Mission
Information, education and advocacy for drug policy reform.
Vision
A safe and nurturing community for every child.
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The MATV Story
Chris Lewis met Kendrick Lott in the summer of 1993 at St. Philip’s Episcopal School in Dallas where the two worked as camp counselors. Chris, a Morehouse College student, had graduated from St. Mark’s School of Texas one year earlier and Kendrick planned to attend the same school in the fall. But instead of becoming Morehouse brothers, the teens died together, brutally slain by two drugged out gang-bangers looking for someone to carjack.
At St. Mark’s, a premiere college prep academy, Chris was
vice-president of the Upper School Orchestra; played varsity football;
ran track; and was a gifted writer and linguist. Kendrick was vice
president of his senior class and had achieved the outstanding rank of
Eagle Scout.
MATV was organized in response to the tragic loss of
these two promising lives. Chris’ mother, activist and author Joy
Strickland, is founder and CEO. She continues this work as a memorial to
Chris and Kendrick, resolving that their lives were not lost in vain.
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| Charles Christopher Lewis (Chris) |
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| Kendrick Demond Lott |
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About
the CEO
Activist and author, Joy Strickland,
has received a bevy of awards and accolades. Her advocacy and commitment
have been featured in USA Today; on CNN and CNN Headline News; on USA
Radio; in the Dallas Morning News and other media. Joy in the Morning,
her first book, was published in 2010.
Strickland is a native
Texan who grew up in Dallas and attended Dallas public schools. She
earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a double minor in
English and German from The University of Texas at Austin. Joining the
IBM Corporation immediately upon graduation, Strickland received
numerous awards during her seventeen-year career with the company as a
computer programmer and marketing executive.
Throughout her life Strickland has brought her writing skills to her
endeavors. At MATV her grant writing garnered the organization over $1.7
million in its first decade. And in 2010 she authored her first book, Joy
in the Morning—A Mother’s Journey from Tragedy to Triumph.
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| Joy Strickland |
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Discussion Groups
Our drug policy is a problem. Can’t we talk about it? MATV’s Drug Policy Discussion groups facilitate the exchange of information and encourage individuals to develop informed opinions about the issue. Contact Us for meeting dates and times.
House Party with a Purpose
MATV’s house parties are a fun-filled way to get people together and learn about drug policy. Guests not only have a good time, but they also appreciate receiving valuable information about an issue that seldom receives balanced coverage in the media. There is no hard selling. We offer “opportunities” and privileges”. We also play a game that graphically illustrates the impact of the drug war on certain communities. And party guests respond enthusiastically.
The host invites guests, and serves light refreshments…We do the rest.
If you would like to host a house party, click on Contact Us and let us know.
The Councils
MATV’s three drug policy councils focus on Prevention; Public Health: and Criminal Justice. Each council is composed of leading professionals, educators, activists and students who bring research, analysis, best practices and legislative action to the drug policy conversation. Councils may convene town hall meetings and other public forums and engage the media to facilitate public education and advocacy for reform.
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