He is determined to shape the future, on a firm foundation of “healthy individuals, faithful families, peaceful neighborhoods, and thriving institutions,” as his wife, Rondalyn, puts it. Philip Abode, pastor of a Bible church with around 200 members, is the founder of Crossover Preparatory Academy. The leaders of the school plan to add one grade annually until, one day at its own facility, Crossover Prep educates grades 7-12. Sixty or so students now build the school’s momentum. The new boys join the existing cadre of African-American lads and one Caucasian, for a new year. Last year’s seventh graders moved up to eighth grade. In this community’s weary yet hopeful heart, the city’s newest private school quietly marked another milestone of existence this month. Like flowers rising through pavement cracks, human possibility lifts the viewer as he travels from high points in the northwest of that north side, rolling down into the Greenwood District where what was once called the Black Wall Street flourished, until the destruction of 1921. But all along Peoria and a few other main streets, there are clear signs of economic life. Every few blocks, it seems, there are schools with negative academic performance data. There are reasons to be gloomy about north Tulsa, scene of a dreadful confrontation rooted in racial hatred 97 years ago.ĭriving or walking around, you’ll find well-kept yards and homes adjoined by dilapidated structures (some empty) with tall grass. She is thrilled to be back in the neighborhood working with Crossover to serve the community she loves.It’s better to light a candle than to curse the darkness, goes the old adage. Joanna lives in north Tulsa with her three children just a few doors down from the home where she grew up. She moved back to Tulsa and began work at Edison High School as an English teacher and policy debate coach before joining the Crossover team. Joanna stepped away from journalism to be at home with her family and served on the board of two cooperative schools where she focussed on community development and parent education.Īfter many years of volunteering in schools, Joanna decided to launch a second career in education. She discovered her love for children and passion for education when she landed in San Francisco as a young mother. Washington High School and attended the University of Missouri-Columbia where she received a Bachelor of Journalism with honors.Īfter college, Joanna worked for several affiliate news stations in the midwest and east coast as an anchor and reporter. Joanna is a journalist-turned-educator who grew up in north Tulsa. Joanna Shrewsbury is the founding principal of Crossover Preparatory Academy - Girls’ School. Philip and Rondalyn are both excited to be a part of CCI’s effort to serve its community educationally through Crossover Preparatory Academy. CCI serves its community through youth sports (Crossover Sports Association), health care (Crossover Health Services), and economic development (Crossover Development Company). That experience led to the formation of Crossover Community Impact, Inc. This eye-opening experience transformed Philip’s perspective on what it would take to truly make an impact in his community. Being able to connect with the families and help the kids deal with areas of need in their lives opened Philip’s eyes to the huge access that youth sports gave him into families’ lives in his community. Philip began to see how that might become a reality the first season he coached a 3rd grade tackle football team in 2008. Philip always wanted to serve at a church whose impact in the community went beyond Sunday mornings.
Shortly after graduating with a degree in Applied Mathematics, Philip moved to Dallas, TX with Rondalyn to attend Dallas Theological Seminary in preparation for helping start Crossover Bible Church where he has served as lead pastor since 2009.Īfter Philip completed a Masters in Christian Education, he and Rondalyn moved to north Tulsa to start the work that God had called them to. Pastor Philip Abode and his wife Rondalyn, have been passionate about helping people grow in their relationship with the Lord ever since they committed their lives to Him during their college years at the University of Tulsa.
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