Rev. Dr. Marcus Allen, Sr., the senior pastor at Mt. Zion Baptist Church on Madison’s South Side, is the 2024 winner of the annual Reverend James C. Wright Human Rights Award.
The award is given to an individual who best exemplifies Rev. Wright’s dedication and compassion for civil and human rights and who conducts their daily life consistent with these values.
Allen first moved to Madison from Chesterfield, Virginia, in October of 2016 when he started serving as the senior pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church.
“I am passionate about people, and seeing others thrive and achieve more brings me joy. I am thankful for the wonderful members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church who are willing to share me with the community,” Allen tells Madison365. “They understand me and help me fill the gaps for those who are disenfranchised and less fortunate. Mt. Zion is the second-oldest predominantly African American church in the city and has a long history of being the voice and aid for the people. It was easy to step into the role of pastor here with people who are already engaged in helping others.”
The James C. Wright Human Rights Award is named for Rev. Wright, a civil rights pioneer in Madison who worked to bring about the adoption of the City of Madison’s Equal Opportunities Ordinance in the ’60s. He served as a member of the Equal Opportunities Commission prior to his appointment as executive director for the Equal Opportunities Commission. Rev. Wright retired in 1992 after 24 years of service to the City of Madison.
Rev. Allen’s tireless efforts have had a profound impact on the lives of many individuals, especially our youth, according to a press release from the City of Madison announcing the award, and one of Allen’s notable achievements is the creation of the Teaching and Reaching our Youth (T.R.Y.) Academy summer program, tailored for youth ages 12-17 who have been involved in the juvenile justice system. This program provides essential classes on leadership, finance, apprenticeship certification, meditation, self-regulation, and more.
Rev. Allen’s leadership extends beyond youth programs. He has played a pivotal role in organizing marches for justice and fostering open dialogues within the faith community. He has established partnerships with Dane County and other organizations to mentor teens aging out of foster care. Additionally, under his guidance, Mt. Zion Baptist Church now hosts a successful Behavioral Health Clinic, providing crucial services to the community.
“For over 30 years, we have had a food pantry. For almost 20 years, we have had an Academic Learning Center that assists kids in grades K-5. We are intentional in helping individuals who need emergency assistance with housing or utilities,” Allen said. “We conduct various health programs, have older adults programming, and have a Behavioral Health Clinic at the church through Anesis Family Therapy.
“We help youth who are aging out of foster care and have our T.R.Y. (Transforming and Reaching Our Youth) Program that focuses on youth involved in the juvenile justice system,” Allen adds. “We also partner with the UW football team in doing this. The T.R.Y. program is a special focus of mine. Our goal is to help the youth develop a vision so that they can look forward to something greater for themselves other than what they currently see in front of them.”
The Reverend James C. Wright Human Rights Award will be officially presented to Rev. Allen at the Madison Common Council meeting on Tuesday, July 16, at 6:30 pm.
“I want to thank my church, the pastors of the African American Council of Churches, my mom, my siblings, and my entire family,” Rev. Allen said. “A special thank you to my wife, Terra Allen, and my children, Alex, Richard Jr. (son-in-law), MJ, and Mekiyah Allen. I am able to do this great work because of the people God has surrounded me with.”
