Edward L. Palmer Sr.
Pastor| Mentor| Certified Diversity Trainer| Social Justice Advocate
The 2019-2021 National Chair of
The Coalition For Juvenile Justice
Certified John Maxwell Coach , Speaker, and Train
"This is by far the best program and the best speaker I’ve seen on bias. Very well done.”
Wes Shumate, Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys Executive Committee member
The Messenger leads with diversity and inclusion first. I strive to create a learning environment that addresses racial, ethnic, and equity disparities impacting disenfranchised populations. I achieve this through leadership development, non-discriminatory and inclusive engagement, and data driven approaches.
Meet The Messenger
Edward L. Palmer Sr.
Pastor, Certified Diversity Trainer, and Juvenile Justice Advocate
Pastor Edward L. Palmer Sr. is the visionary, senior pastor, and co-pastor with his wife Elizabeth (Angie) Palmer for The Sign of The Dove Church International located in Radcliff, Kentucky. He is a Certified Diversity Trainer and works to eliminate disproportionate minority contact within the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
In 2017, Pastor Palmer was the recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Award winner presented by Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin as well as the Courage for Kids Award present by Kentucky Youth Advocates. In May of 2019, he was awarded the Thurgood Marshall Social Justice Impact Award present by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Pastor is Chair of the State Inner-Agency Council’s Diversity Standing Committee and current immediate past Chair of the National Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ). He is a certified Racial and Ethnic Disparities Capstone Project Fellow through the Center for Juvenile Justice Reform at Georgetown University. In the Spring 2021 Juvenile Justice Update, Pastor Palmer co-authored the article “Don’t Hate the Player, Hate the Game: The Importance of Systemic Change to Address Racial and Ethnic Disparities.”
Pastor has served the citizens of his city for five terms as a Radcliff City councilman and is currently serving as a Certified Police Chaplin. He has shared his passion for racial equality from Washington State to Washington D.C., to Princeton University, and many other locations across the nation. His implicit bias training is current involved in a process of evaluation with John Hopkins University. Pastor Palmer operates with undeniable vision and unyielding passion for the purposeful course on which God has set him, running his race with patience, diligence, vigilance, and effectiveness.
Our Training Model & Evaluation
CLIENTS
Kentucky Court of Justice Programs
Tennessee Department of Children's Services
The National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence (NCADD) of Central MS.
Lowes Company Incorporated
JC Penney Company Incporated
Virginia State University
The Kentucky National Guard
The National Criminal Justice Association
The National Association of Trial Lawyers
The Texas Homeless Project
The National Council for State Legislators
The Kentucky Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
Testimonials
“On behalf of the entire Kentucky National Guard, I would like to thank you for the fantastic training you provided to our team of equal opportunity professionals and senior leaders. Becoming aware of our biases and understanding cultural differences that impact our effectiveness as a military force are critical for leaders at all levels. Your teaching approach allowed many who were skeptical to accept new ideas and challenge their world view. As we address the issues of race and bias in our Nation, you provided relevant and timely knowledge on the issues of the day that we can translate into practical policy changes and new ways to lead that will make our organization more equitable and inclusive. Additionally, the training has inspired us to build implicit bias and cultural awareness training into the very fabric of our professional military education. We look forward to working with you in the future as we formulate our strategic plan to address diversity and inclusion throughout the Kentucky National Guard. Again, thank you for equipping our leaders with tools necessary to ensure that we represent the best of America!
Charles M. Walker, Brig Gen, KYNG
Chief of Staff – Air
“As a certified diversity trainer, Pastor Palmer has mobilized his leadership and expertise to engage my statewide staff in an often-controversial conversation around dis-proportionality and disparity with an overarching goal of providing equitable outcomes for all youth. His strategic approach has mobilized our efforts to challenge the status quo by assessing and improving various agency policies and procedures; addressing barriers as well as strengths; and, leading systemic improvements to ensure equitable outcomes for youth of color. He has provided this guidance through training, data analysis, strategic planning, and technical assistance. This work has also required him to work collaboratively with legislators, judges, advocates, providers, and community partners to gain support for child-serving system improvements.”
Rachel Bingham
Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts
Department of Family and Juvenile Services
Executive Officer
"The Implicit Bias training was very beneficial. I know this statement is used more than it should be so let me explain. The training is done with information national, state and local data which provides the foundation for the discussion. Pastor Palmer then helps the group to begin discussing the possibility bias in a manner which is safe for all. He uses his personal experiences to help people open up. Even when challenges come up they are addressed in a safe and respectful manner. I have heard so much after the initial training here in Jefferson County. People are asking for the next phase of the training. "
Libby Mills
Restorative Justice Louisville
Executive Director