September 2021 Edition of The Christian Recorder

SEPTEMBER 2021 $3.25

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VOLUME 170, NO. 12

SEPTEMBER 2021

B BULLOCK COUNTY AME CHURCHES AND COLLABORATORS MOVE THE NEEDLE ON COVID VACCINATIONS M

By Presiding Elder Letitia Williams Watford, 9th Episcopal District

By nine o’clock Saturday m morning, June 26, 2021, the Richard B Stone Complex on Highway 82, B. U Union Springs, AL, was a beehive o activity. A balloon arch was being of bll d The Th giant i assembled. waterslide was being inflated. Tents were pitched over much of the grassy knoll. The asphalt lot was filled with cars. A slew of volunteers were on hand to do all that was needed to ensure that the first ever Covid Vaccination Block Party in Bullock County was a success! The atmosphere literally crackled with excitement.

As the sounds of the jazz and gospel artists, the hip-hop, R&B and blues DJ, and the positivity rapper YB Chosen began to fill the air, the pop-up food court itself began to fill with the aroma of Philly cheesesteaks, a raging Cajun seafood boil, fish “samiches,” pulled pork, plus desserts of every description.

There was even a popsicle stand, set up by an enterprising eight-year-old. The nursing staff of Bullock County Hospital manned their “spin for an instant prize” station, while vendors artfully displayed their wares, as community stakeholders filled tables with informative news we all can use. In addition to the waterslide, face painting, a bounce house, and a magic show were all set to engage the youngest attendees. And that was only what was happening outdoors.

Indoors, the medical staff and its own team of volunteers were equally busy. They were setting up a highly efficient vaccination site, as per guidelines provided by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). The staff enthusiastically appeared on the scene, committed to “moving the needle” on the Covid vaccination rate in Bullock County—even though it meant a six-day work week for most of them. The cause was greater than their personal need for relaxation. ...continued on p5

ST. LUKE EAST ST. LOUIS GIVES 100 BIKES TO KIDS

1st Lady Tamika Mitchell with a bike recipient.

L-R: Rev. Damon Mitchell and WMS President Dr. Tiwana Simmons.

AME PASTOR STARTS NEW APPOINTMENT AT WESLEY THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

TURNER CHAPEL AME CHURCH RECOGNIZED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

(Washington, D.C.) July 1, 2021 – Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. is pleased to welcome the Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield, Ph.D. as its associate d dean for Community Life effective July 1, 2021.

“As Wesley stands on the verge of a return to c campus and physical community, I am very pleased w the ministry team who will be working together with t facilitate that communion as some return and to s some remain at a distance,” said Wesley President D David McAllister-Wilson. “These three colleagues w bring great energy to this vital work at the center will o Wesley.” of “I am delighted at the appointment ...continued on p4

A American i Riot… p3

A h A Arthur Ashe Versus the Confederacy…

p7

Research Shows Black Churches’ Resilience… p10

In response to the inactivity a isolation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and S Luke pastor, the Rev. Damon Mitchell, and East St. S Louis mayor, Robert Eastern III, partnered to St. c create an event that would help local youth to get o outside.

The Rev. Mitchell said, “Our kids have b been stuck in the house for a year. We wanted to do something that addressed both mental a physical health.” The event was covered by and lo news outlets. All of the bikes were donated local b Mayor Eastern, St. Luke members, and their by fr friends and families. Several people donated to th effort to ensure we met the 100 bike goal. this This is not the first time the Rev. Mitchell and St. Luke have done large ...continued on p3

The following is the extension of remarks delivered

by Congressman Bennie Thopmson (D, Miss.-4) on June 14, 2021.

On the Edge of Ignorance and Knowing: Black Preaching and the Black Church - Are We In Trouble… p14

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable c church, Turner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal C Church.

In 1890, Rev. C.E. Jones, four men and t two women decided that there should be an AME C Church in Greenwood, Mississippi. Led by the S Spirit of God, they began to worship under a brush h harbor somewhere in the vicinity of what is now the G Greenwood Post Office. During the next few years, t church began to increase in membership, and the t they decided that a building was needed. One of the m members came up with the idea of ...continued on p2

Commentary: Soul Cap Ban Another Blow for Racial Access, Acceptance in Swimming… p17

Do, or Do Not. There Is No Try. … p20

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...From Turner Chapel p1 utilizing a dwelling house which was eventually purchased. Rev. Jones and the members decided to name the

church Turner Chapel for Bishop Henry McNeil Turner, presiding prelate, who was elected and consecrated the fifteenth bishop of the Connectional AME Church.

There were many leaders of the church but possibly one of the most memorable was the Rev. D.L. Tucker. Under the Rev. D.L. Tucker’s administration, a new spirit seemed to have risen. Pews were purchased, and the pulpit was redesigned with divided chancellor rails. Many new members were added to Turner Chapel Church’s roll. The Rev. Tucker served as pastor during the height of the civil rights era. During his time as pastor, he became the first president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in the Mississippi Delta. He organized voter registration drives and often had rallies at Turner Chapel.

The Rev. Tucker was the first person in Leflore County, MS to pass the literacy test to vote. After that accomplishment, while he was marching with supporters, dogs were put on them by law enforcement to deter their desire to vote. The Rev. Tucker walks with a limp today because of that attack. This incident spurred the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to write President John Kennedy to send protection to Mississippi for blacks. As a comrade of Medgar Evers, the Rev. Tucker spoke with him before he was assassinated in Jackson, MS by Byron Dela Beckwith in 1963. Just as he was getting things together for the church and the citizens of Greenwood, he received a call in the middle of the night in which the voice on the other end said, “We just killed that N----Medgar Evers; you will be next.’’ His life was subsequently threatened. Due to death threats from the Ku Klux Klan, the AME Church moved him to a church in Bermuda. The Rev. Tucker returned to Mississippi in 2014 and is recognized in the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum for his contributions to the movement. Many of the future leaders of the church continued in the Rev. Tucker’s footsteps by being advocates for civil rights.

Turner Chapel is blessed to have Rev. Dr. Alice H. Crenshaw as their pastor. The visions she brought to the church are exceptional. The Rev. Crenshaw brought back life to the church because now they have Bible study once again and prayer meetings. She has gotten more members involved, especially men, with the business of the church. Three months after the Rev. Crenshaw’s arrival, the pandemic happened, and everything shut down. However, even the pandemic did not stop her from pastoring. She instilled in the members to continue having their regular programs, official board meetings, Bible study, even in the pandemic, over Zoom meetings. In April of 2020, she was able to get food distribution into the Greenwood community in which the church has drive-by pick-up of food boxes for those in need. In December 2020, she was able to get a contract with a vendor. Now Turner Chapel is one of the largest sites of food box distribution to area churches, the Greenwood community, throughout Leflore County and beyond. The Rev. Crenshaw’s vision includes helping the church get an adult daycare center, as well as acquiring the property adjacent to the church for an elderly independent group home.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Turner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church for its longevity and dedication to serving the community. ❏ ❏ ❏ THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER: The Christian Recorder (ISSN 1050-6039, USPS 16880) is the ofϐicial organ of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and a member of the Associated Church Press and the National Newspaper Publishers Association. Founded in 1852, it is printed monthly by the AMEC Sunday School Union, 1722 Scovel Street, Nashville, TN 37208. Periodicals Postage Paid at Nashville, TN. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Christian Recorder, 1722 Scovel Street, Nashville, TN 37208. Subscription price is $36 per year. Single issues are $3.25.

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AME CLERGYWOMAN APPOINTED TO ACADEMIC POST AT CARIBBEAN GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY It was a call she never expected. Dr Denise Braxtonbrown Smith, however, believes that vher appointment as interim academic dean at the Caribbean Graduate School of Theology (CGST) earlier this year, was divinely ordered by God. Smith, an educator, counselling psychologist, and director of The Counselling Centre at the CGST, admitted that her role is a massive and daunting undertaking but one she is determined to fulfill, in order to collaboratively advance the goals of the institution.

“I have never been so surprised in my academic career (appointment as academic dean). It is indeed an honor to ensure that the quality and integrity of all of the academic functions of the institution are met with the highest standards,” Smith shared.

Born and raised in Washington D.C, USA, she explained that the desire to be an educator was never an aspiration for her. Her passion was and still is mental health and wellbeing. There was a slight shift, however, after reading several pieces of literature from one of her mentors, Franz Fanon. She was moved by his confidence and his ability to transform mindsets through education. Additionally, being raised during a time of heightened racism, poverty, political and economic unrest, Smith decided that education and her passion to see individuals emotionally healed, could be avenues through which she could contribute to the solution.

Her teaching journey in Jamaica began in 2017, when she came to the island on behalf of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. She served as the pastor for the Wright’s and Selby’s Temple African Methodist Episcopal churches. She was initially hired by the Jamaica Theological Seminary (JTS) in Kingston. During her tenure, Smith was approached by the CGST to conduct a class on Group Dynamics and Techniques in Psychotherapy. She never looked back.

Smith believes with the help of the Lord, a major accomplishment for her would be that the institution is known not just for academic excellence and rigor, but one that exemplifies care of the whole person.

It is also Smith’s hope that The Counselling Centre, which is owned by the CGST, will be an instrumental part of alleviating the emotional and mental burden that many

SEPTEMBER 2021

AMERICAN RIOT

By Rev. Dr. Alesia Ford-Burse, 11th Episcopal District

January 6, 2021 when it was Done, Loaded with Anger and Guns.

Attack on the Place of America’s PRIDE Police Running with no place to HIDE A day of Hate And SHAME With One Person’s Ego to BLAME Bitter Twisted lies deceit the CAUSE, Why Didn’t the Protecting Christians PAUSE? A Display of Fury and RAGE, Like animals that needed to be CAGED. Or someone recently emerging from a CAVE. Such a Disgrace of the American FLAG, For Which they Claim to Stand and BRAG To all Watching, on the ground they DRAGGED. And treated it like a filthy RAG. The flag was used as a weapon to beat a COP. The image of this abuse was over the TOP. The assault on innocent people with the intent to KILL, Let’s us know that their brains were definitely ILL. Woman shot and police dead gave the World an unfathomable CHILL. A rope and a noose for Pence to HANG, This was far worse than any GANG. America’s Riot, Not us, This Can’t BE, Uncovering the Real United States is KEY. Our Spirits were HUSHED, As we Saw the Police Officer CRUSHED. The Look on his face with the horrific PAIN, Let’s us know the rioters should be in CHAINS. An attempted Coup D’ ÉTAT, What happens when a weak mind gets caught up in HOOPLA. The real deeper message in America’s RIOT, It’s not that people are expected to be QUIET or whole.

It’s a matter of people selling their SOULS. Trading themselves by the HOUR. Just to remain in POWER. America’s Riot was a rude awakening to the degree of ignorance and PERSUASION, Plus supremacy totals the EQUATION. Some are Still numb and in SHOCK, WE MUST Address these problems now because the time is going TIC TOC. God is still showing us who is BOSS, This is what happens when WE TOSS, When we TOSS, When we TOSS the CROSS. ❏ ❏ ❏

Jamaicans encounter on a daily basis.

“I believe The Counselling Centre of CGST is in a position to increase community service and outreach by providing a 24-hour hotline service for those in need. In this so called ‘new normal’ way of living since the pandemic, psychologists, counselors, and health care professionals are the first line of defense against mental collapse.”

“Many persons are living day-to-day in a state of panic, anxiety, and fear. Others are distressed, depressed, and feel powerless in controlling the new lifestyle that has been

...From St. Luke p1

giveaways. Two years ago (pre-Covid), they gave away nearly 400 coats, hats, and scarves. Annually, they host a Christmas concert fundraiser for which all funds go to support scholarships. ❏ ❏ ❏ Bikes

thrust upon us. We have been trained for such a time as this,” she said.

It is also her desire to “leave behind strong foundations in organizational structure that operate in a smooth and consistent manner, regardless of whom is at the helm. These structures should be able to be continuously built upon to take the school to an even higher level of competence in quality education.”

Having a passion for holistic development, she shared that she is a health fanatic. As such she enjoys playing tennis, running, lifting weights, and anything to work up a good sweat.

Smith is clear, however, that all her achievements and accolades would not have been possible without the help of the Holy Spirit. As a result, she is intentional about remaining in the peace of God and living on purpose. ❏ ❏ ❏

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St. Luke AME Church volunteers

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SEPTEMBER 2021

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CELEBRATING HERITAGE: A REFLECTION ON CHARLOTTE MAXEKE

By Rev. Quinton Liebenberg, 15th Episcopal District

The celebration of heritage is and will always be part of our trajectory into the unknown future. Just as the Israelites celebrated th their heritage on special days, we too embrace and celebrate o our heritage, our customs, and values albeit in race, culture, o or creed. Religion has in many ways joined many cultures into a unanimous heritage-celebration. Thus the congregation of E Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church in Ceres Western C Cape South Africa, 15th District, under the pastoral assignment o the Rev. Quinton William Liebenberg, has planned a special of ce celebration of the iconic Charlotte Maxeke, the lady who th through her experience with African Methodism in the USA in introduced the church to the Ethiopian Movement in South Africa, and later resulted in the es establishment of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in South Africa.

In my experience as pastor for the past 20 years, many of the leaders in South Africa know h name but few really grasp the depth of her life and legacy. This year as the Governing her P Party in South Africa, The African National Congress reflects and celebrates Charlotte M Maxeke, as a female leader who played an indelible role in the establishment of the ANC W Women’s League, the Ebenezer family seizes this moment to educate ourselves with regards to this iconic leader.

To officially open the inquiry, a heritage lecture via Zoom is planned for 30th September 2 2021 at 18:00pm CAT, with the first woman in Africa to have won the coveted foreign jo journalist award from the National Association of Black Journalists in the USA, Mrs. Zubeida Ja Jaffer, as the presenter. She will extensively focus on her third book, Beauty of the Heart, the L and Legacy of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke. Amongst others this book tells the story of Life S South Africa’s first black female graduate who was a feisty leader at the turn of the century st stretching from 1871-1939. The year 2020 marked her 40th year in journalism. In March 2 2021, she and her daughter, Ruschka Jaffer, launched Number10Publishers, a company th through which Zubeida is further pursuing her commitment to having an independent vo and helping others find their own. voice I urge those who can to support this initiative by joining the Zoom session or by making a donation for the advancement of preserving our AME heritage or by purchasing the book.

M More details can be retrieved from contacting qwliebenberg@gmail.com or WhatsApp + +27727773779.

We have a responsibility to look back, act now, and look forward. History is p of who we are and what we have become. ❏ ❏ ❏ part

DON’T LET THEM DROWN YOU

By Byron L. Washington, Columnist

As we enter into the second half of the year it is a good time to do a quick evaluation.

Most people have started to return to a level of normal and Covid restrictions have been lifted or reduced in many areas. That being said, I want to encourage you to be cautious of continuing to try to pull people out of “pits” (issues, problems, situations, or circumstances) when they do not want to be pulled out.

As a dog that returneth to his vomit, So is a fool that repeateth his folly – Proverbs 26:11 There are people who have a predilection to stay in their pit, no matter what you do, or how you help them; they will make the decision to go back. (Note: I am not talking about people that are fighting big problems, addictions, etc., these are the people that have the ability to do right; yet they prefer to choose opposite.) Some people have spent the last six months dragging people around, and six months later, you are still at square one.

Carrying around dead weight is exhausting. If you have ever carried a child who has fallen asleep, they are extra heavy because they are not putting forth any effort, they are just placing all their weight on you. There are individuals we have been carrying along for the last six months and they are not putting forth any effort and it is draining us.

Consider this, a person who is drowning and a lifeguard has to save them. There is a

specific technique that the lifeguard must use to help the drowning person. If the lifeguard does not use the right technique, the person who is drowning could injure the lifeguard or worse drown the both of them. There are some people we have been trying to help that if we are not careful they will harm us as we attempt to help them.

When I say harm I am not thinking physical (though it could be), but more so derailing our potential or damaging our destiny.

Lastly, it is ok to rearrange your relationships. In the book Good to Great, Jim Collins uses the illustration of a bus and talks about getting people in the right seats on the bus in order to progress. Additionally, sometimes you have to put some people off the bus in order to go forward.

This is not for everyone, but we all should take a moment and do an inventory of the people we are surrounding ourselves with. We need to assess, are the people I am trying to help actually trying to do better, or are they dead weight? Sometimes it is not the devil slowing us down, it is all the people we are trying to carry. Think about it, pray about it, but just make sure they don’t drown you. ❏ ❏ ❏

...From AME Pastor Starts p1 of

black college (HBCU) in Columbia, SC. Dr. Sinkfield holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Ethical and Creative Leadership with a specialization in Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Union Institute and University), Master of Divinity (Vanderbilt Divinity School), and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing (Tennessee Technological

these said extraordinary individuals,” Academic Dean Phil WingeierRayo, Ph.D. “I welcome the Rev. Dr. Sinkfield as the associate dean for Community Life at Wesley and look forward to an able partner in the office of the dean. Dr. Sinkfield’s pastoral experience, academic training

and knowledge as a former dean of students will be a gift to our students and community.”

Dr. W. Antoni Sinkfield, a native of Nashville, TN, is an ordained itinerate elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) and has served as dean of students for Allen University, a historically

University). He has completed postgraduate work at United Theological Seminary; Oral Roberts University; and Asbury Theological Seminary as a Beeson Pastor Scholar where he engaged in intense immersion ministry experiences in Seoul, South Korea, Nairobi, Kenya, and the Masai Mara. Dr. Sinkfield ...continued on p15

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SEPTEMBER 2021

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the

fun, and entertainment were enjoyed by all. The prizes were claimed. Everyone

collaborative effort of the Black Belt Community Foundation, Bullock County

felt blessed to attend and participate. But, the most blessed of all was the one

AME churches*, ADPH, Mulberry Medical Associates, led by Drs. Jernigan and

winning the grand prize of $1000 on July 17, 2021, the day that most returned

Taylor, educational, political, and civic leaders, including the mayor of Union

for the second round of the vaccine.

...From Bullock County p1

This

Covid

Vaccination

Block

Party

was

Springs, the County commissioners, Supt. Christopher Blair, Letitia Williams

This community effort was widely reported—on the local iHeart Radio

Wayford, DDS, LLC, Hinson’s Warehouse, Carter Funeral Home, Bullock

affiliates, the TV evening news, as well as the WSFA, the “Made to Save,” and

County Hospital, and the Union Springs Herald. Together, these collaborators

the ADPH websites. It has been said that this Bullock County event has since

promised attendees food, fun, entertainment, and cash prizes, in return for

spawned vaccination events in other areas of the state. Hats off to all, in Bullock

showing up to receive the vaccine to help make our community safer for everyone!

County and beyond, who work to impact our community in such a positive

When the doors swung open at ten o’clock, attendees began to stream through.

manner! Many thanks are owed to the Black Belt Community Foundation,

They came from throughout Bullock County, and as far away as Montgomery,

whose generous grant to the Tuskegee District AME churches provided much of

Eufaula, and Phenix City, AL. The people were vaccinated! The promised food,

the funding for this event.

*Bullock County AME churches comprise nearly fifty percent of the Tuskegee District AME churches. Dr. Letitia Williams Watford is the Presiding Elder, Tuskegee District AME Church, Ninth Episcopal District, Bishop Harry L. Seawright, Presiding Prelate.

JESUS IS THE ANSWER PART 2

By Rev. Joseph Parker, 8th Episcopal District

Many people in the world are looking for something, and many if not most of them don’t even know what they are looking for. They are looking for meaning and fulfillment, and just can’t seem to find them. Many people look for these in all kinds of relationships. Some look for them through a bottle or through a needle. Some people look for fulfillment in thrills and excitement from things they pay to do or see. But time and time again, when these individuals make the step in their lives to receive Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of their lives, and are born again, something inside them cries out with all of it’s might, “That’s it! That’s it! Jesus Christ is what I’ve been looking for all the time!” If you find yourself as an individual today, who is searching for meaning, fulfillment, purpose, and direction in your life, and you’ve looked and looked, but just not found what you were looking for, look no further. Jesus Christ is the answer. Would you take the step in your life to receive him as Lord and Savior of your life today?

If you desire to make this step, and want to find the true meaning and the center of all of life,would you take time to talk to Jesus Christ now, and invite him to be the Lord and Savior of your life? If so, would you simply pray this prayer?

“Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. I confess that I have sinned, and I now repent of and turn away from all of my sins. Forgive me for the wrong I have done. I believe that you died on the cross to pay for my sins. And I believe that three days later, you rose up from the dead, so that I could be saved. Thank you, Lord, for loving me enough to die for me. Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Be the Lord and Savior of my life. Make me the person you want me to be.

In the Bible, you said that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Right now, Lord, I’m calling on your name. Lord, save me, and fill me with your Holy Spirit.

Thank you, Lord, for saving me. I now rejoice that I am a child of Almighty God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

If you took time to pray this prayer and received Christ as your Lord and Savior, would you let us know? We would really like to hear from you and would like to share some literature with you to help you in your new relationship with Christ.

Pastor Joseph Parker is the pastor of Bethlehem AME Church in Winona, Mississippi and author of - The Intercession Chronicles, a Christian novel and an evangelism and discipleship tool. Email him at jparker@afa.net.

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SEPTEMBER 2021

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THE CLOSET

By Ms. Sabrina Christian, 2nd Episcopal District

The “closet” is where we hide aspects of our lives that we feel are too shameful or disgusting to disclose—the closet houses what we want to conceal from the world. I have been hiding in my closet for over a decade. My closet holds my anxieties about the ravages of Vitiligo.

I remember that spring day in 2004 when I noticed that first tiny spot of discoloration on my right hand between the middle and ring fingers. I remember the fear that spread! I dreaded the inevitable progression of the disease; it has progressed.

There were bright spots. These usually came from children who innocently asked me what was wrong with my hands instead of staring. I would simply say that the brown was going away; they would acknowledge and move on. One child lovingly stroked my hand. Some adults would tell me that my Vitiligo was beautiful. Despite these bright spots, I lived in the closet. As the disease stole the brown pigment from my face, I covered it with brown foundation. For years, I have looked for the nonexistent perfect shade of foundation. I have blended creams with powders and powders with liquids trying to get that perfect brown. Nothing was exact, and I hid in my closet, allowing less than a handful of people to see me /au naturel/.

However, for my recent trip to Costa Rica, I flung open the closet. How could I go to a hot, humid climate where I knew I would sweat while trying not to wipe off my foundation? Or how could I carry makeup in my hiking backpack to touch up as we trekked? It was time to take off the mask. So, after much contemplation and prayer and tears, I did. I arrived at the airport without foundation—the first time I have ever stepped outside of my house without foundation in over a decade. I spent six glorious days in Costa Rica without makeup. As my return loomed, I worried not so much about the reaction of strangers but of those who knew the “brown” me. What look of horror would I see on their faces when I appeared without foundation?

I have kept two scriptures close to heart throughout this closet-opening journey: Genesis 1:27 and Psalm 139:13-14. These tell me that God wonderfully made me in God’s image. Each day, before I face the world, I remind myself that I am God’s creation with or without pigment. I also thank God for surrounding me with the right people who see me as a wonderfully made creation of God. My daughter has seen me through it all and prayed for my peace as I left for my trip.

My brother has supported me. My friends have bolstered me through the tears.

This is me—a child of God—fearfully and wonderfully made.

Ms. Sabrina Christian is a member of St. Paul AME Church in Newport News, Virginia.

TWEAKING OUR NARRATIVES TOWARDS HOPE AND HEALTH SELF-CARE: PHILIPPIANS 4:4-9

By Rev. Dr. Versey A. Williams, Contributing Writer

The lifting of Covid restrictions allowed my family to vacation and actually touch each other. To my knowledge, children, grands, cousins, and distant relatives have received their Covid vaccines. I received the Moderna vaccine. It was my shout-out to Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, the viral immunologist who was at the forefront of the development of the vaccine.

We learned physical distancing is no barrier to our values, assumptions, and hopes for a better future or a bleak outcome—as we thought. We were in the same house, in different rooms, and on individual cellphones.

There was a story breaking out of Boston, Massachusetts, about several men who were part of the Rise of the Moors culture. When we heard they had guns and were still alive, we—three generations—assumed they were white. Learning they were armed black men ...continued on p9

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JUST FOR A MOMENT: AND ARE WE YET ALIVE?

By Licentiate Tricia I. Thomas, Contributing Writer

Just for a moment, I would like for you to ponder with me the question: Are we yet alive?

Let us consider the earth around us: The cool breeze that gently persuades the grass to dance; the waters that ebb and flow; the sun that shines ever so brilliantly, providing not only light but hope with the dawning of each new day. As the hymn writer Carl Boberg in 1885 wrote, “When I, in awesome wonder, consider all…Thy hands have made,” I am reminded that it is only by the grace of God that I am living to see another day.

My sisters and brothers, today, we stand together in the middle of 2021, gazing at what appears to be the light at the end of the tunnel of a global pandemic that has attempted to turn our lives upside down. Yet as we adjust to a new normality, we are all tasked with the mission of kingdom building in innovative ways. This is our assignment. As such, we must pause to reflect on and redirect our focus. We must assess whom we aim to please. An old friend once said, “The quickest way to failure is trying to please everyone.” Likewise, in his letter to the churches of Galatia, Paul reminds us that “if [we are] trying to please people, [we are not being servants] of Christ” (Galatians 1:10 NRSV).

As humans, often, we lose sight of our purpose. We lose sight of our mission.

We lose sight of who we were called to be in Christ Jesus. But friends, I am so glad that we have the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us when we have fallen astray. As we work together to continue in love, building the kingdom of God, we must never forget that we live for God. These unprecedented times forced us to think outside of the building as although the physical doors of the church were closed, the spiritual gates of the church have always been open. As we prepare to return to the edifice of the church, I pray that we keep the same energy we had throughout the pandemic.

Isaiah 43:19 (NRSV) declares, “I am about to do a new thing.” I submit that the church today can be likened to the transformative metamorphosis of a butterfly. Bishop Richard Allen laid the foundation and metaphorical egg that birthed our great denomination, the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

We have fed for hundreds of years and expanded our ministries, and grown.

My sisters and brothers, I believe that this pandemic served as a chrysalis stage for us. We were shut up in our cocoons for over a year. Now, as we prepare for a great transition into butterflies, we must not lose focus as we work together to navigate the nuances of life after the pandemic. As we consider the world around us, we are reminded, yes, we are yet alive, and each day was prepared for and gifted to us by God. Philippians 1:21-22 (NRSV) states, “For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer.” The Message translation reads, “Life versus even more life! I can’t lose.” God has given each of us fruit—a gift. How will you use your gift once the physical doors open? We must be fruitful in the aftermath of the pandemic if we intend to continue our kingdom-building mission and serve the present age. Our work must be intentional and purposeful with our fruit. To be alive is to be aligned with and walking in the will of Jesus. And so, friends, my question to you is, for whom are you living?

Licentiate Tricia I. Thomas is currently a member of Saint Mark AME Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She serves as the local 2nd vice president for the Alice Petty Lawrence WMS at St. Mark and the District assistant recording secretary for the 2nd Episcopal District RAYAC. She currently attends Old Dominion University in pursuit of her Master of Arts in English Literature and Theory. Thomas is the founder and director of Teach One Reach One, a non-profit organization that aims to enlighten, empower, and enrich urban communities through seminars, scholarships, and success programs. She is the proud mother of Bella, who is the sunshine of her life.

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SEPTEMBER 2021

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ARTHUR ASHE VERSUS THE CONFEDERACY

By Robert P. Jones

LAST MONTH THE CITY OF RICHMOND REMOVED THE LAST CONFEDERATE MONUMENT STILL STANDING ON THE CITY’S MONUMENT AVENUE, THE MASSIVE TRIBUTE TO GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE. A 21-foot bronze sculpture mounted on a massive 40foot pedestal, it was primarily funded and conceived by the Ladies’ Lee Monument Committee, a predecessor to the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC), which has its headquarters in Richmond to this day. Its dedication on May 29, 1890, was accompanied by three days of events (including a choral performance by the Young Men’s Christian Association) that drew an estimated 100,000 people. Beside the statue, special stands were constructed to contain hundreds of white children wearing red, white, and blue who were arranged to create a living Confederate battle flag.

The title of the Richmond Times editorial that week captured how Richmond’s white residents understood the meaning of this new landmark: “Conquered Though Not Vanquished.” As historian Karen Cox summarized it, “This was not just a monument to the region’s most cherished hero; it was about the restoration of Confederate men’s honor.” It was also a declaration of a war on the terrain of culture and politics as Virginia, like many southern states, were throwing off the reforms of Reconstruction and setting up legal and cultural systems of segregation and the suppression of voting by African Americans.

The Lee monument was the down payment by the city’s white elite on a multi-decade effort to create the broad leafy outdoor corridor that would eventually be punctuated by five traffic circles, each containing a massive monument to the Confederacy. Between 1890 and 1930, the wealthier white population not only moved their homes but also rebuilt at least seven of their churches out along Monument Avenue in the shadow of these monuments.

The architectural interplay between monuments dedicated to the Confederacy and sanctuaries dedicated to God performatively expressed the motto emblazoned on the five-story column behind the statue of Jefferson Davis: “God will vindicate.”

Over the past few years, I’ve spent several weeks in Richmond, conducting research in the archives of the UDC for White Too Long and tracking the unfolding drama as the city and its churches are attempting to extricate

Monument to Arthur Monument to Arthur Ashe, Ashe, Jr., Monument Jr., Monument Avenue, Avenue, Richmond, Richmond, VA (rear view).

VA (front view).

July—the empty pedestals themselves from the Lost Cause narrative and create a new will stand as silent story that looks to the future, rather than the past. The indicting witnesses to the juxtapositions, and contradictions, can be jarring.

• When I first visited in July 2019, the city had just past valorization of white renamed one of its central streets—one that historically supremacy by a city’s white leaders and churches.

The monument to Arthur Ashe Jr. prominently fronted the national headquarters of the UDC along with “Battle Abbey,” originally built to hold Confederate reliquary and now the Virginia Museum of History and Culture—after native son and international tennis star Arthur Ashe, Jr. As a youth, Ashe had been banned from playing tennis on Richmond’s public courts because of his race. As an adult, he dedicated his life off the court to international civil rights work, philanthropy, and scholarship.

• That summer, the VMHC had hung large banners of Ashe outside the building, and there were images of him on large placards along the sidewalk.

Just 30 feet or so down the sidewalk in front of the UDC building, half a dozen pro-Confederate protesters had hoisted large Confederate battle flags on makeshift poles over placards that read, “Save our monuments.”

Monument to Robert E. Lee., Monument Avenue, • When the UDC archivist handed me Richmond, VA (after 2020 Black Lives Matter protests). her business card, it had already been updated to show their location on “Arthur Ashe Boulevard.”

Interestingly, this is not the first time that Richmond’s residents have called on Ashe to oppose Confederate forces in Richmond. In 1996, three years after his untimely death, the city placed a memorial to Ashe on Monument Avenue.

The twelve-foot-tall statue, sitting on a 21-foot pedestal, sits on a traffic circle just beyond the last of five Confederate monuments along the venue. About 500 people attended the unveiling of the monument, with some holding up Confederate flags in protest.

When I visited in 2019, I was struck by how diminutive Ashe seemed in the context of Monument Avenue. His likeness, anchoring one end of the avenue, was roughly half the size of the Lee, Davis, and Jackson monuments nearer the city center. But when I revisited Monument Avenue over this past summer, the statue of Ashe, with a book held high in his right hand and a tennis racket slightly lower in his left (a pose explicitly requested by Ashe himself to emphasize the importance of education) loomed larger.

Four of the five Confederate statues were removed by the city in response to the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020. The remaining statue of Lee currently stands, but is covered with graffiti that has transformed it into an internationally recognized site of performance art for racial justice. And with this new court decision, it too is slated for removal.

For the first time in 130 years, a trip down Richmond’s Monument Avenue will not entail an involuntary Lost Cause pilgrimage. Rather—and this is the surprisingly moving experience I had biking down that street this past

Example of churches surrounding traffic circle for Confederate monuments J.E.B. Stuart Monument pedestal (statue removed 2020), Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA. incorporates a biblical inscription on the front of its pedestal.

“Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).

I don’t know everything Ashe and his family had in mind with that selection, but today it seems fitting for the last man standing on Monument Avenue.

This column originally published on Robert P. Jones’s #WhiteTooLong weekly newsletter. Sign up to receive it directly at robertpjones.substack.com.

Robert P. Jones is the CEO and founder of Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) and the author of White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity, winner of a 2021 American Book Award.

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EXHALE - MEDITATIONS FOR HEALING THE HEART OF A WOMAN

By Rev. Dr. Maxine Thomas, Columnist

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32

NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH Did you know that Satan is the father of lies? Yes, and it is his job to deceive us, to confuse us, to utterly destroy us. The Bible says, Satan is roaming to and fro seeking whom he may devour. Satan is your enemy, and he wants to kill you. He wants to kill your hopes and dreams. He wants to break your spirit. He wants to do you in. Maybe “Shoe-Shine” told you that you cannot make it on your own.

And as ragged as he treats you, he has convinced you that nobody else wants you, that you’re no good, that you’re ugly as ugly is ugly.

And that you are nothing, nobody, and that he is the only one who will tolerate you. Maybe that’s not your story, but you know a sister who lives this day in and day out. db t busy b As women, sometimes we are afraid to trust other women. If the truth be told, some of us can’t really pray for our sisters in the Lord because we are too comparing and competing. We want God to bless our sister just as long as he blesses us first. But the devil is a liar! As women of God, we must learn how to celebrate our sister’s successes. When God blesses your sister, you ought to feel blessed! Not every sister wants your man, and not every brother is trying to get over on you or get in your pants. And that’s nothing but the truth!

My friend, the first place that Satan targets is our mind. For he knows that if he can get us to believe a lie, we will continue to live in the bondage of sin. Sis, you are not “only” human! That is a lie from the devil! You are a spirit, you live in a body, and you have the soul. Yes, in this flesh you’re going to stumble every now and then. But you are not only human.

Come on and say, I am a spirit! Since you are made in the image of divinity and immortality you don’t have to lay down and roll over in sin. Get up! Shake yourself! Now walk in the newness of life! Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world (I John 4:4)! Hallelujah! The Bible says, And ye shall know the truth. Beloved, God wants you to know the truth of his word. When is the last time you thought about giving up on life, of going back to your former way of life before you knew Christ? You don’t have to give up! You are on the winning team, and the battle has already been won! Act like you know that your big brother Jesus Christ whipped the devil over 2000 years ago! You don’t have to jump every time the devil says boo! He is a defeated foe. He is under your feet. In Christ Jesus, you are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37)!

If God be for you, who can be against you! You are healed by the blood of the lamb! Your sickness has been nailed to the cross of Christ! Hallelujah! When you know the truth, you won’t fall for a lie! You won’t pray foolish prayers asking God to give you somebody else’s husband, or asking God to do the supernatural when you have not done your part in participating in your healing! When you know the truth, you will pray until times get better! You will hold on and hold out! You’ll walk together, children, and not get weary! I know who I am. I am a blood washed, born again child of God! I’ve been baptized! I’m a new woman in Christ Jesus!

And I know my redeemer lives!

The Bible says, And the truth shall make you free! Because I know who I am, I am free to be all that God has called me to be! I’m free to live in the present and not in the past! I am free to speak words that heal and not hurt! I’m free to love and to be loved! Hallelujah! I am free!

EXHALE THIS IS THE SEASON FOR GOING DEEPER IN MY UNDERSTANDING OF GOD’S GOOD AND PERFECT WILL FOR MY LIFE. I EXHALE MISCONCEIVED NOTIONS AND PRETENSE AND I RECEIVE THE REVELATION KNOWLEDGE OF GOD. ✯ ✯ ✯

MRS. R.C. MOSUWE IS AWARDED WITH THE “PRESERVATION OF CHARLOTTE MAXEKE’S LEGACY AWARD” 150TH CELEBRATIONS – 2021 THE YEAR OF CHARLOTTE MAXEKE

By Rev. Gaborone P. Lesito, 19th Episcopal District Field Representative

Charlotte Makgomo Maxeke (nee Mannya) was a South African born in 1871.

Charlotte Maxeke was instrumental in bringing the African Methodist Episcopal Church to the southern part of Africa. She was the first black woman to graduate with a university degree in South Africa with a B.Sc. from Wilberforce University in Ohio in 1903. Her contribution in politics, education, church, and community is enough for the South African government to declare 2021 as ‘The year of Charlotte Maxeke,’ celebrating 150 years since her birth.

The Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute (CMMI) hosted the 4th Bring Her Up: Women of Firsts Awards Ceremony 27 August 2021, to honour women in various spheres who have demonstrated sheer determination and creativity in their lives and contribution in South Africa.

Mrs. Resoketswe C. Mosuwe, the 19th Episcopal District Women’s Missionary Society President, was awarded a prestigious award at this breakfast hosted by the CMMI in collaboration with the Department of Arts and Culture of the Republic of South Africa.

She was awarded, as an AME Church member, “The Preservation of the Charlotte

Maxeke Legacy Award” in recognition of her immense contribution to the efforts of reclaiming the heritage and role played by Charlotte Maxeke and the continued efforts of preserving and reclaiming the legacy of Charlotte Maxeke.

Her appointment as WMS president was made by Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr and Supervisor Patricia Russell McCloud, Esq. She continues to serve successfully under the leadershipp of Bishopp Ronnie E Brailsford, Jr. and a Supervisor Carolyn Brailsford.

In accepting the award, President R.C. Mosuwe, the youngest member of the WMS to be elected to the office y of o Episcopal District WMS president, recognized the support of the immediate past Episcopal leadership ssu and a current leadership of the 19th Episcopal District.

She S also went on to acknowledge the role and support of o the AME Church constituents and components, the th selfless and insurmountable support of the clergy.

The 19th Episcopal District has launched the c Charlotte Maxeke pin which commemorates her living legacy whose proceeds will help towards education and pastors’ needs especially during this pandemic. ❏ ❏ ❏

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SEPTEMBER 2021

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WHATEVER MY LOT

By Rev. Jarrett B. Washington, Columnist 10

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. – Philippians 4:10-12

11

I am at a point in my life where I have learned to be content in all things. The truth is, getting to this place has not been easy, but I declare it has been necessary for my spiritual growth and maturation. The very hurts, pains, rejections, and times of desperate need were the necessary preparation for the place I find myself. Yes, I have been afforded great privileges and extraordinary favor; however, I am keenly aware of the fact that every thing I’ve achieved, or I will ever attain, is because of the hand of God and not the decision of man/woman. One of life’s greatest lessons is that people will fail you. One day the hands of support will be nowhere to be found and you will be left with a decision. Do you go forward? Or do you fall back? My greatest hope and desire is that you push forward, realizing that whatever your lot, it remains well.

In reading Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi, the reader is exposed to a man of God who wanted to share with the church a guide to ordinary living. Sometimes we try to be so deep, so esoteric, and theologically eloquent that we miss the message in just living for Christ. Let’s call a thing-a-thing: sometimes the best thing you can do is simply live so God can use you, nothing more and certainly nothing less. In this letter Paul proclaims the victory every believer can have if they learn the appropriate response to their problems. The recurring theme of this text can be illustrated in two words, “joy” and “rejoicing” despite your circumstances.

The idea of remaining well is uplifted in Philippians 4. Paul explains to the reader how grateful he is for their concern, even when they have no ability to show it.

I am a strong believer that there are many somebodies concerned about me. Yet and still, even if I never hear it personally; or if I never get the text; or if the phone never rings; or the email never comes, I know someone had a concern. Furthermore, my ability to be content is shaped by my dependence on God. Whether wealthy or rich, destitute or in the overflow, I have learned how to be content because God is always there with me and for me. So today, whatever your lot is (or isn’t) be content. Rise above every circumstance, trick, and trial because whatever is happening around you does not determine what’s being birthed in you!

Have an amazing day. www.HOPEWELLAME.org ❏ ❏ ❏

“TIRED OF BEING SICK AND TIRED”

By Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr., Contributing Writer

These words are part of the legacy of Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer. As I was giving a lecture in my course Introduction to the Civil Rights Movement on Sister Hamer, these words jumped off my pages and it led me to our journey now in America.

We all should be “Tired of Being Sick and Tired.” We should be tired of two Americas, one for us and one for others in this country. As people of color, we have marched, prayed, suffered and died for justice and freedom in America.

Yet, we are still, “Tired of Being Sick and Tired.” We are tired of our sons being killed and being de-humanized. We are tired of our daughters being sold to the highest bidder on movies and videos. We are “Tired of Being Sick and Tired.”

