Jacksonville, Alabama --- After three years of radio broadcasting, news reporting and interviewing over 300 people on some of the biggest issues in the nation, Ed Moore III, who turns 22 in August, retired from his work at WLJS 91.9 FM in Jacksonville, Alabama on New Year's Day to pursue a more direct way of helping those in need --- civil and human rights.

The Justice & Civil Rights Initiative, founded by Moore in November, is based on the campus of Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville. As founder and current president of the group, it is only a start for the Birmingham native's foot stepping into a line of work historically marked by bravery, greatness and sacrifice.

His statement below:

"I am ready. I know that I am. I am ready because God told me that I was. My time at the station prepared me for this. What makes this special for me is that I know who I am coming behind --- Susan B. Anthony, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Eleanor Roosevelt, Ida B. Wells, Mahatma Gandhi --- I could go on forever. Even God wants us to be free. He sends human ambassadors to help fulfill that mission. When we are called, we must answer. I am happy to say that I have answered the call.

"I started this organization as a need to help those whose rights have been trampled on by others, for whatever the reason. I see the intense level of hatred and corruption around me. I see the need for people to hold onto power at the terrible expense of others. We as a human race have to live in this world together and we must help one another. Unfortunately, our world has been scarred by horrific images revealing some of our darkest days, even right here in the United States of America. Then, like a bright light in the sky, a leader is sent to help paint a better and brighter picture for not only this country, but the entire globe. With goodness as the advocate, I hope to be that light.

"The Mission of the Justice and Civil Rights Initiative is to assist in the progression of civil, social and cultural understanding for all people, regardless of gender, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, nationality, age, sexual orientation or disability, while providing advocacy to address and investigate acts of civil or human wrongdoing, as well as any other form of inappropriate, potentially harmful, negligent or criminal behavior aimed at infringing upon the rights of an individual or individuals, while also serving as a liaison or representative, be it public or private, to those who are victims of civil or human wrongdoing.

"We hope to fulfill this mission whole heartedly. For anyone wishing to contact me, you may do so at (205)-230-6315 or by e-mail at jcripresident@gmail.com. Take care and God bless."

(C) 2014