Inspiring Conversations with Walter L. Simmons Jr. of Strong Tower Bible Church Franklin Campus

Today we’d like to introduce you to Walter L. Simmons Jr.

Hi Walter L. , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story begins in Pensacola, Florida, under Missionary Baptist Pastors on my Maternal and Paternal sides of my Family. At 17 I moved to Hinesville, Ft. Stewart, Georgia, where I Graduated High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army. From the Military I became a Restaurant Leader with YUM Brands and Arby’s. I eventually moved to Middle Tennessee in 2004 to lead Restaurant Leadership Teams in Middle Tennessee. I begin serving a local church in Nashville, Beech Creek Missionary Baptist Church, and I begin attending American Baptist College. ABC opened many doors for my future, and in 2012, I moved to the Franklin area, and married my Wife Jessica. We founded Empowerment Community Church, a black led multi racial worship aggregation that wanted to serve Christ, Community, and the Church. In 2020 during the Global Pandemic, I was racially profiled walking in my neighborhood. That became a turning point for our church and the Franklin community, that pointed me in direction I never imagined. We honored the memory of Breanna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd, with the Jesus and Justice Prayer Vigil at First Missionary Baptist Church. We received death threats before event, and we didnt know what to expect, but thousands showed up, and it launched us founding the Franklin Justice and Equity Coalition (FJEC). The FJEC sought to bring light to the injustices in equity in Williamson County, the wealthiest County in Tennessee, and fifth wealthiest zip code in the USA. We begin hosting community accountability events by Zoom, educating our fellow constituents on policies and practices related to equity. We were very successful receiving community support from both City and County Mayors, Police Leaders, and Educational Leadership. We eventually launched “Juneteenth, A Celebration of Freedom,” to commemorate to Emancipation Proclamation. We became the first and only African American led organization to shut down the Franklin City Square for a community Festival in the history of the Franklin. We have been hosting a Sneaker Gala, Emancipation Worship Service, and the Festival for the past three years in Franklin. In 2022, my close friend Tara Blue and I were intrical in the initial conversations that eventually led to more diverse businesses coming into the Franklin Factory like Slim & Husky’s. Over the years I have been able to help lead Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion conversations in Williamson County that we had always hoped that would lead to policy change.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
“Stony the road we trod!” As you may imagine, doing the work of Justice and Equity will always ruffle feathers. We had to fight a few fights of change here in Williamson County and Franklin. As Harriet Tubman wrote, “I could of freed more, if they knew they were slaves!’ In 2022 White Lives Matter showed up to our Juneteenth Festival. In 2023, this was evident when a sitting City Alderman wrote a negative letter to BNA demanding they reject sponsoring the Juneteenth events with FJEC. Eventually this Alderman was found guilty of Ethics Violations, and later during her attempt at becoming the City Mayor, became a National News story. Sadly, our biggest roadblocks were/are African Americans who believe that one way is the only way. Sometimes as Black people, we fight against our own progress, especially if we are not the leaders.

We’ve been impressed with Strong Tower Bible Church Franklin Campus, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Strong Tower Bible Church Franklin is a diverse community of believers who believe Justice as Biblical Practice provides a look into Gods Diverse Kingdom. We have multiple ministries that serve the Franklin Community. The Franklin Justice and Equity Coalition is an extension of our church. Justice and Equity is our main goal. We also believe in “Relationship over Religion!” Religion has many ways that are used to keep us separated, so we strive to find what brings us together. We keep God simple, Love God, and Love your Neighbor. Freedom is an expression that we strive for at Strong Tower Franklin. We want you to be educated more than entertained during our worship experience. If you want a Socio-Historical, Socio-Political, and Socio-Relevant church, Strong Tower Franklin is a church for you. We meet each Sunday at 11:30 am, 1715 Columbia Ave Suite 300, Franklin, TN 37064. Or you can watch our services on our Strong Tower Franklin Facebook Page.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I dont believe in luck, chance and opportunity happens to all of us. But are we prepared for the opportunity when it comes. Often we look at the negative circumstances of life and believe it is to destroy us. Honestly, its the preparation for your next season. Luck is something that God has no hand in. But being prepared when the chance presents itself is vitally important. David was not lucky when he was anointed King of Israel and defeated Goliath. It made King Saul upset, and made David a fugitive on the run from King Saul. Was that luck for David? I think not. But God was preparing David to be King one day, and when chance and opportunity collided with the anointing, we still talk about King David and his legacy today.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: Strong Tower Bible Church Franklin