One-on-One Interview with Star Parker at the 2025 CURE Clergy Summit

Join us for a special episode of CURE America, where host Pastor Donald T. Eason sits down with Star Parker, the founder of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education (CURE). This conversation was recorded live at the 2025 CURE Clergy Policy Summit, held in Washington, DC at the iconic Willard Hotel. Star, who has authored four books drawing from her own journey out of welfare, shares insights from her 30 years building an organization dedicated to helping others achieve independence and dignity. This episode offers a unique look at the transition of leadership at CURE, captured amid a gathering of over 400 pastors focused on faith-driven solutions for urban communities. The discussion begins with the hand-off, as Star explains to Donald that after three decades of leading, it's time for a new chapter—one she believes requires strong pastoral guidance from men in the community. She emphasizes why the next steps in addressing inner-city challenges must come from pastors rather than politicians, and why she chose this moment to step aside while remaining involved. From there, Star addresses why she views Social Security as a modern-day barrier to wealth-building, particularly for black families. She argues that allowing individuals to invest the 12.4% deducted from their paychecks could close the wealth gap in a single generation, highlighting how the current system prevents families from passing on inheritances. The pair also explores the drawbacks of minimum-wage laws through a biblical lens, noting with a mix of humor and seriousness how such policies might have disrupted the story of Ruth and Boaz—potentially altering the lineage leading to King David and Jesus. They tie this to broader lessons from Scripture about opportunity and hard work. Star shares a recurring prophecy she's heard from several sources: that the next Great Awakening in America will emerge through the Black church. She sees the summit itself as evidence that this moment is unfolding now, urging collaboration between churches to drive real change. In the closing moments, Star delivers a direct call to action, stating that every church should function as a school and every pastor as a policy influencer. Without this engagement, she warns, government efforts will continue to fall short in fixing community issues. Overall, this episode focuses on the evolution of a longstanding movement, offering practical wisdom and inspiration for viewers committed to faith-driven solutions.