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ABOUT US
Act Now Baltimore is a network of faith-based community hubs in each of Baltimore’s 14 Council Districts that work in coordination to ensure our political leaders are accountable, credible,and transparent to the people they serve. Our leadership council of diverse faith leaders represent a cross-section of Baltimore citizens who believe that when we have a “covenant with government” we can accomplish great things together.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Elected officials promised accountability across all levels of city government, now we are holding them to it by examining current efforts, collaborating on new initiatives, and measuring community impact.
CREDIBILITY
We are a city with wounded credibility,both locally and nationally. Our elected leaders must follow their oath to serve, lead with integrity, and maintain the highest ethical standards. Rebuilding our neighborhoods, drawing new businesses, and improving our quality of life starts with an open and honest dialogue with citizens and those whom we’ve hired to work for us.
TRANSPARENCY
We deserve an open and transparent government in Baltimore that is equitable and works to eliminate disparities, provide equal access and improve the quality of life for all Baltimore City citizens
Mission:
An accountable, credible, transparent, and equitable city government requires collaboration between leaders and their constituents. ACT Now will facilitate community dialogue and direct action, bringing neighbors from all backgrounds together to move our city forward.
Values:
We value measurable outcomes that improve the quality of life for city residents in each one of Baltimore City Council Districts. We value that these outcomes are done in an accountable, credible, transparent and equitable way where all city residents benefit.
Goal:
To build the largest district wide citizen participation base sponsored by Faith Based Institutions and hold honest dialogue between city leaders and each district's constituents.
OUR LEADERSHIP
T0gether, we can create an accountable, credible, and transparent Baltimore.
Bishop Gregory Dennis
Chair, ACT Now Baltimore
Bishop Gregory A. Dennis is a fifth-generation minister, who continuously strives to maintain a legacy of servitude by working to move the 21st Century Church into a place of maturity.He is one of this generation’s prophetic voices.
After working nearly 15 years in corporate America, he began to assist his parents, Bishop Ralph L. and Elder Deborah S. Dennis, by serving as the Executive Pastor of Kingdom Worship Center in Towson, Maryland.In 2012, he was consecrated to the office of Bishop, overseeing the Youth and Young Adult Ministries for Kingdom FellowshipCovenant Ministries. In 2013, Bishop Ralph L. Dennis passed the baton and appointedBishop Dennis to succeed him as the Senior Pastor of Kingdom Worship Center.
As a community organizer, he infiltrated communities that some considered to have impenetrable barriers.With the help of God and the ministry, Gregory has been able to impact the people in an array of communities. He is a member and the formerVice President of the Towson Area Ministerial Alliance. He serves on the Board of Spiritual Advisors at Greater Baltimore Medical Center assuring wholistic health is pursued the Greater Baltimore citizens. While on the board of advisors for Bahari, an outreach ministry for the empowerment of Kenyan women BishopDennis curtails gender bias in the world, and as a board member for Araminta Freedom Initiative, he looks to end heal others from the bondage of sex trafficking. He is also an HonoraryMember of Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity, Inc. He is currently in pursuit of aDoctor of Ministry with Wesley Theological Seminary, in Washington, D.C.
Bishop Dennis is an avid reader and writer on that which pertains to Christ and the Church. Bishop Dennis is a contributing writer to and member of the editorial staff of Grace and Glory magazine. He is a much sought after mentor, lecturer and preacher. He has ministered to people of all ages in venues ranging from after school programs to international conferences. Bishop Dennis’s humor and how he implements the same in his presentation of the Gospel allow for all to hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church. His anointing lies in understanding the current times and causing change by speaking truth in power, in love. The pattern in his life is to serve God with all his heart, mind and soul.
Married since July 1994, he and his college sweetheart, Tonya, desire to be an example to other married couples when it relates to commitment, love and friendship. Together they enjoy teaching and challenging believers in their growth. They both delight in their gifts from God, their son, William, and daughter,Reina.
After working nearly 15 years in corporate America, he began to assist his parents, Bishop Ralph L. and Elder Deborah S. Dennis, by serving as the Executive Pastor of Kingdom Worship Center in Towson, Maryland.In 2012, he was consecrated to the office of Bishop, overseeing the Youth and Young Adult Ministries for Kingdom FellowshipCovenant Ministries. In 2013, Bishop Ralph L. Dennis passed the baton and appointedBishop Dennis to succeed him as the Senior Pastor of Kingdom Worship Center.
