Benjamin Young who is right by his side. He is the proud father of 3; Otis Young II, Joshua O. Young, and Nya I. Young who also aide in ministry.

He taught in Leon County Schools for two years and was named Teacher of the Year at Hartsfield Elementary School. The Lord called him to full time ministry where he served as executive director of Innovation School of Excellence for 13 years with the building of program. After serving in a plethora of positions as an elder for nearly 15 years at Innovation Baptist Church under the leadership of Elder Jack P. Leland, he obeyed the voice of God with the birthing of Kingdom Life Tabernacle (KLT). On April 24, 2011 which was Resurrection Sunday KLT had its first service with the glory of God permeating the atmosphere and continues to be a beacon of light in the North Florida region. 12 years later April 24, 2023, the Lord open the doors for KLT to purchase their first campus which serves as the main campus for Kingdom Life Village. The village includes Kingdom Life University (KLU) which provides training for ministers and others that desire to be sharpen in the gospel for kingdom advancement, Kingdom Life Preparatory Academy (KLPA) which serves 6 weeks to 12^th grade that serves over 350 students, Kingdom Community Partnership Foundation (KCPF) which is an additional community outreach umbrella for the village, Kingdom Life Fellowship (KLF) which provides apostolic covering for those in ministry; these ministries were founded by Apostle Young under the unction of God. He is also co-owner along with his wife of O&M (Otis and Michelle) Enterprises.

He is also executive director for Kingdom Connection which is a weekly radio and television broadcast in the region. He is an educational consultant, real estate advisor and investor, motivational speaker, conference facilitator, and a state trainer for the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Apostle Young graduated from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) with a B.S. in Elementary Education and a M.Ed. in educational leadership. He received an honorary doctorate in Christian education from Covenant International Restoration College, honorary doctorate in ministry from Thomas University.

He serves as an apostolic father and mentor in the Body of Christ. He is affectionately known as “Pops” and “Dad” to his many spiritual sons (daughters) across the nation who are fellow workers with him for Kingdom advancement. His favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6. His signature slogan concerning life is I’m excited about my future…right now!

Rev. Hugh W. Chapman

Rev. Hugh W. Chapman hails from Guyana, the only English speaking country in South America. He has been ordained for forty-five years and served in Guyana, the Turks & Caicos, the Bahamas, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Jacksonville, before accepting the offer to serve at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church.

Carla McBride

Carla McBride is a dynamic and results-driven leader with over a decade of experience in public and federal procurement, budget management, and fiduciary oversight. She is a proud graduate of Florida A&M University, holding a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a Master of Applied Social Science in Political Science.

Carla is a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP), a Florida Certified Contract Negotiator, and holds a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, demonstrating her commitment to operational efficiency and continuous improvement. She has also completed executive training in Leadership and Negotiation from Harvard Law School, equipping her with advanced skills in strategic decision-making and high-level negotiations.

In addition to her professional credentials, Carla serves as President of The Chapel’s Outreach Foundation, Inc., a local nonprofit dedicated to serving the needs of the surrounding community through initiatives that support youth development, senior services, and social services. Her leadership is marked by integrity, excellence, and a passion for community empowerment.

Dr. Toni Kirkwood-Tucker

Dr. Kirkwood-Tucker was born in Unterammergau in the State of Bavaria, Germany. She obtained a B.A. from Florida Atlantic University and a M.A. and Ed.D. from Florida International University. She served as Associate Professor at Florida Atlantic University from 1996 to 2004 and Visiting Professor and Program Coordinator in the School of Teacher Education at Florida State University from 2006 to 2012.

Rev. Jimmie F. Dickey

Reverend Jimmie F. Dickey originally from Tallahassee, Florida, commenced her ministry in 1991, drawing inspiration from Jeremiah 1:5. With a 35-year tenure in state government and ongoing engagement in professional and theological education, she has established herself as a dedicated and effective leader.

Ordained as a Deacon in 1996 and later as an Itinerant Elder in 1998 within the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Reverend Dickey served as pastor of Union Branch AME Church for 11 years, making significant contributions to both its spiritual vitality and infrastructure. Her pastoral appointments include New Bethel AME Church (2009) and Greater Tanner Chapel AME Church (2023).

Reverend Dickey’s leadership experience also encompasses her role as Florida Conference Women in Ministry Coordinator (2013–2021). She has participated on numerous committees, contributing to stewardship, finance, ministerial efficiency, social action, voter registration, and enterprise initiatives within the church. Reverend Dickey is married to John Dickey and is the mother of two daughters, LaTresha and Felisha.

Rev. S. Gerrard Lindsey

Rev. S. Gerrard Lindsey is a Florida native and graduate of Barry University, Miami, FL, and the Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, GA.

Staff

Bryan Stringer

Bryan Stringer is the author of Shame on Me as well as the Executive Director of the Capital Area Justice Ministry (CAJM), a multi-faith, multi-racial coalition dedicated to advancing systemic justice through grassroots organizing in Tallahassee and the surrounding region. A long-time resident of Tallahassee, Bryan brings over three decades of lived experience and community engagement to his role, along with a unique ability to build trust, galvanize diverse leaders, and drive meaningful civic change.

His leadership at CAJM is rooted in personal transformation and professional insight. Having overcome significant early-life adversity, Bryan has devoted his career to addressing the structural inequities that continue to impact marginalized communities. He holds a master’s degree in psychology and has served as a mentor, organizer, and advocate for underserved youth and families across Leon County.

In addition to his work in community organizing, Bryan is the published author of Shame on Me, a powerful memoir that chronicles his journey from hardship to healing. His story offers a compelling testimony to the redemptive power of second chances and continues to inspire individuals navigating their path toward restoration and purpose.

Since joining CAJM, Bryan has led strategic efforts to expand the organization’s reach, including building strong partnerships with Black faith leaders, launching successful engagement initiatives, and aligning local congregations around a shared vision for justice. His approach to leadership emphasizes transparency, relationship-building, and the belief that sustainable change requires organized people with a clear, moral voice.

Bryan’s work is defined by a deep commitment to equity, a passion for empowering others, and an unwavering belief that no community is beyond transformation. He is widely respected for his ability to lead with both conviction and compassion, and continues to be a trusted voice in the pursuit of justice across Tallahassee and beyond.

Member Congregations

These member congregations across the Tallahassee area have pledged to financially invest in CAJM and to organize leadership teams who will drive the work of the ministry: