As a pastor, educator, and proud member of the African American community, I approach public policy through both a moral lens and a deep sense of responsibility to those who are too often left behind.
In both the Black church and across the African diaspora, leadership has always carried a sacred expectation: to protect the people, to steward opportunity, and to ensure that progress does not come at the expense of the vulnerable. In many West African traditions, including among respected leaders such as the Obi of River State, leadership is not merely positional. It is relational, accountable, and rooted in the well-being of the community.
It is through that same lens that I reflect on current legislative discussions, including actions before the Governor and proposals impacting the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program.
The 340B program was originally established to provide critical support to safety-net providers serving low-income, rural, and underserved urban communities. At its core, it is about access. Access to affordable medications. Access to care. And ultimately, access to dignity.
Yet today, we must ask: are we still honoring that original purpose?
From my vantage point as both a faith leader and an educator, I have seen firsthand how fragile opportunity can be. For communities of color—particularly African American families—access to quality healthcare, education, and advancement is not guaranteed. It is hard-won.
And when policies shift in ways that unintentionally restrict access or weaken programs like 340B, it is often these same communities that feel the impact first and the deepest.
This is not simply a policy discussion. It is a moral one.
As the Governor considers the path forward, I urge thoughtful deliberation that keeps the most vulnerable at the center of decision-making. We must ensure that reforms strengthen—not erode—the ability of safety-net providers to serve those in need.
At the same time, this responsibility does not rest solely with government. It is a shared obligation. Organizations, institutions, and individuals who have the capacity to give, advocate, and invest must also step forward. Supporting disenfranchised families is not optional. It is part of the moral fabric of a just society.
Scripture reminds us: “To whom much is given, much is required.” (Luke 12:48)
We are required to get this right.
Let us move forward with intention, ensuring that any changes remain aligned with the original mission: to uplift those who need it most and to expand—not limit—the promise of opportunity.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paul A. Stoot Sr.
Senior Pastor, Greater Trinity Church
Founder & Head of School, Rise Up Academy
Dr. Paul A. Stoot Sr. is Founder and CEO of Rise Up Academy and Senior Pastor/Founder of Greater Trinity Church in Everet. Honored as the Lynnwood Times Person of the Year for 2024, he is recognized for his decades of faith-based community service and dedication to providing accessible, affordable, high-quality early childhood education to underserved communities, particularly low-income families in Snohomish County.
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Dr. Stoot served seven years in the U.S. Navy before relocating to Everett in 1990 as a Manufacturing Engineer for The Boeing Company. In 1999, he established Rise Up Academy, a preschool-to-kindergarten early learning center with after-school programs.
COMMENTARY DISCLAIMER: The views and comments expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Lynnwood Times nor any of its affiliates.
Author: Lynnwood Times Contributor
