Nationally , he serves as Director of Rev Al Sharpton ’s National Action Network , Inc. , the Conference of National Black Churches , and as Executive Director of the Social Justice Initiative . Kimber formerly served as the Chairman of the New Haven Fire Commission , where he was embroiled in controversy after the union head accused him making racist comments . After Kimber stepped down from leadership , long-serving New Haven Mayor John DeStefano , Jr. , who appointed Kimber , said he was “ pleased that he acknowledged that they were inappropriate and demonstrated real leadership by not letting his leadership as head of the commission become an issue . " Kimber is president of the Connecticut Missionary Baptist State Convention , and in 2013 was a candidate for president of the National Baptist Convention , USA , Inc. , the nation ’s oldest and largest African-American religious group . While addressing the Louisiana Missionary Baptist State Convention ( LMBSC ) in November 2013 , Kimber said , “ We must speak for those who can not speak for themselves , for those who are disenfranchised … we must have a voice … When was the last time you heard this convention talk about anything that was wrong in our world ? We said nothing about Trayvon Martin ; we said nothing about the ( federal government ) shutdown . We said nothing about gay and lesbian marriages . " Kimber was later endorsed by LMBSC President C.S. Gordon Jr . In July 2013 , Kimber led a coalition of religious and social groups in a " Justice for Trayvon " vigil to press the federal government to investigate civil rights charges against George Zimmerman . Kimber said , " How many more times do we have to rally around justice for our children ? How many more courts will free overzealous vigilantes who gun down unarmed American citizens and cry self-defense ? Black and Brown American teens should feel confident that the American justice system also works for them ; the Zimmerman acquittal tells them otherwise . " After the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting , Kimber led a prayer service with Al Sharpton for the victims and survivors of the mass shootings . “ We come here in solidarity with our brother and sister up the street to let you know your pain is our pain and your hurt is our hurt , ” said Kimber . On Sharpton 's national television news show later that evening , Kimber added that , " We come tonight to ask that communities all over this country , let ` s come together , stand together , and let ` s begin to work with Congress , Senate and let ` s make sure that our representatives understand what is happening within our communities . " In 2014 Kimber partnered with a local businessman to announce the launch of a $ 1 million loan program for urban churches . Additionally , he and the same businessman have been conducting job fairs in urban churches throughout Connecticut
Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting
Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting
Boise Kimber