We are tired of celebrating our sons and daughters on the athletic fields, but do not celebrate them on Wall Street or in the academy.

First, our existential pain of being tired is a systematic process of taking our humanity and attempting to destroy our existence. Our son had a wonderful basketball tournament while he was in high school; when I arrived after a church meeting his coach approached me with excitement, saying “your son was beast today.” I immediately corrected him, because he was attempting to de-humanize our son by labeling him as a beast. We all should be sick and tired of people attacking our right to be in God’s creation, and being a viable part of the creative process of the creator. The coach never called him a beast again.

Secondly, I am tired of being on display. I am tired of being in a fish bowl and we must continue to fight for our place and space in this society. We as people of

color must continue to fight for our rights and our space in God’s creation. Curtis Mayfield, “We who are darker than blue.” As people darker than blue we have always had to defend our position in this society. I am tired of being sick and tired, because God has given us our place and space. At creation God gave us our identity, our existential existence, our possibilities.

Lastly, I am sick and tired, but my weariness is not without hope. As a Christian believer and preacher, I must always remain hopeful. During the most difficult times in my journey I have stayed hopeful. Presently, I swim on a masters swimming team and the motto is “dig deeper.” As people of the African diaspora we must learn to dig deeper in our faith and our relationship with the creator.

The state of being sick and tired has caused me to take my own inward journey, as Thurman reminds us. The inward journey is the most important journey one can take. Each morning at least five days a week I take my own inward journey around 5:00 a.m. as I prepare to attend swimming practice. Even if my spirit is tired and sick of being tired, as I arrive to the aquatic facility, in darkness and quiet I see God in the waves in lane six, I see God as I prepare to execute another workout, even if I seem to be sick and tired. I am still hopeful, I am still faithful, I am still standing on God’s promises. ❏ ❏ ❏

...From Tweaking Our Narratives p6 and still alive, we cried relief. This experience reiterated that our narratives have a great bearing on our present and generations behind us. In my

head, I know many black people survive white authority but it’s overwhelming to see the huge racial disparity between white justice and black injustice. I get so angry that I feel hatred.

I also acknowledge that as a race of God’s precious people, we have much internalized the evil of systematic racism. I wish I could gather all of us and make it just, equitable, and healthy. In my city, the public school system refused to give students the option of hybrid school attendance. Coupled with racism and acknowledging variants, little guidance, absence from physical school, isolation from Covid, and music that glorifies drugs and violence, many of our babies—as well as their parents and caregivers—do not realize they are destroying our children rather than helping to develop healthy outcomes. We have seen an increase in black school-age youth killing each other in alarming numbers.

Words and stories matter. Some of us need to tweak our narratives to express our grief as well as the legacy of faith and hope that we do have in racist America. Most of us know as people of African descent that many people in our communities are in a constant state of lament and untreated clinical depression. Many have little time to debrief and exercise self-care. My family promised that our truth (Philippians 4:4-9) will not deny the pain of our present truth and celebrate God’s sovereign truth that is not threatened by racial injustice.

Acknowledging racial injustice, our words still matter and our energies must be tweaked to lean toward maintaining our hope.

To avoid burnout, we must embrace God’s peace. Peace comes through acknowledging that we can be angry and hopeful, grieving and joyous, and tired yet energized to do more for our communities. It is tempting to get sidetracked with the evil of systemic racism and frightening to be attacked by both some whites and others within our community. Let us give balanced narratives. With so much evil, people need our faith and reminder that God can be silent but not absent regarding racial injustice. ❏ ❏ ❏

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SEPTEMBER 2021

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ECUMENICALNEWS

RESEARCH SHOWS BLACK CHURCHES’ RESILIENCE

By Barbara Dunlap-Berg, UM News

In June 2021, Gammon Theological Seminary joined with five United Methodist organizations, seeking to hear the voices of black pastors and leaders who have faithfully led and served God’s people amid the unprecedented Covid-19 global health pandemic.

The goal was to amplify the progress and concerns of black United Methodist churches since the pandemic began.

Gammon is the only predominantly black United Methodist seminary of the 13 U.S. United Methodist theological schools. The Atlanta-based seminary developed and launched the 20-question survey in June, garnering an overwhelmingly positive completion rate from 619 respondents representing all five of the denomination’s U.S. jurisdictions.

“I was surprised by the number of responses we received so quickly,” said the Rev. Candace M. Lewis. “People wanted to speak and share their experiences.”

Lewis, the newly elected 17th president and dean of Gammon, started her Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News tenure on April 1. She is the first woman elected to this role in the school’s 138The Rev Rev. Paula Smith Sm (second from left) ssteadies teadies a cart while while volunteers volunte eers year history.

Tim Morgan (in green t-shirt) and Richard Wilson load box lunches for The other participating organizations in the survey included Black Methodists distribution at Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church in Nashville, for Church Renewal, Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century, Black Tenn. A new study by Gammon Theological Seminary explores the Clergywomen of The United Methodist Church, the Convocation for Black pandemic’s impact on black United Methodist churches and leaders.

Pastors in The UMC, and Discipleship Ministries.

Survey questions focused on the pandemic’s impact on immediate pivot that occurred,” she said. “The need training, upgrading skills of volunteers with technology, emotional well-being, church finances, average worship to adapt technically to this new reality and ministry and equipping clergy in innovative ministries.” attendance, launching virtual worship, and how the landscape is to be commended.”

The survey indicated that of the 38% of black United church remained in mission and ministry during and Since then, the percentage of black churches offering Methodist congregations not yet returning to offering inafter quarantine. digital or hybrid worship has increased to 98%, with such person worship, the top reason was concern for safety, Another goal was to discover the factors influencing the options as drive-in and stay-in-vehicle parking lot worship. especially among older adults. decision of black United Methodist congregations either Long-term sustainability of hybrid digital and in-person “This risk factor,” Lewis suggested, “is mitigated by to return to meeting in-person, to develop and maintain worship in smaller black United Methodist congregations developing a connected hybrid, virtual worship experience a hybrid in-person and online worship experience, or to is a major obstacle facing black clergy and laity, Lewis and creating additional opportunities for high-risk continue virtual worship services only. Finally, survey acknowledged. members to stay connected to the congregation.” developers wanted to assess respondents’ needs in “I fear many will rush back to an in-person, in-theShe shared the story of her 86-year-old mother. “She’s maintaining effective ministry. physical-building worship experience and ‘over spiritualize’ not comfortable returning to in-person services,” Lewis Lewis was amazed to learn that before shutdowns in the decision because it’s most familiar and too difficult said. “She’s enjoyed the Zoom services; yet, prior to the March 2020, 74% of black United Methodist congregations to ask for the resources needed to build a sustainable, pandemic, she’d never heard of Zoom. She said ‘the — accustomed to in-person worship in a physical building quality, hybrid worship experience,” she said. “Immediate pictures and sound aren’t always clear,’ which translates — lacked online, hybrid, or digital worship experiences. needs for many black United Methodist churches are to technical issues that could be improved with upgraded “This surprised me to grasp the disruption and (obtaining) resources to upgrade technology, recruiting, equipment and advanced training for ...continued on p11

REENGAGING THE VISION OF BLACK FREEDOM DURING BLACK AUGUST 2021

By Rev. Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith

The World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance was held in Durban, South Africa, from August 31, 2021, to September 7, 2021. The vision of the conference was the global engagement in a broad anti-racism agenda for the first time in the post-apartheid era. The conference’s objectives were (1) to produce a declaration that recognized the damage caused by past expressions of racism and that reflected a new global awareness of modern forms of racism and xenophobia, (2) to agree on a strong practical program of action, and (3) to forge an alliance between governments and civil society that would carry the fight against racism forward. This conference produced the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, which eventually led to the International Decade in Solidarity with People of African Descent, adopted by the United Nations in 2013 for 2015-2024.

During Black August 2021, we commemorate the 20th anniversary of that historic global conference and continue the decade of solidarity that arose from it. We also advocate for a permanent Forum on People of African descent, which the UN General Assembly mandated in 2014 but has not yet been established. This season brings another opportunity to embrace the sacred value of freedom—including freedom from racism, hunger, mass incarceration, and over-policing. It is an opportunity to recognize, yet again, the disproportionate prevalence of poor maternal and child health and nutrition in PanAfrican communities in the United States and around the world. This moment invites all people to join in solidarity for black freedoms and black liberation from the damaging legacy of racism. And this moment invites all people to remember the ancestors who advocated for freedom and liberation, This month, we are mindful of the loss of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, and we

remember the enslaved people of African descent in Haiti who resisted their enslavement and led the freedom struggle. From 1791 to 1804, the Haitian Revolution established the second modern independent nation in the Americas—although the United States would not officially recognize Haitian independence until 1862, just before the Emancipation Proclamation.

Bread for the World is an advocate for black freedom from hunger, past, and present. The Decade in Solidarity with People of African Descent helps inform how we engage policies and structures to address racism and related issues, domestically and globally, by recognizing African peoples. Bread for the World invites you to join us in advocating for policies and practices that address black freedoms.

These policies include equitable U.S. agriculture and trade policy, climate change policies, international food aid, foreign assistance, criminal justice reform, maternal and child health legislation, and racial equity for and with black farmers.

To learn more about current issues and actions, visit Bread’s “Policy Change” webpage.

To fire up your advocacy spirit, visit our virtual Advocacy Summit 2021 webpage.

Reprint from The Indianapolis Recorder (12 August 2021) Spiritual Outlook: Reengaging the Vision of Black Freedom During Black August 2021: https://indianapolisrecorder.com/spiritual-outlookreengaging-the-vision-of-black-freedom-during-black-august-2021/. Bread for the World (2 August 2021) https://www.bread.org/blog/reengaging-vision-black-freedom-during-black-august-2021

Angelique Walker-Smith is senior associate for Pan African and Orthodox Church Engagement at Bread for the World.

...From Research Shows p10

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the pastor and volunteers.”

The report also stated that black United Methodist congregations’ greatest need is for resources to help with digital discipleship as well as youth and children’s ministry.

Lewis expressed excitement that Gammon can now “amplify” and quantify such needs.

“Based on this new data,” she said, “we can assist Cokesbury, Discipleship Ministries, and other United Methodist general agencies with focus groups to help them respond to this dire need for contextual, digital discipleship resources for children and youth in our black congregations.”

Sixty-two percent of the respondents said their congregations The Rev. Candace M. Lewis. have returned to offering some form of in-person worship experience. However, the increase in positive Covid-19 cases, along with the emergence of Delta and other variants, present new challenges.

“The need for investing resources in higher-quality digital and virtual ministries is now greater than ever,” Lewis said. “We must continue to equip our black clergy leaders to continue to be innovative in ministry and give them ‘permission’ not to quickly return to business as usual just because it’s the most familiar.”

One survey participant was the Rev. Rodney Thomas Smothers, lead pastor of Grace United Methodist Church in Fort Washington, Maryland. The 350-member church is part of the Baltimore-Washington Conference and has an average worship attendance of 275.

“Before the pandemic,” Smothers recalled, “in-person worship was recorded for later rebroadcast on YouTube. During the pandemic, the in-person option was eliminated, and worship services were prerecorded for broadcast on Sunday.”

The survey showed that one factor influencing the return of black United Methodist congregations to in-person worship is an actively engaged re-entry team that works with the pastor to assess contextually Covid-19 infection rates and the overall welfare of the congregation.

“The re-entry team at Grace,” Smothers said, “plays a vital role: preparing protocols, procedures, and policies, as well as staffing points of entry, ensuring compliance with policies and monitoring emerging local, state and federal guidelines.”

Lewis said such re-entry teams could help a church determine local missional and ministry needs.

The teams “help the church continue being ‘salt and light’ in their local community,” she said. “If this team focuses only on worship re-entry, the congregation misses an opportunity to be outwardly focused with the community in which the church is located.”

Despite the difficulties of the pandemic, giving in most black United Methodist congregations has increased or remained steady. About 31% indicated that offerings had declined. Lewis is encouraged by this for black, as well as other faithful United Methodists.

“I don’t think the financial stability is unique to the black congregations,” she pointed out. “I think the generosity we’ve seen is a response to the faithfulness of God to God’s people throughout this unprecedented season of ministry. I think, overall, the expenses of congregations have been lowered since they are not meeting in person in the physical building.”

Lewis appreciates the courage of black clergy and laity to admit the pandemic’s impact on their emotional health. “This reality should be amplified, taken seriously, and examined further,” she said. “We have the ability to ask more questions in response to this insight and discover what resources are needed to respond.

“The reality is that over 74% of the black United Methodist congregations were under 100 in pre-pandemic average worship attendance. This season has been especially taxing on their appointed pastors as there probably wasn’t support or coverage to take time off in ways pastors of larger congregations are able to do, simply because they have more resources.”

Smothers understands severe personal stress. “I was appointed to this church during the pandemic,” he said. “Sept. 12 will be the first time I have worshipped face-to-face with my congregation since becoming their pastor in July of last year. The laity have also experienced extreme stress because all of their in-person ministry activities have been changed due to the pandemic.”

Many Grace members are older adults, Smothers said. “In-person fellowship was at the heart of the vital life of this ministry,” he noted. “Although we have met on Zoom and conference calls, it’s not the same. Black churches that are traditionally ‘hightouch’ have to learn how to also be high-tech in the current environment.”

Smothers is hopeful about the future.

“Blessings have been found in the new ways that our folk have learned to effectively use technology for church school, meetings, ministry, fellowship, and ...continued on p15 ECUMENICALNEWS

Photo courtesy of Gammon Theological Seminary.

