Little Rock, AR

For the past 30 years, Reverend Hezekiah D. Stewart has dedicated himself to bringing public awareness and public resources to meet the needs of the struggling families in Little Rock, Pulaski County, and greater Arkansas. During this period, Reverend Stewart has served as the Executive Director of Watershed Human and Community Development Agency, Inc. He is also currently Pastor of Moody Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Many government officials, international executives, humanitarians, and politicians have applauded Reverend Stewart’s contributions toward the prevention of crime and violence. He has also been recognized for his dedication to the people of Arkansas by former Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. Reverend Stewart and the Mount Nebo AME Church founded Watershed in 1978 and celebrated its 30th anniversary in October 2008. He serves on the boards of the Arkansas Department of Corrections, the “Our Club” Pulaski County Youth Initiative, the Interfaith Hunger Task Force, and the Commissioned Arkansas Probation Department.

On December 29, 2007, 6-year-old Kamya Weathersby was shot to death as she lay in her bed watching cartoons. For Reverend Stewart, it was a cry for help not only from the victims, but it was time to reach out to the youth committing this senseless violence and offer them a safe haven to change. He has proclaimed the Watershed as a “neutral territory” where gang members who want to change are welcomed.

Now located in the former Gillam Park School Building, the Watershed Agency serves all people who come to its doors. The philosophy of the agency and its many programs exemplify an unyielding commitment to educate and inform the public about crime, drugs, gangs, and violence prevention. Reverend Stewart describes his agency as “the World’s First Social Hospital, which is a portrait of service to God and Humanity.”