The work of the late Rev. Dr. Eddie K. Edwards, founder the Joy of Jesus faith-based nonprofit organization in Detroit, is showcased at an exhibit at The University of Michigan Bentley Legacy Library, 1150 Beal Ave., Ann Arbor.
The announcement of “A Fruitful Legacy Memorabilia Collection” was made by his widow, Dr. Mary Darlene Edwards, founder of Widows of Wisdom.
Edwards was a Christian preacher who worked to help urban youth through a summer camp and other activities. He established the camp in 1976.
Today, Joy of Jesus has a three-building campus on the east side of Detroit and a 70-acre camp in Kingston, Mich. It offers after school programs, summer residential camp, summer day camp, life skills, tutoring, character development programs and activities for Detroit youth through its Youth Embassy Recreation Center, Real Life Learning Center, Head Start Center and Camp Jubilee.
“Our programs focus on three things,” the Joy of Jesus website says. “Character, education and recreation. Our goal is to provide a safe and fun environment during non-school hours in which youth can explore and develop their potential for academic success and understanding of skills necessary to succeed in life.
“We provide a safe environment for playing, learning and self-expression. We are laying a solid foundation for maturing in Christ, success in school, home life and ultimately the workplace.”
The organization received the 107th Points of Light Award in 1990 from President George H. Bush for its work in the community.
Edwards, who was named Michiganian of the Year in 1989, started in ministry at Project Start, where he assisted ex-convicts with job readiness and employment opportunities.
Along with special highlights in “A Fruitful Legacy Memorabilia Collection” is the establishment of the Ravendale Detroit Community Outreach. In 1986, Edwards transformed 38 blocks of Detroit’s desolate eastside into a livable community. The project was the subject of a 1990 documentary, “The Ravendale Project.”
Mary Edwards suggests those reading this story would find special meaning in the following song.
Edwards retired in 2001 and died in 2004, leaving his wife, Mary, a widow wondering what to do with her life going forward. She got the answer.
“The day after the funeral I found myself standing in the middle of my living room asking myself (or God), ‘What do I do now?’ she says on her website. “I had so many questions and so few answers. I’m sure the reply to my question was from God because he called me by name. “Mary, I want you to start a ministry for widows such as yourself. It shall be called, ‘Widows With Wisdom.’”
The collection at the Bentley Library includes 10 recordings of interviews and television programs featuring Edwards, Joy of Jesus publications, biographical information about Edwards, as well as papers related to Mary’s ministry.
“My personal papers and books also have been requested,” she says. “I am in the process of gathering these together. My autobiography, Born Grown, and my book of poetry, Mary Don’t You Weep, about my outreach to the Ravendale Community, may be of special interest to you.”
You can find those books by clicking here.
Work of Rev. Dr. Eddie K. Edwards, founder of Joy of Jesus, showcased a U-M Bentley Legacy Library added by TheHUB on
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