Terence Lester is a minister, speaker, community activist, author, and founder of Love Beyond Walls, a not-for-profit organization focused on poverty awareness and community mobilization.
His awareness campaigns on behalf of the poor have been featured in USA Today, Essence, Black Enterprise, The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS News, NBC, Upworthy, and “The Bright Side” with Katie Couric. They have been viewed by millions of people globally.
He has spoken on the same platform as other civil rights activists such as Bernice King, Roland Martin, Gina Belafonte, Michael Eric Dyson, Tamika D. Mallory, and many others. Terence’s unique approach combines storytelling and digital media to help illustrate social justice issues with practical approaches to solving these ailments.
In 2018, Terence led the March Against Poverty as he walked from Atlanta to Memphis (386 miles) to bring attention to poverty and homelessness. He finished the march and spoke at the historic Lorraine Motel for the 50th Anniversary of MLK’s assassination.
Terence’s unique approach combines storytelling and digital media to illustrate social justice issues with practical strategies to solve these ailments.
In 2013, Terence founded the non-profit Love Beyond Walls and has helped hundreds of individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty rebuild their lives. In 2019, Terence launched the first museum in the U.S. representing homelessness out of a shipping container, called Dignity Museum.
Terence has written four books. His new book, “When We Stand: The Power of Seeking Justice Together,” will be released May 18th, 2021, with InterVarsity Press. He also holds four degrees and is working towards his Ph.D. at Union Institute & University in Public Policy & Social Change.
He is happily married to his best friend, Cecilia Lester. They have two amazing children, Zion Joy and Terence II.