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GINA STEWART BECOMES FIRST WOMAN ELECTED TO LEAD U.S. BLACK BAPTIST ORGANIZATION

By Adelle Banks, Religion News Service

In a pathbreaking decision, the Rev. Gina Stewart has been elected as the first woman president of the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Society, marking the first time a female has been chosen for the highest post of a black Baptist organization.

Stewart, the senior pastor of Christ Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, has previously served in vice presidential roles of the missions organization for six years, three as second vice president and three as first vice president.

She was elected Aug. 12 to a three-year term as president, succeeding the Rev. Gregory Jackson to lead the society, which dates to 1897. The organization is named after the Rev. Lott Carey, a formerly enslaved African American man who purchased his freedom and established the first Baptist mission work in Liberia in 1822.

“I’m honored, first of all, for the privilege to lead and to serve,” Stewart told Religion News Service in an interview on Monday (Aug. 16). “I think it’s significant that this organization, that is Baptist by heritage but ecumenical in its practice and its commitment, is taking the step, a courageous step, to elect a woman to serve in a titular leadership position.”

She said she was not aware of any other woman who had been chosen for a similar top position in black Baptist circles, though women have served as presidents on state and regional levels.

“I don’t think that there’s any national organization that has a female serving in a senior leadership role as president,” said Stewart.

“I believe Lott Carey is the first.”

Stewart said she and her church have worked for two decades with Lott Carey, an ecumenical organization with Black Baptist roots that partners with about 2,000 congregations, the Red Cross, and other groups to meet needs in some 20 countries.

Among its causes are fighting hunger, addressing HIV/AIDS, and seeking to reduce human trafficking.

Stewart plans to hit the ground running, as she has already met with other leaders of her organization about how to assist Haiti as it begins to recover from a massive earthquake that has killed more than 1,200 people. They are planning to start raising an initial $50,000 this week to help meet immediate needs, including purchasing medical supplies and food.

“Lott Carey already has partners in Haiti,” she said. “Because we already have the infrastructure, it’s a lot easier for us to make some significant moves in terms of supporting them in this crisis.”

In addition to her roles as a pastor and a new organization president, Stewart, 61, is the author of the book, We’ve Got Next: HERstory in HIStory.

The Rev. Cheryl Townsend Gilkes, professor of African American studies and sociology at Colby College, called Stewart’s rise in the ranks of Lott Carey “absolutely historic” and a “really big” development about the role of African American female religious leaders.

“The presidency of Lott Carey is historic AND it represents the reaching of very high ground in the struggle for equity, justice, and inclusion for Baptist women,” she said in an email message.

Anthea Butler, professor of religion at the University of Pennsylvania, said this marks a shift for black Baptists, who often have not supported female leaders.

“I think it is significant, important, and past time for a woman to be in leadership in black Baptist circles, missions or otherwise,” she said in an email message. “Women are the fundraisers and foundation of the church.”

The Rev. Emmett Dunn, Lott Carey’s executive secretary-treasurer, welcomed the new role Stewart will have in the organization.

“Dr. Stewart is very strong in the area of advocacy, in the area of social justice and gender equality,” he said in an interview. “She desires for the Christian communion to be respectful of all people, whether you’re black or white or male or female. and so she brings that passion to the presidency of Lott Carey.”

In response to a tweet by the Lott Carey organization calling her “the first female president of a national African American Baptist organization,” Stewart tweeted “#HonoredToServe To God Be The Glory! The ‘wind’ blows where it will.” ❏ ❏ ❏

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BLACK CHURCHES AND THE NEW CIVIL RIGHTS ISSUE: BROADBAND

By Quardricos Bernard Driskell, Columnist

The global health pandemic, Covid-19, has taught Black Church leaders to be more aware of their parishioners’ need for the internet, also known as broadband. This need moves beyond using the internet for televangelism and saving souls to bridging the digital divide while helping to provide digital literacy training for black congregants.

High-speed internet empowers African Americans to become more engaged and economically mobile in new tech and automated economies. Automation (e.g., computers doing human jobs) will contribute billions of dollars to the United States economy while contributing to forty-five million Americans—one-quarter of the workforce—losing their jobs to automation by 2030. Furthermore, technology has revolutionized the way church services are delivered. Many churches stream their services through social media channels like Facebook and Tic Tok and collect tithes through online giving platforms like Givelify and Kindful. These trends have even prompted Facebook to formalize its partnerships with faith-based groups and churches like Hillsong Church across the U.S. Proctor Conference, The Balm in Though internet access enables creation, decrease healthcare costs, disadvantage in the academic arena Gilead, The Fellowship of Affirming rural and urban black communities reduce miles driven and fossil fuels and the increasingly competitive labor Ministries, Values Partnership, and to develop, attract, retain, and consumed, expand consumer choice, market.

Black Church PAC. In addition, expand job-creating institutions and and improve competition. It is time As such, possessing digital literacy notable Black Church leaders like AME enterprises, the digital divide is real, for the Biden Administration and skills is necessary for professional member the Rev. Dr. Renita Weems are with too many low-income black and Congress to provide a long-term advancement and personal prosperity, vital leaders in this campaign who also brown communities left without highbroadband subsidy to ensure that and black churches can help lead and penned a letter, with 407 signatures speed broadband. It is estimated that low-income communities are not left grow this movement.

This is why Multicultural, Media, from Black Church leaders across the only 71% of black people have access behind and have the ample resources Telecom, and Internet Council U.S. to Vice President Kamala Harris, to the internet. We have witnessed they need to take full advantage of (MMTC), a nonprofit organization calling for support of a permanent how this gap in the digital divide the available opportunities on the dedicated to promoting equal access and internet affordability subsidy wrapped has impeded critical high-priority internet. diverse representation in technology, in the pending infrastructure bill that activities vital for our social welfare, For if black churches lead, then media, and telecommunications has recently passed the Senate and will like looking up voting information by-in-large, the black community through opportunity building, and be passed by the House to be signed online or making an appointment succeeds. advocacy, has been instrumental in into law. to receive a Covid-19 vaccination. In Important links: Dr. Fallon Wilson, vice president of educating, informing, and galvanizing addition, during this period of virtual https://www.

MMTC, states, “Black churches have Black Church leaders about the need schooling, it is estimated that fifteen blackchurches4broadband.org always been at the center of educating for broadband internet, internet million students were missing from The FCC’s Emergency Broadband and empowering black communities assistance programs, encouraging school. These often black and brown Benefit (EBB) program provides on a host of issues from voting rights unconnected households to get online, students lacked the proper tools and discounts for #broadband service to criminal justice issues. So now, it and advocating the U.S. government accessibility to navigate this mode of and devices to families struggling to seems natural for them to lead the for a permanent broadband subsidy to instruction, placing them at risk for stay connected during the #Covid-19 way in getting black communities advance digital equity. entering a cycle of unequal treatment pandemic. Get more information: Black Churches for Broadband is connected to the internet and as they enter the workforce or pursue www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit. powered by MMTC, but led by national adopting it.” higher education. Those who do not black organizations-The Samuel Dewitt Black communities facilitate job have access to the internet are at a Quardricos Bernard Driskell is a federal lobbyist, pastor of the Historic Beulah Baptist Church, and an adjunct professor of legislative politics at The George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. Follow him on Twitter @q_driskell4.

STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS FOR CLERGY & RELIGIOUS WORKERS

By Cynthia Gordon-Floyd, CPA, Contributing Writer

Effective July 1, 2021, clergy and religious workers may now qualify for student loan forgiveness under new regulations governing the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). Started in 2007, this program forgives a borrower’s remaining balance on subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Loans. The program requires applicants to perform qualifying work for a qualifying employer in order to apply for loan forgiveness.

Since inception, non-profits were included but churches and other houses of worship were specifically excluded from the program. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision found that churches and religious organizations could not be excluded from public benefit programs. The new regulations have expanded qualifying employers to include religious instruction, worship services, or any form of proselytizing as part of the job responsibilities to meet the full-time employment requirement.

The new changes to this program appear to be good news for many clergy and other religious employees who are saddled with student loan debt. Unfortunately, there are still several concerns with this program: (1) The program currently has substantial backlogs and low approval rates.

(2) This program may end at any time, and there is no guarantee it will continue in the future.

(3) Only Federal Direct Loans (William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans) qualify.

(4) A borrower must work thirty hours or more each week in a qualified job at a qualifying employer.

(5) Student loans from private lenders do not qualify.

(6) The borrower must have made 120 qualifying monthly payments (10 years) since October 1, 2007, each month under a qualifying repayment plan, with no late payments, and these payments must have been made while working for the qualifying employer.

(7) Payments made during an “in-school status” period or deferment period do not qualify as a qualifying monthly payment.

While there are quite a few rules to qualify and some uncertainty, please take the time to review this expanded program if you believe this may be a benefit to you.

You can find more details at the U.S. Department of Education’s website - https:// studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.

Cynthia Gordon-Floyd is a certified public accountant and founder of Willing Steward Ministries, LLC. Willing Steward Ministries (www.willingsteward.com) is a financial consulting and accounting firm for churches and other faith-based non-profits, specializing in Bible-focused financial practices, pastoral compensation issues, IRS compliance, and other financial needs specific to churches. Cynthia is a graduate of Lake Forest College and holds her MBA in Accounting from DePaul University. She is a steward and the financial secretary at the First AME Church of Manassas in Manassas, Virginia.

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THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT

By Rev. Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr., Senior Columnist

Based on Biblical Text: Romans 10:8: The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach.

I would like to use this text to take a close look at our faith. Let’s focus on the faith Paul says we ought to preach. Let us consider the faith that should be in our mouth, and in our heart, where it comes from and how it gets deposited into our spirit.

Faith is God’s provision for us made available by l off the h spirit i i to his mercy and his grace. It is drawn from the unseen realm this natural earthly realm. The amount of faith we take out of the storehouse depends exclusively on how much we hope for. The Bible reminds us that, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for” (Hebrews 11:1).

It may be a little difficult for some folk to understand just how God’s storehouse of faith could be full of everything we need. When we try to comprehend God’s provision, our programmed minds quickly turn to the material things of life. This is true most times because we think of God’s provision as tangible sustenance.

Sustenance for the most part we think is bread, water, shelter, finances, and other material comforts. However, God’s storehouse does not operate quite like that. The faith plan operates more like, when we desire food and shelter, God provides opportunity. When our desire is healing, God provides strength.

Hearing deposits faith into our spirit. Our hearing is God’s transport system.

The Bible says, “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). The truth of the matter is, no one can build a faith foundation without first hearing the word of God. Yes, the God who can do anything could have chosen other ways to send his word to us. However, he wanted us to be more than mere puppets without choice. Thus, God requires us to hear his word and make a personal decision. The grand design of salvation simply says, if we hear the word and confess that Christ is our savior, and we believe in our heart that Christ was raised from the dead, we shall be saved. The formula for salvation simply requires that we hear and then believe.

I believe the difficulty for some folk to truly grasp the real meaning of the word lies in its simplicity. It may sound oversimplified; however, the reality of our relationship with God is that we merely have to hear and accept God’s deposit of faith in our spirit. There is no need for us to prove our value to God. The truth is God wants us, sins and all.

So, faith is God’s provision for us, and our hearing is God’s transport system.

Then there needs to be a storage place for all that we hear. That storage place is our heart. It is the place where faith is stored. The Bible says, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness.” Our heart holds all the deposited promises of God, waiting for us to make a withdrawal. To withdraw we need but to speak the word of faith.

Seasoned Christians make small faith withdrawals from the heart all day long without hesitation. In many little ways, we allow God’s provision of faith to take up residence in our hearts. But that heart storage is not just for the little things.

It’s for the big things also.

The faith stored in our heart is good for a withdrawal when our back is up against the wall and we don’t know which way to turn. The faith stored in our heart is good for a withdrawal when we can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel and when we have been kicked, ruined, weakened, or shackled by circumstance beyond our control.

When Satan has kicked us, we can make a faith withdrawal, and God will lift us up. When we have been blindsided with sin, we can make a faith withdrawal, and God will forgive us.

The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr., is the pastor of James Chapel AME Church in Charleston, SC.

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ST. JOHN AME MEMBERS “WALK MS”

By Ms. Patricia Grier, 9th Episcopal District

The ‘MS PAC (Praying for A Cure)’ Team participated in the virtual ‘Walk MS’ event for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) here in Huntsville the weekend of April 24th. For the 32nd year the team had the opportunity to participate in this worthwhile MS fundraising activity.

MS is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the Central Nervous System (CNS). Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs or frequent fatigue; or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision.

The progression, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from person to person. A significant portion of the funds raised from the ‘Walk MS’ events go toward the research for new MS treatments and for support of services for MS patients. Hopefully one day soon a cure for MS will be found. That is why, ‘To End MS, We Walk MS.’ The ‘MS PAC (Praying for A Cure)’ team would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of you for your generous contributions and support of this annual team activity and fundraiser. The team members participating this year were: Agnes Gilmore, Pat Grier (team captain), Kenneth Parham, Lorraine Parham, and Lillie Rivers. ❏ ❏ ❏

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

By George Pratt, Contributing Writer

In a 1989 TV broadcasted panel discussion entitled “What’s in a Name?,” moderated by journalist Charlayne Hunter-Gault, four panelists debated using the terms black or African American.

The panel featured scholar-activist Ramona Edelin, businessman J. Bruce Llewellyn, revolutionary PanAfricanist Kwame Ture (Stokely Carmichael), and journalist and cultural critic Leon Wynter.

In Kwame Ture’s argument for the use of African, he explained that Africans were brought to America as chattel under the system of capitalism. He noted that one of the first political organizations to fight against internal colonialism was the Free African Society (FAS). Additionally, he cited that the first autonomous organization for Africans in America was the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church.