As a community organizer, he infiltrated communities that some considered to have impenetrable barriers.With the help of God and the ministry, Gregory has been able to impact the people in an array of communities. He is a member and the formerVice President of the Towson Area Ministerial Alliance. He serves on the Board of Spiritual Advisors at Greater Baltimore Medical Center assuring wholistic health is pursued the Greater Baltimore citizens. While on the board of advisors for Bahari, an outreach ministry for the empowerment of Kenyan women BishopDennis curtails gender bias in the world, and as a board member for Araminta Freedom Initiative, he looks to end heal others from the bondage of sex trafficking. He is also an HonoraryMember of Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity, Inc. He is currently in pursuit of aDoctor of Ministry with Wesley Theological Seminary, in Washington, D.C.
Bishop Dennis is an avid reader and writer on that which pertains to Christ and the Church. Bishop Dennis is a contributing writer to and member of the editorial staff of Grace and Glory magazine. He is a much sought after mentor, lecturer and preacher. He has ministered to people of all ages in venues ranging from after school programs to international conferences. Bishop Dennis’s humor and how he implements the same in his presentation of the Gospel allow for all to hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church. His anointing lies in understanding the current times and causing change by speaking truth in power, in love. The pattern in his life is to serve God with all his heart, mind and soul.
Married since July 1994, he and his college sweetheart, Tonya, desire to be an example to other married couples when it relates to commitment, love and friendship. Together they enjoy teaching and challenging believers in their growth. They both delight in their gifts from God, their son, William, and daughter,Reina.
Pastor Terry Thornton
Vice President, ACT Now Baltimore
Reverend Terry Guilio Thornton has served as the Pastor of Sweet Hope Free Will Baptist Church of Baltimore, Maryland since 2002. God has used Pastor Thornton to begin a spiritual revival at Sweet Hope and in Northwest Baltimore. The church is growing under his leadership as new ministries are being birthed and existing ones are being revitalized to perfect and mature saints for ministry.
A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Pastor Thornton is the son of Alphonso Thornton, former Captain of the Baltimore City Fire Department who helped to pave the way for other African Americans who followed him and Gloria Thornton, former pioneer in nursing in Baltimore City. God has blessed Pastor Thornton with a lovely, supportive wife, Jacqueline P. Thornton. They are the proud parents of two sons, Terry, II and Benjamin.
Under the anointed leadership of Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Pastor of the New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland, Pastor Thornton accepted his call to ministry and was ordained to full ministry. God elevated him to the pastorate of Sweet Hope because of his faithful and committed service at New Psalmist.
As pastor of Sweet Hope, God has lead Pastor Thornton to develop a dynamic mission for the ministry that will fulfill the vision that God has given to him for Sweet Hope. God has lead the ministry to establish Kingdom Priorities that regard salvation, discipleship, and missions seriously.
A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Pastor Thornton is the son of Alphonso Thornton, former Captain of the Baltimore City Fire Department who helped to pave the way for other African Americans who followed him and Gloria Thornton, former pioneer in nursing in Baltimore City. God has blessed Pastor Thornton with a lovely, supportive wife, Jacqueline P. Thornton. They are the proud parents of two sons, Terry, II and Benjamin.
Under the anointed leadership of Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Pastor of the New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland, Pastor Thornton accepted his call to ministry and was ordained to full ministry. God elevated him to the pastorate of Sweet Hope because of his faithful and committed service at New Psalmist.
As pastor of Sweet Hope, God has lead Pastor Thornton to develop a dynamic mission for the ministry that will fulfill the vision that God has given to him for Sweet Hope. God has lead the ministry to establish Kingdom Priorities that regard salvation, discipleship, and missions seriously.
Bishop J.L. Carter
Treasurer, ACT Now Baltimore
Bishop Carter has been the chief servant of ARK Church since September 1987. He is dedicated to community development, home and foreign missions. He continues to travel extensively, spreading the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the US and abroad.
He is also the Presiding Prelate of Kingdom Impact Covenant Fellowship established in March 2012 where he mentors, encourages and councils a Diverse group of Pastors.
He is also the Presiding Prelate of Kingdom Impact Covenant Fellowship established in March 2012 where he mentors, encourages and councils a Diverse group of Pastors.
