Rev. Enoch Fuzz came from Memphis, Tenn. to Nashville in January of 1975 to attend the American Baptist Theological Seminary. After attending schools with all Whites or all Blacks, Enoch Fuzz learned that people were about the same. He always had a desire to improve better race relations and human relations. His migration led him to a greater opportunity to do just that. He was encouraged to meet and follow people who were just like Martin Luther King, Jr. He also joined the NAACP, and wholeheartedly participated. He wanted to be involved with anything promoting better race relations, whether it was NAACP study circles or ecumenical initiatives where all different denominational churches would come together. Fuzz diligently sought these types of opportunities.
Enoch Fuzz came to Nashville to study ministry but he also participated in social, political, religious and non-profit causes for communities of people—all people. He immediately became involved in organizations and attended a plethora of meetings to better race relations; minority economic development; voter registration; access to affordable healthcare; effective public schools; unity and cooperation between the churches of Nashville; environmental justice; youth development; advocacy for senior citizens; and organize safe neighborhoods. That names only some of the many important community concerns to which he lended his charismatic leadership and humble volunteerism.
In 1987, Rev. Fuzz was installed as the pastor of the Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church, where he currently remains and is committed to promoting diversity, understanding and unity among the people of Nashville. Rev. Enoch Fuzz is one of Nashville’s most recognized and visible clergymen through his long-time dedicated service to this community and to Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church—a “Church for all People,” a phrase coined by Rev. Fuzz.
His dedication to learning and teaching about the community and people was also helpful when he produced a radio show, Just Talkin’ which remained on the air for many years on WVOL AM147. The show extended his work as he interviewed news makers, professionals, experts and community leaders about community initiatives, events, news, and pertinent issues.
While working as servant/leader in civic and community organizations, including: the Middle Tennessee Boy Scouts of America (institutional representative); Race Relations Study Circles (chair/facilitator); the Interdenominational Ministers Fellowship (president/executive board member); the NAACP Nashville Branch (organizer/ chair of the NAACP Health Committee, chair, Civic Engagement Committee, Executive Committee member, first vice president); the Operation Andrew Group (founding board member); Tomorrow’s Hope and the Hadley Park Neighborhood Associations (organizing member); Minority Enterprise Development Week (steering committee); the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce (member); the Faith Family Medical Clinic (board member); Rev. M.L. King, Jr. Holiday Steering Committee (chair); Nashville’s Juneteenth Celebration (chair); Metro Nashville Public Schools Strategic Planning Facilitators Committee (Action Team facilitator); Nashville Prevention Partnership (treasurer); Have A Child for a Day, Inc. (advisor); community advisory board member at the Salvation Army, Metro General Hospital at Meharry; REACH 2010; Nashville Health Disparities Consortium; and the Preston Taylor Housing Development Hope VI Revitalization Grant.
Over the years, Fuzz has received such honors as: Quincy Jackson Leadership Award (Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators); Nashville Gold Record (Chamber of Commerce); Andrew Young Medal (Boy Scouts); Minority Business Advocate of the Year (MED Week); Changing Lives Award (Vanderbilt University); and numerous others.
As Rev. Fuzz continues in his journey with stage four lung cancer, he continues in all of the missions named above. During this journey, he is also constantly encouraging others and looking to reward the great works of others. It is with pride and honor that he is recognized during this special time: Black History Month.
Continue to pray for a complete healing for Rev. Fuzz. He continues to pray for each of you and “the whole wide world” as an important part of his journey. Also, check out his status on Facebook as he gives praise through words, songs and photos. You will be blessed. Thanks for reading and sharing ‘Cancer: My Journey in Time’ each week.