When considering the origins of the AME Church, it is essential to underline that the liberationist work done by the FAS was in the form of mutual aid, a type of communal work fueled by political action in which there is a voluntary and reciprocal exchange of resources and services for collective gain. This method of reciprocity for the mutual benefit of community was not an invention of the free Africans who founded the FAS and subsequently the AME Church, but native to their African homeland and indigenous communities worldwide.

The freedom work done by Richard and Sarah Allen and the other founders of the AME Church were also rooted in resistance. Bishop Allen preached abolition and encouraged his fellow Africans to assist their enslaved siblings directly. The Mother Bethel Church assisted and housed Africans who escaped enslavement and exploitation, as was the practice of many AME churches during the early and middle years of the African struggle against American capitalism.

The present reality is that the masses of African people in ...continued on p15

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KRISTY SINKFIELD NAMED ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION Kristy Sinkfield, M.Ed., director of Strategy Development for the Office of Strategy and Innovation, and a 17-year veteran of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, has been named associate vice president for Diversity and Inclusion for the Office of Diversity Affairs.

Sinkfield will advance efforts to increase the diversity of VUMC staff and promote a climate of inclusivity and belonging. She will report to Consuelo Wilkins, M.D., MSCI, the senior vice president and senior associate dean for Health Equity and Inclusive Excellence.

Sinkfield’s connection to Vanderbilt began in the late 1970s through her mother, Kathryn Roberson Russell, who was a vascular technician in Radiology for 23 years. Today, Sinkfield works to advance racial equity where her mother was never promoted despite expertise and years of service.

In the late 1980s Sinkfield was a trainer in the VUMC Department of Information Management and taught physicians to use the order entry system. She worked in Ohio with a court appointed mediator in a desegregation case against the Dayton, Ohio school system, and served as vice president of Enrollment Management at Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina, before she returned to VUMC in 2004 to lead the Behavioral Sciences team of the Institutional Review Board.

In 2007, Sinkfield accepted the role of director of ties to the community in her roles a board member, the Racial Equity Task Force.

Strategy Development for the Office of Strategy and leader of social action and civic organizations, and as a Sinkfield is the recipient of several awards including Innovation, where she led her team in identifying and faith community leader and teacher. the 2020 VUMC Five Pillar Leader Award. She earned implementing enterprise-wide initiatives.

“I’m delighted to have Kristy as the newest member a B.S. in Public Administration from Lipscomb “My years of experience in the academy, the of our diversity and inclusion leadership team. She University, and an M.Ed. from Cambridge College, community, and in this health system, has prepared brings a wealth of talent and experience as a strategic Cambridge, Massachusetts. me for this new role. I know how important it is to change agent, which is just what we need to achieve our Sinkfield said she is “encouraged by VUMC’s lead through service, listen with the intent to learn and goal of making diversity and inclusion intentional,” commitment to fight for racial justice by creating this build relationships, and to take conflicting, disparate Wilkins said. new role. I will work closely with my colleagues and ways of engaging and find common grounds for One of her first areas of focus will be to work with community partners to help build a racially equitable common good,” Sinkfield said.

Wilkins to create a comprehensive equity plan in and inclusive community at Vanderbilt University In addition to her career, Sinkfield maintains strong response to the recently released recommendations of Medical Center.” ❏ ❏ ❏

CONGRATULATIONS DR. KELSEY WILSON! On March 24, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. (CST), she defended her dissertation, entitled, “Professional Identity Development: Perceptions of African American Female Counselor Educators’ Success in Ph.D. Completion at Predominately White Institutions.” She is the first African American woman to receive a Doctorate in Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision at North Dakota State University and the first black doctoral student to accomplish this degree in three years at a predominately white institution of higher education.

Kelsey Wilson journeyed to Fargo, North Dakota, in 2018 to work on her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at North Dakota State University (NDSU). She chose the field at an advanced level to integrate faith in mental health. While at NDSU, Wilson found a love of teaching at the graduate ...continued on p18

ON THE EDGE OF IGNORANCE AND KNOWING: BLACK PREACHING AND THE BLACK CHURCH - ARE WE IN TROUBLE

By Rev. Dr. Brandon A. A. J. Davis, Contributing Writer

Recently, a video of Pastor Marvin Winans of Perfecting Church, Detroit, MI, while preaching in Independence, Kentucky, to a predominantly white congregation made willfully ignorant, damaging, and completely false statements about the legitimacy of the Black Church. During his homiletically-problematic sermon, he denied the existence of the Black Church stating: “There never was a Black Church.” Winans further stated that he was disturbed when people relegated the move of the Holy Spirit to the Black Church or to an African experience as witnessed in cultural and ritual ceremonies akin to voodoo. The one-minute and eight-second video gained viral status as scores of African American lay and clergy persons shared the offensive and biblically intrusive sound bite of stupidity, adding to the already burgeoning list of seminary and history students taking both Winans and his unsolicited opinion to task.

Winans statements are without question sickening! They reek of “stepin-fetchit” and “yessa boss” sentimentality, proven true through his appeasement while pandering to the left as he assuages his white listener’s comfort to remain in their bigoted and racist falsities. The legendary Dr. Issac Rufus Clark of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, GA, would certainly call his lack of homiletical discourse “bovine fecal matter.” Marvin Winans revealed in that sixty-eight-second video more than his stupidity! He proved he lacks intelligence.

That kind of hate towards one’s own culture is both psychologically and biblically problematic. It is what you call homiletical pseudospeciation, the dehumanizing of culture, customs, traditions, and practices of black people, separating himself into an “in-group” celebrated by the very skin color of people clapping for his buffoonery and racist slander of the Black Church! While preaching he is denying the ethnicity of the Black Church and Black Church experience and doing so in an ethical, rhythmic, and cultural way! While he is actively denying the truth of

the Black Church experience, he’s whooping his unfounded claims with a pretext of biblical context unsubstantiated with dubious and inexistent exegesis.

In a time where African Americans faced the almost successful resurgence of old-world racism, bathed in nostalgic treatment of black and brown people due to the election of Donald Trump, police brutality, Afrophobia, and white-washed Christian evangelicalism from 2016-2020, the dismissal of both the Black Church and the Black Cchurch experience comes at a high price for both Marvin Winans and clergy and lay leaders in the Black Church tradition.

While Winans unscrupulous bashing of the Black Church in what seemingly felt like a systematically oppressive slap in the face, it does, however, trigger the consciousness of the Black Church to rethink whom she is willing to claim as its own. With the recent death of Prof. Albert Jordy Raboteau II, the famed and noted African and African American scholar and theologian whose work includes: African American Religion, Fire in the Bones: Reflections on African American Religious History, Canaan Land: A Religious History of African Americans, and Slave Religion: The Invisible Institution in the Antebellum South. One can with ease see how the statements from Winans present not only an emotional discomfort but are damaging to the efficacy of the storied legacy of the Black Church experience.

With the availability of books ranging from Dr. James Hal Cone to Dr. Kelly Brown Douglass, it is with mixed emotions that I struggle to stand with the litany of people who called for the cancellation of Winans. In truth, Winans, who is a product of both the Black Church tradition (namely the ...continued on p15

The Christian Recorder

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SEPTEMBER 2021

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...From Research Shows p11 worship,” he said. “Many new collaborative ministries have grown out of our new limitations and opportunities. The anchoring question as we move forward is, ‘Who will do this with me?’

“Black churches,” he asserted, “can lead the way as we become both adaptive and innovative in our pursuit of effective ministry.”

Gammon will make the entire survey available for download by Oct. 1 and

will host a webinar to unpack the results of the survey. The webinar date is being finalized.

...From What’s in a Name? p13 the United States and across the diaspora are subjected

Black Church must first acknowledge how we have adopted the master’s tools to build our houses. We must be honest and interrogate how we have embraced the Eurocentric emphasis on capitalism, materialism, and individualism and how the masses of people in our churches are exploited, knowingly or unknowingly.

These are critical and challenging questions that should make us uncomfortable.

If we are to address these questions of survival, we must first realize who and what we are. We are African people with a rich culture, history, religion, and worldview. As such, we must unify, reconcile, and love each other. As a tradition rooted in Christ consciousness, we must realize how the commandment to love may offer us liberation. ❏ ❏ ❏

to state-sanctioned violence and are poor and working-class, exploited by corporations that hoard most of the wealth in the world. AME Church founders understood their political reality and that of their siblings. They understood that liberation was only going to come if they fought for it through their own institutions.

Today, the AME Church must ask itself, how are we fighting for liberation for African people across the globe? An answer must come with the realization that when we fight for the mutual benefit of all African people, we are fighting for ourselves. Suppose the Black Church will be part of revolutionary change against the global imperialist powers that oppress our people. In that case, the ...From AME Pastor Starts p4

has also ministered in Zimbabwe, Malawi, South Africa, Mozambique, and Zambia on the continent of Africa.

A recognized pastoral and community leader, he has served as presiding elder of the North Nashville District of the Tennessee Annual Conference of the AME Church, and is a founding member of Nashville Organized for Action and Hope (NOAH), a city-wide social action organization fighting for justice for the underserved. Dr. Sinkfield is also husband to Kristy, and they are proud parents of Joshua (Michelle) DuBois, Anah, and Antoni, Jr.—and grandparents of August, Adelaide, and Alden.

“It is with great excitement that I join the Wesley Theological Seminary family as the new associate dean of Community Life!” said Dr. Sinkfield on the news of his appointment. “What a thrill it is to join this wonderful faculty and staff—and

Barbara Dunlap-Berg is a freelance writer in Carbondale, Illinois.

News media contact Julie Dwyer at (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@ umnews.org. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free Daily or Weekly Digests.

in the journey of our students as they matriculate at Wesley, seeking to acquire the training they desire in preparation for ministry. To all of our students, I cannot wait to meet you, greet you, and walk with you (as your supporter, encourager, and fan) towards the successful completion of your awesome sojourn here at Wesley Theological Seminary!”

Seated in the nation’s capital and centered in the Christian tradition, Wesley Theological Seminary and its centers of excellence – The Lewis Center for Church Leadership, The Henry Luce III Center for Religion and the Arts, the Community Engagement Institute, and the Center for Public Theology – equip exemplary teachers, preachers, and leaders to be prophetic voices in the church and the world.

For more information about Wesley Theological Seminary: www.wesleyseminary. edu. ❏ ❏ ❏

RECLAIM MY TIME

By Robbie Colson Ramsey, Contributing Writer

Amid the pandemic, there were so many things that I started to appreciate more and more, like having a dance party of two on our patio, a beautifully prepared meal by my husband, repotting plants, and playing in the dirt. The peace and sanctity I found within our home. As the pandemic grew longer, I clearly understood that you have to be there for yourself as much as I am for others. To take that time for yourself is not selfish but a time to recharge and connect with yourself, your passions, and your dreams.

We all remember when Auntie Maxine, during a Congressional hearing, shouted out, reclaiming my time. I am shouting to each of you, its time to reclaim your time; the only issue with reclaiming our time is that most of us have no idea how to reclaim our time to take care of our mind, body, and soul. It’s time for you to be selfish with your time. Remember, I am saying be selfish, not rude, when you let people know you need a little time for yourself. As the pastor’s spouse, it is imperative to articulate that you need downtime without offending members. You let your members know that you cannot be present and ministry-minded for others if you have no idea how to create a time for self-care or clueless about self-care. When my mother told me I was burning the candle at both sides, she said, you know what happens when your pour coffee and not paying attention, and it runs over into the saucer? Your overflow in the saucer is what you give to people, not your whole self, but the abundance/overflow of your gifts.

I have compiled a list that may be helpful for you to reclaim your time and peace: 1. Do not let church business be your pillow talk: I must admit we are still working ...From On the Edge p14

Church of God in Christ) also a found success and notoriety because of the Black Church. Yet in a dastardly act of pandering to whiteness; Winans sells his soul for the convenience of likability. It’s called Dunning Kruger Effect or DKE; it happens when one’s incompetence prevents them from seeing their incompetence. DKE is harmful but it can be especially harmful to the institution of the Black Church simply because actions and words have consequences.

Black millennials and some aspects of the Black

on this! The weight of a pastor is hefty, so you find yourself wanting to be a listening ear to your companion; that is not the issue. Just don’t allow that conversation to happen in the bedroom. Your bedroom is a space of dreams and wonder.

2. Learn how to enjoy your own company. Recently, my husband was traveling on business, leaving me home alone with the dog; if you know me, you know that I am an extreme extrovert. This particular weekend I decided to enjoy my own company. I did not search for anyone to call or go out. I sat in my own space, listening to my thoughts, redeveloping my dreams, focusing on me. To enjoy your own company, you must like yourself and the person that you want.

3. Schedule downtime for yourself. Black women by birth feel a need to bear the weight of everyone’s problem. Therefore we are worn down and stressed out. We have to understand that it’s ok not to be everything for everyone. If possible, it is essential to prioritize your downtime and let people know that you are disconnecting for a weekend to reconnect with yourself.

These three tips are not the answer to everyone, but I hope it is a way to start you thinking about your well-being and reclaim your time. ❏ ❏ ❏

Lives Matter movement have already begun to question the need for the Black Church. Statistics show a major decrease in their support and attendance of black churches as well as their desire to see the Black Church shift back to its historical position as the leader in the fight for social justice.