Pastor Derrick DeWitt
Secretary, ACT Now Baltimore
Reverend Doctor Derrick DeWitt Sr. is the pastor of the First Mount Calvary Baptist church in
Baltimore, Maryland. He is distinguished as the Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer
of the Maryland Baptist Aged Home, a 100-year old long term care facility, and the only Blacked
Owned nursing home in the state of Maryland. In addition to its historic lineage, The Maryland
Baptist Aged Home has the proud distinction of remaining COVID-free, having no positive cases
throughout the pandemic, thanks to Dr. Dewitt’s quick and decisive leadership. For this
accomplishment he was named a COVID Ambassador by the Governor of Maryland. Rev.
Dewitt used this position to raise awareness and provide advocacy for the Vaccine and healthcare
disparities in low-income, majority black, communities. He has advocated for these causes on
national and international media platforms, to include: CBS Sunday Morning with Ted Koppel,
NPR, PBS, CNN, MSNBC and many others. He regularly lectures at major Universities such as
Harvard, and Duke University on Gerontology issues. Dr. Dewitt sits on several Boards and has
also gained national recognition for his involvement in community development activities, and
charitable efforts.
Dr. DeWitt was born and raised in Baltimore Maryland. After graduating from Baltimore City
College High School, he joined the U.S. Army where he served with distinction as a highly
decorated combat veteran, before retiring in 2005. While serving his country, stationed in South
Korea, he received the call from God to serve people’s spiritual needs, and began preaching the
gospel in 1989 at the Camp Red Cloud Full Gospel Fellowship, under the direction of Bishop
Darryl Brister. Pastor Dewitt was later ordained in 1991 while serving as an associate Minister of
The Southern Baptist Church under the late Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Higgs.
Pastor DeWitt received his Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Divinity Degree in 1995. He
received a Master of Divinity and a Master’s in business administration in 1999. In March 2009,
he received his Doctorate of Arts Degree in Theology and Biblical Counseling from Freelandia
Bible College and Seminary.
In 2002 Pastor DeWitt, being led by the Spirit, being guided through the study and meditation of
his Word and standing on the premises of Isaiah 61:1-4, founded the Garment of Praise Baptist
Church in Clinton, Maryland, with 14 members by his side.
In June 2007, Pastor DeWitt was asked to return to his family church in Baltimore to serve as
interim pastor of the First Mount Calvary Baptist Church. In October 2007 he was officially
elected as the fourth pastor of this Historic church.
Pastor DeWitt is involved with several community organizations such as: Clergy United for the
Transformation of Sand-town (CUTS); an organization of religious, and business leaders,
dedicated to reforming the neglected and marginalized community in West Baltimore, noted
nationally for the death of Freddie Gray. He is a Faculty Member of the Institute of Healthcare
improvement, he serves on the board of “Food and Faith” at the John Hopkins University’s
Bloomberg School of Public Health, he serves on The Western District Police Council,
Intersection of Change, Bridge Maryland, The New Song Academy and Community Learning
Center, and the United World Missions. He also serves as an instructor for the United Missionary
Baptist Convention’s Congress of Christian Education and is an active participant in the State
Convention and National Baptist USA.
Due to his community involvement he has received many awards and honors from various
organizations to include: the Baltimore Business Journal as a Leader in Healthcare, The
Baltimore Sun’s Marylander of the Year, and the Marquis “Who’s Who in America”.
Additionally he was awarded the 2020 Innovator Award from Alliance for Aging Research, and
the Phi Alpha National Social Work Honor Society at Coppin State University, but one of his
greatest honors was being inducted into the Hall of Fame of Preachers at the Martin Luther King
Jr. College of Ministers and Laity, at Morehouse College in Georgia in 2013.
Pastor DeWitt possesses extraordinary compassion and vision when it comes to outreach
ministry. His humanitarian efforts have made a huge impact both in Baltimore and in Africa
where he and his wife support orphanages in Kenya and Uganda. His Church operates model
food distribution programs, a weekly soup kitchen, a Mentorship program, a weekly drug
addition ministry and much more.
Pastor DeWitt is a loving husband to Lady Cassandra DeWitt and a devoted father of four
wonderful children, Breona, Derrick II, Everardo and Anointe’. Reverend DeWitt continues to
maintain a clear vision given by God and is determined to build a Christ Centered,
Compassionate, and Community Focused Church.
