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staff & board
Joia Erin Thornton
Founder/Director
Joia is the founder of FLOCC, a network created to honor the legacy of Black and Indigenous faith leaders who have long played a critical role in civil and human rights movements throughout American history. She centers her work at the intersection of faith, race, and historical memory from the Southern diaspora to directly confront the United States’ ongoing relationship with the death penalty. Joia has also led successful legislative efforts at both the state and federal levels. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and French from Louisiana State University and a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Policy and Legal Studies from the University of Memphis.
Joia Erin Thornton is a passionate human rights advocate, lobbyist, writer, and policy leader with two decades of experience driving social change. Her roots in Memphis, Tennessee, and New Orleans, Louisiana—two cities along the mighty Mississippi River—have profoundly shaped her worldview. These communities, steeped in deep histories of racial tension, class hierarchy, and systemic inequity, inform her bold and nuanced approach to justice.
Joia Erin Thornton is a passionate human rights advocate, lobbyist, writer, and policy leader with two decades of experience driving social change. Her roots in Memphis, Tennessee, and New Orleans, Louisiana—two cities along the mighty Mississippi River—have profoundly shaped her worldview. These communities, steeped in deep histories of racial tension, class hierarchy, and systemic inequity, inform her bold and nuanced approach to justice.
Anna Senft
Policy & Legal Analyst
Angela D. Sanders, Esq.
Angela D. Sanders currently serves as an Attorney Supervisor with the Shelby County Public Defender’s Office in Memphis, Tennessee. She also serves as an attorney with the Major Cases team that represents indigent persons charged with First Degree Murder. She is a native of the Mississippi Delta, but currently resides in Memphis, Tennessee with her husband and son. She has practiced Criminal Defense for over 10 years in both state and federal courts in Tennessee and Alabama. She believes that no person is irredeemable. She lives by the following words of the Bible: Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves for the rights of all who are destitute.
"Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31:8-9
"Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31:8-9
Brittany Washington
Brittany Washington is a licensed social worker and mental health therapist serving the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. In community-based settings, she combines direct support with advancing long-term systemic change through advocacy, community education, crisis intervention, and therapy. She is also pursuing a Master of Divinity with a focus on social transformation at Brite Divinity School of Texas Christian University, further integrating her faith with activism and community organizing.
Brittany designs and co-leads justice-centered programs rooted in healing justice principles in partnership with her faith community and serves on the board of the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (TCADP). Through these roles, she empowers individuals to engage in ethical, sustainable activism while prioritizing holistic care for community leaders, helping professionals, and activists—creating spaces centered on self-care, collective well-being, and lasting impact.
Brittany designs and co-leads justice-centered programs rooted in healing justice principles in partnership with her faith community and serves on the board of the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (TCADP). Through these roles, she empowers individuals to engage in ethical, sustainable activism while prioritizing holistic care for community leaders, helping professionals, and activists—creating spaces centered on self-care, collective well-being, and lasting impact.
Eric Anderson
Eric Anderson is an exoneree who transformed wrongful imprisonment into a mission for justice and empowerment. After surviving years behind bars for a crime he did not commit, he emerged determined to advocate for truth, accountability, and meaningful support for others rebuilding their lives after exoneration. Today, Eric serves as a leading voice within the Organization of Exonerees, championing policy reform, community reintegration, and public awareness. His lived experience drives his commitment to ensuring exonerees are not only freed, but restored with dignity and opportunity. Known for his resilience and leadership, Eric works tirelessly to create a fairer, more compassionate system.
Franky Mills
Franky Mills is a dedicated community leader and advocate committed to driving positive change in underserved areas. A proud native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he has built a career that spans public service, infrastructure management, and social justice work. Franky earned a B.S. in Business Administration from LeMoyne-Owen College, with a focus on finance, operations, and supply chain management. Currently, Franky serves as an Operations Analyst IV - Project Controller at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), where he oversees $3.2 billion in federal and state-funded projects, ensuring effective financial and operational management of critical infrastructure initiatives. Previously, Franky worked as a Strategy Analyst at FedEx, where he focused on optimizing claims operations, analyzing data, and improving workflows. At ALSAC St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, he worked in the Donor Relations Department, helping raise over $1 million for children battling life-threatening diseases through various fundraising campaigns and events. Franky has also been deeply involved in social justice work, notably as written in Wall Street Journal, he advised and led the effort of 90,000 voter registration applications. Additionally, he serves on the Board of the Betty Mills-Robinson Organization, a nonprofit focused on revitalizing underserved Philadelphia communities. With a deep commitment to making a difference, Franky continues to use his personal experiences and professional expertise to uplift others and foster long-term community development.
Rev. Dr. Amariah McIntosh
Rev. Dr. Amariah McIntosh is a CME pastor in Akron, Ohio and is the Associate Director of the Ohio Council of Churches in Columbus, Ohio where she works in the intersection of faith and public policy. She is a graduate of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (MDiv and DMin) where she serves as the chair of the Alumni Board and is Alum Representative to the Seminary Board of Trustees.
Her ministry passion is in the areas of ecumenism and social justice advocacy. She is the mother of three adult children , five grandchildren and a soon to come great grandchild.
Her ministry passion is in the areas of ecumenism and social justice advocacy. She is the mother of three adult children , five grandchildren and a soon to come great grandchild.
Dr. Gracie Bell Kearse-McCastler
Dr. Gracie Bell Kearse-McCastler is a retired teacher and assistant principal with over 33 years of dedicated service. During her educational career she was awarded "Teacher of the Year" four times. She has also trained an ample amount of new teachers. She is a six-time author, minister, educational advocate and community leader.
She has also served on city council and United States legislative teams. Her affiliations are Bethel Baptist Institutional Church member, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Black Women Educators and highly active in the NAACP both on a state and national level.
She has also served on city council and United States legislative teams. Her affiliations are Bethel Baptist Institutional Church member, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Black Women Educators and highly active in the NAACP both on a state and national level.
“The work of flocc is essential for clergy advocates like me to find community, gain resources, and be empowered to continue doing the work. I frequently entered conversations feeling armed with knowledge and narratives to further our advocacy efforts in abolishing capital punishment. I may not be able to serve on the board of flocc forever, but this is certainly part of my life's work until it's done."
Rev. Dr. Tiffanie Lanelle Mackey, policy advocate & flocc board member emeritus
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