The flip side is that the Black Church must find ways to invest in the education of both its clergy and lay leaders in learning sound biblical, theological, and historical truths of the blackness of Christianity. It is more than just a social commentary when respected

theologians’ criticism of whiteness in Christianity calls for an end to the abuse of the truth about the messianic deity of Christ and the subjugation of people of color as slaves and inferior to white people in their contrived biblical narratives. The constant rebuke of lies, fallacies, and bovine fecal matter must be rooted out and it begins with preachers and preaching like Winans who deny the truth of the blackness of the church not only as a reality, but the conduit by which Christianity was birthed. ❏ ❏ ❏

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— TRANSITION — BRENDA LOUISE HOLLAND CURRY (1957-2021) On May 21, 1957, the world became a little bit brighter because BRENDA LOUISE HOLLAND was born. As the youngest in the family born to Mrs. Elizabeth H. Powers and Mr. Loveas Dilliard, the family gave her the nickname “Tutti” and loved on their baby daughter and sister. Laurens, SC has been the ancestral home of this family for years.

She matriculated through the Laurens School District 55 and Greenville County School District, graduating from Laurens District 55 High School in 1975. She furthered her education at Benedict College, Columbia, SC, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management in 1979. Armed with this degree, Brenda was gainfully employed by several entities; however, her greatest work was done at the Palmetto Bank, Whitten Center in Clinton, SC and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Spartanburg, SC. As an USDA area specialist, she approved housing and repair loans for 10 counties in the upstate. Her work earned her national and state accolades. She retired from the USDA in 2017. After retirement, she went about doing good for those in need – delivering fresh vegetables, running errands for the elderly, and doing what was needed to be done to one’s comfort.

At an early age, Brenda was baptized, converted, and became a full member of Mt. Vernon AME Church, Laurens, SC – the church founded by her grandfather -- and maintained a lifetime of commitment to Christ and the church. Though working in many capacities, at the time of her demise, she was a member of the Steward Board, (Pro Tem), Finance Committee, Usher Board, Church School, Stewardess Board and Women’s Missionary Society (WMS).

She was also the local lay president, church treasurer, Quarterly Conference secretary, and a class leader. Because Mt. Vernon is a part of a Connectional church system, Brenda’s work extended to the highest levels of the AME Church. In 1999 she was chosen to receive the Sarah Allen Award during the WMS Quadrennial Session held in Miami, Florida. Because of her dedication to kingdom building, she was elected twice as an alternate, and three times as a delegate to the General Conference. This past General Conference, she was appointed to the 7th District leadership team of the General Conference Delegation by Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. Brenda’s heart and love was the lay organization, the teaching arm of the AME Church. Since the 1980’s, she and her mother traveled the length and breadth of the church to attend lay meetings. She held offices at every level of the lay organization. For Mt. Vernon, she served as lay president. In the Greenville District Lay, she was the recording secretary and lay advisor. For the Piedmont Conference Lay, she served eight years as treasurer and eight years as president. After her tenure as president, she was appointed the advisor, which she served until her passing. For the Seventh District Lay, she served eight years as recording secretary and eight years as financial secretary. She was also the acting treasurer while serving as financial secretary. Brenda was the recipient of the 1998 Seventh Episcopal District Lay Person of the Year Award. In 2017, she was elected the Connectional lay assistant recording secretary. This past July 2021, she was resoundingly re-elected assistant recording secretary, receiving the highest votes of any candidate elected. She was the epitome of a, “Layperson working with God!” With the teaching of the AME Church as her guide, Brenda endeavored to seek service above self and to the community. To this end, she served as a Laurens City CPW commissioner, the first female to serve in this capacity.

She was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Currently, she was serving as the worthy matron of the Order of Eastern Star, Sunshine Chapter #62. She was a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She was also a life member of the Benedict College National Alumni Association, and its Tiger Club, whose objectives are to help students at Benedict College both financially and as a mentor. A steady clientele supported her as their Avon representative. Brenda was busy doing good for lots of people and in lots of places.

Brenda found love later in life and it was the kind of love only one could dream of. Upon meeting and falling in love, she married the love of her life, Mr. William David Curry of Spartanburg, SC on May 24, 2014. “Will” was the perfect complement to Brenda’s busy life. They loved one ...continued on p17

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COMMENTARY: SOUL CAP BAN ANOTHER BLOW FOR RACIAL ACCESS, ACCEPTANCE IN SWIMMING

By Matthew De George

Commentary — By Dr. Herman Kelly Originally printed in Swimming World Magazine In response to the ruling by the International Swimming Federation (FINA) regarding swimming caps for women of color: This is racism, even in the swimming pool.

African American women are born with a certain texture of hair, and this new invention called the Soul Cap helps with hair care as they swim.

This cap does not give one a competitive advantage; it only helps with hair protection while swimming.

Swimming in the communities of color is already a phobia. I was taught to swim in a segregated swimming pool because my sister and I were not permitted to swim in the city pools. Therefore, if African Americans did not have access to safe swimming environments, many times they would swim in rivers, lakes, and creeks. These unsafe conditions caused many young people of color to drown.

This phobia is even present today. My mission is to eradicate this phobia by education and teaching swimming safety and swimming lessons. This ruling by FINA does not help our efforts.

I am a master swimmer, and I have been swimming in competition the last few years.

I have been encouraged by the many young people of color I see learning to swim at the facility where I teach swimming. As a pastor, I organized a swimming ministry named after my mentor and late swimming coach, Dr. James Haines of Morehouse College.

As an African American swimmer, I have worked most of my adult life to remove and change the narrative regarding swimming in marginalized communities. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to learn to swim and compete in a segregated situation, but our parents knew the importance of swimming and encouraged us to learn. My sister and I would watch our father sit in the Florida heat while we learned to swim and became proficient in the water. I have this same type of commitment to help underserved persons learn to swim in order to save their lives and the lives of others.

The Soul Cap was never a fashion statement, but a statement of inclusion and an attempt to help diversify the swimming community. The Crawfish Aquatics Master’s program and the entire Crawfish family have made me feel welcomed, and the program comprises a diverse community. Coach Nan and Coach Ashley have given me the opportunity to practice my craft and my mission to reach out to others to save lives.

This ruling by FINA does not help diversify the swimming community. It continues to marginalize people of color.

Herman Kelly is an adjunct instructor in Louisiana State University’s African and African American Studies Department and pastor at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge. He is a certified CPR/ lifeguard trainer, a state champion in the Senior Olympics, and the founder of the Dr. James Haines Swimming Ministry. An earlier version of this story appeared in the LSU Reveille. For further information, listen to an interview

by Black Swimming Association founder Danielle Obe.

...From Transition p16

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RICH AUTHENTIC WORSHIP (RAW 2021): A MAJOR SUCCESS Outreach is the main focus of Chapel of Christ Our Redeemer AME Church Young People and Children’s Division (COCOR YPD) in the Jamaica Conference of the Sixteenth District under the pastoral leadership of the Reverend Florance M. McElroy. When asked why they focus primarily on outreach, COCOR YPD treasurer Kayla Kate Morrison noted, “It’s just what we do. We love to help others.” Britney Barnaby serves as Chapel of Christ Our Redeemer’s Local YPD vice president and outreach coordinator The global pandemic inspired COCOR YPD to be more passionate about serving and giving. Throughout 2020, COCOR YPD held clothing and food drives, tutoring sessions, community feedings, and performing arts pop-up sessions. In February 2020, they started the #spreadlove campaign. The work is all divine as the YPD continues making its mark, giving back to the community. They introduced their new campaign tagline: #helpushelpthem, on Sunday, July 25, 2021, during a unique and spirit-filled worship event, The Rich Authentic Worship (RAW) 2021. This event brought together people of God from across the globe through Zoom and on the social media platforms Facebook and YouTube. The aim was to spiritually enhance participants while inspiring persons to donate to assist students financially as they prepared to return to school in the Fall. Rich Authentic Worship (RAW) allowed the world to see the youth of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and throughout the world lifting God, helping others, and praising together.

RAW 2021 was hosted by COCOR YPD’s local youth director, Mrs. Joan Phillips-Bennett, and Local YPD president, Mr. Ahejey Mattis, who ministered in dance and music. The worship service included, as well, Christ Our Redeemer AME Church Dance Ministry, Kori-Ann Hermitt, Jevaughny Hammond, and Minister Godartiste. As the RAW 2021 Zoom room reached its capacity, supporters in the Facebook Live chat poured out their appreciation for a wellplanned and executed event. “This is only the tip of the iceberg,” said Director Phillips-Bennett while hosting. “We believe in staying connected, not only because we are AME but also because that’s what truly loving your brothers and sisters is all about.”

The COCOR YPD has proven that nothing is impossible when God is put at the forefront. Therefore, they plan to continue doing virtual events to assist young persons in need, governed by Philippians 4:13 (NRSV), “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” The Chapel of Christ Our Redeemer YPD is grateful for the support received from their Chapel family, community, donors, participants, and online patrons. ❏ ❏ ❏

another as Christ loves the church!

On Saturday, August 7, 2021, the world got a little dimmer; however, heaven rejoiced because it welcomed home Brenda Louise Holland Curry. She was released from a summer of suffering and is now resting in the arms of our loving Savior, Jesus Christ.

Wonderful memories of a life well lived are shared by those closest to her who remain. Her devoted and loving husband, Mr. William D. Curry; children, William A. Curry and Kimberly D. Curry; grandchildren and great grandchildren; her brother, Mr. John (Flocell Humphries) Holland; her sisters, Mrs. Christine Elaine (Johnny) Chappelle, Ms. Betty R. Powers and Mrs. Dorothy R. (John) Leake; brothers-in-law, Mr. Fred O. Curry and Mr. Coleman Eugene Curry; sisters-in-law, Mrs. Mary V. Russell and Mrs. Wanda Gail Curry; those whom she regarded as her children (known to them as Mommy, Ma Bren, or Mama) though not giving birth to any, Regina Jones, Jamesha Williams, Whitney Nicholson, Rapheus Grant, Ashlon Reeder, and Rashad Cade; a god-daughter, Terri Saliim; a dear first cousin, the Rev. Sherita Moon (Bishop Harry Lee) Seawright; her “4-ever” friends, Mrs. Velma M. Austin, Ms. Jacqueline V. Goggins, Ms. Vallery C. Smith, and Mrs. S. Yvette Vant; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents. ❏ ❏ ❏

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...From Congratulations Dr. Kelsey p14 level and had the honor to work in a church counseling center as a clinical intern. As a graduate teaching assistant in the School of Education (2020) and graduate service assistant in the Student Activities Office (2019-2020), Dr. Wilson taught NDSU fraternity and sorority members how to cultivate their leadership style.

Dr. Wilson believes that attending North Dakota State University cultivated her purpose in multiple facets of life. She remained mindful of the double-conscious encounters she would face daily as a southern African American woman living in the midwest region; however, God was ever-present. Dr. Wilson transcended barriers with the help of God and the prayers and guidance of her committee members, the Black Church in the midwest and south, and others who sowed into her purpose.

Dr. Kelsey Wilson is a proud native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She is the daughter of Vonda James and Charles Wilson. Dr. Wilson is also a licentiate in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. ❏ ❏❏

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MILLION DOLLAR FACELIFT FOR HISTORIC BROWN CHAPEL AME CHURCH

By E. Ann Clemons, 9th Episcopal District

Historic Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church has received a 1.3-million-dollar grant from the National Park Service (NPS) African American Civil Rights Grants Program. According to the NPS website, this “competitive grant program provides grants to states, tribes, local governments (including Certified Local Governments), and nonprofits.

Non-federal matching share is not required, but preference will be given to applications that show community commitment through non-federal match and partnership collaboration.”

On Wednesday, June 23, 2021, a ceremonial groundbreaking took place on the campus of Brown Chapel AME Church at 410 Martin Luther King Street in Selma, Alabama. Celebrating this momentous occasion was Governor Kay Ivey, Congresswoman Terri Sewell, presiding prelate of the Ninth Episcopal District Bishop Harry Seawright, presiding elder the Reverend Dr. Jacqueline Denson, and the Reverend Leodis Strong, pastor of Brown Chapel, and a host of proud AME’s across the Ninth Episcopal District. Also present was the Brown Chapel AME Church Preservation Society Foundation Board of Directors, Dr. Leroy Maxwell, chairman; Juanda Maxwell, project director & funding chairman; Al Perry, treasurer; Nancy Sewell, secretary; and members

Johnny Moss, Aubrey Larkin, and James Dawson. The Foundation contributed $23,000 to the grant application.

Architect Richard Hudgens led the church’s examination and study, along with structural and electrical engineers, who compiled and submitted plans for structural restoration and repairs of B Brown Chapel to the National Park S Service for review and permission to pr proceed with the project. Mr. Jerry L Lathan of the Lathan Company of M Mobile, Alabama, is the contractor w who will execute this historic re restoration.

The approved summary o objectives and results to be of p performed will be guided by the se secretary of the interior’s Standard an Guidelines for Archeology and an the Treatment of Historic and P Preservations.

Brown Chapel was added to the A Alabama Register of Landmarks and H Heritage on June 16, 1976, and to th the National Register of Historic P Places in 1982. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1997.

For more information about the National Park Service (NPS) African American Civil Rights Grants Program, visit its official website — https://www. nps.gov/preservation-grants/civil-rights/index.html. ❏ ❏ ❏

“GOD WANTS US TO STOP THE VIOLENCE” — FAITH LEADERSHIP NEEDED FOR 2021 MONTH OF NON-VIOLENCE

By Rev. Dr. Rose Ellington Murray and Dr. Stephanie Myers, Black Women for Positive Change

Black Women for Positive Change is sponsoring the Tenth Annual Month of Families, Non-Violence, and Opportunities (Month of Non-Violence), October 1-31, 2021. The partnership leading this effort includes Honorary Month of Non-Violence co-chairs the Rev. Al Sharpton, president/CEO, National Action Network; Dr. Benjamin Chavis, president/CEO, National Newspaper Publishers Association; the Rev. William Lamar, senior pastor, Metropolitan AME Church, WDC, and Imam Talib Shareef, head of the Nations Mosque. The Faith Committee Co-Chairs are the Rev. Dr. Rose Ellington Murray, Associate Pastor, First AME Church Bethel, New York; the Rev. Dr. Barbara Reynolds, chaplain, Black Women for Positive Change; and Good Brother Oliver Buie, senior pastor, Angeles Mesa Presbyterian Church, Los Angeles, California The urgency of violence prevention and de-escalation of violence is underscored by daily news reports of violence in many U.S. cities and rural communities. For example, statistics show that as of June 2021, there have been over 230 mass shootings, resulting in over 17,000 deaths. In addition, according to research conducted by the National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, the rate of domestic violence in the U.S. has risen as much as 22%-27% in various U.S. states.