Baltimore, Maryland. He is distinguished as the Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer
of the Maryland Baptist Aged Home, a 100-year old long term care facility, and the only Blacked
Owned nursing home in the state of Maryland. In addition to its historic lineage, The Maryland
Baptist Aged Home has the proud distinction of remaining COVID-free, having no positive cases
throughout the pandemic, thanks to Dr. Dewitt’s quick and decisive leadership. For this
accomplishment he was named a COVID Ambassador by the Governor of Maryland. Rev.
Dewitt used this position to raise awareness and provide advocacy for the Vaccine and healthcare
disparities in low-income, majority black, communities. He has advocated for these causes on
national and international media platforms, to include: CBS Sunday Morning with Ted Koppel,
NPR, PBS, CNN, MSNBC and many others. He regularly lectures at major Universities such as
Harvard, and Duke University on Gerontology issues. Dr. Dewitt sits on several Boards and has
also gained national recognition for his involvement in community development activities, and
charitable efforts.
Dr. DeWitt was born and raised in Baltimore Maryland. After graduating from Baltimore City
College High School, he joined the U.S. Army where he served with distinction as a highly
decorated combat veteran, before retiring in 2005. While serving his country, stationed in South
Korea, he received the call from God to serve people’s spiritual needs, and began preaching the
gospel in 1989 at the Camp Red Cloud Full Gospel Fellowship, under the direction of Bishop
Darryl Brister. Pastor Dewitt was later ordained in 1991 while serving as an associate Minister of
The Southern Baptist Church under the late Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Higgs.
Pastor DeWitt received his Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Divinity Degree in 1995. He
received a Master of Divinity and a Master’s in business administration in 1999. In March 2009,
he received his Doctorate of Arts Degree in Theology and Biblical Counseling from Freelandia
Bible College and Seminary.
In 2002 Pastor DeWitt, being led by the Spirit, being guided through the study and meditation of
his Word and standing on the premises of Isaiah 61:1-4, founded the Garment of Praise Baptist
Church in Clinton, Maryland, with 14 members by his side.
In June 2007, Pastor DeWitt was asked to return to his family church in Baltimore to serve as
interim pastor of the First Mount Calvary Baptist Church. In October 2007 he was officially
elected as the fourth pastor of this Historic church.
Pastor DeWitt is involved with several community organizations such as: Clergy United for the
Transformation of Sand-town (CUTS); an organization of religious, and business leaders,
dedicated to reforming the neglected and marginalized community in West Baltimore, noted
nationally for the death of Freddie Gray. He is a Faculty Member of the Institute of Healthcare
improvement, he serves on the board of “Food and Faith” at the John Hopkins University’s
Bloomberg School of Public Health, he serves on The Western District Police Council,
Intersection of Change, Bridge Maryland, The New Song Academy and Community Learning
Center, and the United World Missions. He also serves as an instructor for the United Missionary
Baptist Convention’s Congress of Christian Education and is an active participant in the State
Convention and National Baptist USA.
Due to his community involvement he has received many awards and honors from various
organizations to include: the Baltimore Business Journal as a Leader in Healthcare, The
Baltimore Sun’s Marylander of the Year, and the Marquis “Who’s Who in America”.
Additionally he was awarded the 2020 Innovator Award from Alliance for Aging Research, and
the Phi Alpha National Social Work Honor Society at Coppin State University, but one of his
greatest honors was being inducted into the Hall of Fame of Preachers at the Martin Luther King
Jr. College of Ministers and Laity, at Morehouse College in Georgia in 2013.
Pastor DeWitt possesses extraordinary compassion and vision when it comes to outreach
ministry. His humanitarian efforts have made a huge impact both in Baltimore and in Africa
where he and his wife support orphanages in Kenya and Uganda. His Church operates model
food distribution programs, a weekly soup kitchen, a Mentorship program, a weekly drug
addition ministry and much more.
Pastor DeWitt is a loving husband to Lady Cassandra DeWitt and a devoted father of four
wonderful children, Breona, Derrick II, Everardo and Anointe’. Reverend DeWitt continues to
maintain a clear vision given by God and is determined to build a Christ Centered,
Compassionate, and Community Focused Church.
