The Institute of Trauma and Economic Justice is the vision manifested by Dr. Keyon S. Payton after more than 2 decades of public service, human and civil rights activism, and pastoral leadership. 

Inspired by fellow Morehouse College alumnus and his childhood hero- the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.- the Institute intertwines environmental, economic, and social justice with civic and ecumenical faith in action.  Based on the notion of the Beloved Community made famous by Dr. King and the many speeches and writings throughout the world on “the way of nonviolence”, the Institute seeks to uplift communities by advocating what Dr. Payton refers to as the 7Literacy Jewels:

• Cultural Literacy

• Environmental Literacy

• Civic/Social Literacy

• Financial Literacy

• Digital Literacy

• Physical Health Literacy

• Mental Health Literacy

Dr. Payton earned a Doctorate of Ministry degree from Garrett-Evangelical Seminary at Northwestern University in Strategic Leadership for Black Congregations. He is a 2001 graduate from Morehouse College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion and Philosophy and obtained his Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theology Seminary. In addition, Dr. Payton holds special certifications in Nonprofit Management from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University; Theology and Racialized Policing, and Justice Reform from Howard University; and as a Master Trainer of Trainers in Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) from ACE Interface founded by Dr. Rob Anda. Currently, Dr. Payton is a member of the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN) Advisory Committee and the Michigan Prevention and Wellness Advisory Board.

In addition to serving as Social Justice Commission Chairman for the National Baptist Convention of America, for more than 15 years Dr. Payton continues to lead the New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Pontiac, Michigan as Senior Pastor.