Dr. Bill Winston and Bill Winston Ministries promote economic empowerment in Black & Brown communities
Aiming to unlock the greatness in people, the Rev. Dr. Bill Winston launched Operation Ten City (OTC) by partnering with faith leaders and the economic development corporations to promote wealth creation and economic empowerment in Black and Brown communities.
Last year, he took his campaign to St. Louis, Detroit and Cleveland and realized considerable success. On Friday, February 24, he brings his effort to Los Angeles with the goal of changing lives and inspiring people to experience the victorious life that God intends for His children to live.
“Our goal with Operation Ten City is to bring economic restoration and prosperity to 10 cities of our nation, including Los Angeles. We’re determined to unlock the greatness of the people who have been just barely existing in our cities,” said Dr. Winston in a Sentinel interview.
“One of the main reasons for poverty is the absence of self-production. So, OTC is coming to empower and turn people who primarily have been consumers into producers. Our goal is to close the wealth gap in Black and Brown communities through entrepreneurship and ownership,” he said.
OTC partners include Crenshaw Christian Center, Crossroads United Methodist Church, Freedom Church (Hispanic outreach), Vermont Slauson Economic Development Center, REPAC (Reentry Provider Association of California), Californians for Safety and Justice, and L.A. Law Office of the Public Defender.
The mega-event contains several components to help participants “pursue the fullness of God’s calling for their lives, businesses, and organizations,” explained Winston, who has led his congregation in operating major businesses around the world.
As the founder and senior pastor of Living Word Christian Center in Forest Park, Illinois, Winston’s ministry owns and operates two shopping malls – Forest Park Plaza in Forest Park and Washington Plaza in Tuskegee, Alabama.
Other initiatives created under his leadership include Joseph Business School, which operates on six continents; president of Bill Winston Ministries, a partnership-based global outreach ministry; the Living Word School of Ministry and Missions; and Faith Ministries Alliance (FMA), an organization of more than eight hundred churches.
As for OTC in Los Angeles, the event kicks-off with an expungement press conference and filing event at Los Angeles superior Court. This activity supports Senate Bill 731, which allows old convictions on a person’s criminal record to be permanently sealed.
“Through SB731, more than one million Californians now have the opportunity to pursue gainful employment, stable housing, educational opportunities, safety, family stability, and economic security,” noted Winston.
Two sessions on Friday – “Youthpreneur: Developing Next Generation Entrepreneurs” and “Greatness Unlocked: A Next-Gen Experience” – are geared toward youth and young adults. Attendees will learn about social media influence and marketing as well as enjoy prayer, praise and worship concert and message. Kel Mitchell, a youth pastor and hip hop will speak and Miles Minnick will perform. The program will offer several giveaways for participants such as college scholarships, MacBooks and gift cards.
The agenda on Feb. 25 begins with the Heaven’s Pantry Food Distribution at Centennial High School, 2606 N. Central Avenue in Compton and Dorsey High School, 3537 Farmdale in South L.A. Free food boxes, new clothing and gas and transportation gift cards will be distributed to the first 1,000 persons on a first-come, first-served basis.
The program moves to the L.A. Convention where local entrepreneurs will participate in a business pitch competition awarding $17,500 in cash prizes to the three highest-rated contestants. Also, a Business Opportunity Expo & Career Fair will take place to allow emerging and established entrepreneurs to share their products and services with the community.
More wealth-building, business and leadership workshops will be held on Saturday afternoon along with giveaway opportunities. OTC will conclude with a concert featuring Donald Lawrence and Company and Night of Miracles Healing Service with Dr. Winston.
All events are free, but advance registration is required. To register, visit operationtencity.com.