In a joint statement, the Rev. Dr. Rose Ellington Murray and Dr. Stephanie Myers said, “Given the nation’s failure to address this The Rev. Dr. Rose crisis of violence, faith leaders of all religions must step up. We hope AME faith leaders will take the lead in recruiting inter-faith leaders Ellington Murray in a national faith movement titled, ‘God Wants You to Stop the Violence.’ We are asking AME faith leaders and all faith leaders to do the following during the October 2021 Month of Families, Non-Violence, and Opportunities: give stop the violence sermons from their pulpits, join global prayer calls to stop violence, appoint lay leaders to organize workshops on violence prevention, and insist that local law enforcement train police in de-escalation of violence so they can stop killing people in our communities.”

Faith Committee co-chairs the Rev. Dr. Barbara Reynolds and Good Brother Pastor Oliver Buie stated, “We believe faith leaders must preach against police violence, gang violence, and domestic violence. We must stop all forms of violence that affect men, women, and children of all religions, races, and creeds. We need our faith leaders to honestly address these painful subjects from pulpits across America so that we can change the culture of violence in America, and the world.”

To join the effort, sign up at: www.monthofnonviolence.org. If you have questions, contact Dr. Rose Murray at drpurpose03@gmail. com or Dr. Stephanie Myers at Bkwomen4poschange@gmail.com.

The Rev. Dr. Rose Ellington Murray is co-chair of the Faith Leaders Committee, Black Women for Positive Change.

She is a retired African Methodist Episcopal Church pastor. She pastored Trinity AME Church for 19 years. The Rev. Dr. Murray is president of the New York Black Nurses Association, President of Omicron Chapter NYC Inc., Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc., and she has served as a registered professional nurse for 47 years.

Dr. Stephanie Myers is co-founder/national co-chair of Black Women for Positive Change and president of the Positive Change Foundation. She is an author and vice president of R.J. Myers Publishing and Consulting Company. Her civic affiliations include the Links Incorporated, Capital City Chapter, and Delta Sigma Theta Public Service Sorority.

Dr. Stephanie E. Myers

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CONNECTIONALNEWS

HOME DEPOT ARRIVES AT THE WILBERFORCE CAMPUS Thursday, July 29, 2021, from 8 a.m. to mid-afternoon, students at Wilberforce University will assist Home Depot volunteers in fulfilling the first phase of the home improvement company’s Retool Your School pledge.

In April 2021, Wilberforce received a pledged $20,000 campus uplift, thanks to votes sent to the Home Depot Retool Your School campaign. Wilberforce came in seventh place in Cluster 3. The top ten schools in each of the three clusters were awarded grants ranging from $20,000 to $75,000.

The student-selected Wilberforce campus projects include new showerheads for bathrooms in two dormitories, new sinks for a pre-existing hair salon, enhanced flooring, a garden, refresh of the lawn in front of Allen Commons (the student union), a rock garden, outdoor benches, and a pergola.

“This could not come at a more perfect time,” noted Natalie Coles, vice president and chief development officer. “Students have arrived this week to begin the new academic year, just in time to help Home Depot volunteers fulfill the Retool Your School pledge. Not only are we grateful to Home Depot for the support, but we thank our vibrant campus community, board of directors, alumni, and friends who rallied around this campaign to give us this awesome opportunity to beautify our surroundings.”

An interview provided earlier this year by the Home Depot diversity and inclusion officer explained that the company wants students at Historically Black Colleges/Universities (HBCUs) like Wilberforce to have upgraded environments that enhance their educational experience.

Earlier this year, the Wilberforce campus community called on alumni, its board of directors, students, employees, and supporters to cast their votes for WU in the week-long drive that ended March 15, 2021.

Thursday’s project begins the first of several phases that will continue the Retool Your School relationship between the nation’s first private HBCU and Home Depot.

As the nation’s first private HBCU, Wilberforce University was founded in 1856. The four-year, accredited liberal arts university is a member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the Ohio LINKS Library Consortium, and the NAIA Conference. Contact: Marsha Bonhart, 937-286-0023. ❏ ❏ ❏

GENERAL OFFICERS’ O ICERS COUNCIL ELECTS NEW LEADERSHIP On September 6, 2021, the General Officers’ Council elected new leadership for the 2021-2024 term.

President: Dr. Teresa Fry Brown, executive director of Research and Scholarship Secretary: Dr. Marcellus A. Norris, executive director of Church Growth and Development Treasurer: Mr. John Thomas III, editor, The Christian Recorder Congratulations and appreciation are extended to the outgoing leadership team: Dr. Jeffery B. Cooper, Rev. Garland Pierce, and Dr. George Flowers. ❏❏❏

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DO, OR DO NOT. THERE IS NO TRY.

By Richard Norris III, Connectional YPD President

In Star Wars Episode V, Luke Skywalker had been directed to go to the planet Dagobah to undergo Jedi training and learn the ways of the Force from Master Yoda. Upon arriving at the planet, he crashed his ship into a swamp. He noticed that the ship had sunk as he was training.

Thus, he believed that it was unrecoverable. Yoda, overhearing this, suggested the opposite. Up until this point, Luke had been using the Force to move stones. He contended that moving stones was entirely different from moving a ship. But Yoda asserted that the situations differ only in his mind. So, Luke finally conceded and said, “Alright, I’ll give it a try.” Almost immediately, Yoda said, “No! Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try.” It sounds a little harsh at first, but what Yoda was saying to Luke is that if he’s ever going to be a Jedi, he can no longer dwell in the uncertainty of “trying.” To a Jedi, “trying” is simultaneously believing that you can and you cannot. If you allow doubt to cloud your mind, you have already accepted defeat. Yoda was telling Luke that he had to make a decision: either he believes he can, and he does, or he accepts that he cannot, and he does not. There is no in-between.

The 2021 General Conference is in the books. At the intersection of a pandemic and a natural disaster, the AME Church met to conduct its business.

Thank God for the careful, meticulous planning that was necessary for the Conference to be as successful as it was. Nevertheless, in this very peculiar season, I believe God is saying to our Zion, “Do or do not. There is no try.” I thank God for the progress we’ve made as a denomination. This year’s General Conference was proof of how far we’ve come. But it also showed us how much farther we have to go. We often say that “the best years of African Methodism are yet ahead of us.” And that’s true—but only if we no longer abide in the ambiguity of “trying.” We must have the courage to say that either we will do or we won’t do.

Take the Revisions Committee, for example. Before any of us arrived in Orlando, they spent days combining, compiling, and editing numerous pieces of proposed legislation to be presented to the General Conference. After all was said and done, there were 50+ bills for our consideration. We didn’t even get a chance to hear and/or vote on 10 of them. I was completely shocked at this at first, but I’m told that the Revisions Committee never gets through all the proposed legislation—which is a problem. What message are we sending to the AMEs who take the time to pen this legislation and the Committee that’s tasked with organizing it? Perhaps we need to consider allocating time for legislative consideration and deliberation in a session separate from the General Conference? Or maybe we need to rethink how much time we allocate to certain matters during the General Conference? Either way, we can no longer just “try” to get legislation to the floor of the General Conference.

We have to be intentional.

In the words of Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram, “[nothing] we do in the present will change the past. But everything we do going forward will change the future.” Even after the Covid-19 pandemic has subsided, the church will never be the same again. But if we want to be the church that Richard Allen envisioned us being—the church that God is calling us to be—a liberating, reconciling church, our resolution must be absolute. Now understand me clearly: this doesn’t mean we’ll always have it all together. We will slip up or come up short at times. But that won’t matter, so long as we constantly seek God’s face and stay in God’s will. Now is the time where we must stand flatfooted and declare what we will do and what we won’t do. But there can be no more “trying.” ❏ ❏ ❏

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AAMES – A LOOK AHEAD Association of AME Scouts (AAMES) is so excited about what is to take place over the next twelve months and beyond in the life of scouting and the youth of the church. We have just come back from the 51st Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the AME Church. Under the spiritual and faithful Leadership of the Rev. Garland Pierce, Executive Director, and Bishop Frank Madison Reid III, our newly assigned Chair of the Commission on Christian Education of the AME Christian Education Department.

AAMES’ mission is to assist every church that wants a powerful youth program, for a church that does not have a strong children, youth, and young people program is not a fruitful church. Scouting in conjunction with the Debutantes and Masters, Sunday School, Youth Ushers, Youth Choir, YPD, and other youth programs helps to make a vibrant and a live church. Scouting brings a unique facet to a church’s h h world ld youth program; we couple our youth’s secular world with their church to help make our youth well rounded. So, when your elder asks you what youth programs your church has, we hope your pastor can say we have a powerful Girl Scout and/or Boy Scout unit.

Scouting is available for youth from ages 6 to 21-year-old. Scouting is one of the best youth development programs offered domestically and internationally.

Scouting offers our youth and adults fun, adventure, skill development, leadership development. For the adults leaders, scouting offers online and in person training modules, youth tested and world class programs for our youth and a youth safety program second to none.

What value does AAMES bring to scouting and your Church? AAMES grounds your scouting program in your church. We offer a community that our scouts and scout leaders can be a part of. At present we offer the following opportunities for Scouts and Leaders: 1) Quadrennial Camporee 2) Episcopal Camporees 3) The Joyce Charles Scholarship / Charles Cleveland Scholarship.

4) AAMES in conjunction with the AME International Health Commission and Friends of AAMES, the “AAMES Youth Gardening Competition” for our Scouts.

5) AAMES issues proclamations to Girl Scouts who earned their Gold Award and Boy Scouts who earn their Eagle Award.

6) AAMES have created “The Episcopal Patch Series” recognizing in its’ inaugural series eight bishops of the AME Church that is open to every youth and adult that wants to learn about bishops of the AME Church and if they complete the booklet, they can earn a patch.

7) AAMES have created in conjunction with the AME Women in Ministry “The Women’s, History Month Patch Series” to recognize six outstanding women of the AME Church and is open to every youth and adult that wants to learn about these women and if they complete the booklet, they can earn a patch.

8) Adults members of the church can be recognized and awarded a “Bishop’s Award of Excellence”; they do not have to be scouters.

9) The Rev. Kenneth H. Hill, Jr. Ph.D. Legacy Award is to recognize adult leaders who have started or contributed to the start of a scout unit that has withstood the test of time.

10) AAMES is a certifying organization for “The President’s Volunteer Service Award.”

AAMES is just getting started. This year we will be working with: ✍ The AME Social Action Commission doing our part to help get the VOTE out. ✍ Continuing our relationship with the AME International Health Commission to create a AAMES Health and Pandemic Patch. ✍ Continue our relationship with Friends of AME Scouts. ✍ Continue our relationship with AME Women in Ministry. ✍ Developing and implementing the AAMES Chaplaincy Corp in collaboration with the Henry McNeal Turner AME Chaplains’ Association and the AME International Health Commission. ✍ Continue developing strong and sustaining relationships with our youth in districts 14 through 20.

As you can see, AAMES is busy; what we need now is you. AAMES is your ministry and for your ministry to be fruitful we need YOU. To find out more about AAMES and how to start a scout unit in your church, contact: Vivianne Frye-Perry, director of Girl Scouts, vfrye-perry@amescouts.org or Clarence E. Crayton, Jr., director of Boy Scouts, ccrayton@aemscouts.org. ❏ ❏❏

MASTER OF ARTS IN RELIGIOUS LEADERSHIP: NEW DEGREE PROGRAM AT PAYNE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

By Rev. Betty Holley, Ph.D., Contributing Writer

During the uncertainty of the global pandemic, Association of Theological Schools (ATS) schools have fared better in Fall 2020 in terms of enrollment than they have in preceding years. Of the 252 schools reporting, 135 or 54% have shown enrollment increases. Relative to enrollment in specific degree programs, the October 28, 2020 ATS enrollment report shows member schools are experiencing a 58% decrease in persons pursuing the M.Div. degree across the United States and Canada. With 91% of ATS schools reporting, there is an interesting trend in which 61% of incoming seminary students are looking to pursue a professional master’s degree.

Payne Seminary has created a two-year professional Master of Arts in Religious Leadership (MARL) to be offered Spring 2022. On June 8, 2021, ATS granted Payne approval to offer its third degree program, the MARL. With the enrollment trend moving upward in the Master of Arts category and considering the M.Div. decline across ATS member schools, offering CONNECTIONALNEWS

the MARL will enable Payne’s effort to diversify enrollment. This would allow Payne to be proactive in its offerings of degree programs and remain competitive. Also, Payne will be prepared, if there is a downward shift in the M.Div. degree program offering, as we were prepared to meet the challenge of this global pandemic; having the unique ability to offer the M.Div. 100% online.

The MARL degree is designed with an Africentric perspective for persons not seeking the ordained ministry, although ordained clergypersons, without M.Div. degrees, can be afforded the opportunity to pursue theological education through the MARL degree program. The degree will give recognition to lay ministry in the tradition of Methodism, the priesthood of all believers, and acknowledge that laity in ministry must reflect the highest standards of excellence, relevance, and timeliness in its partnership with ordained ministry. The MARL degree will also equip those persons in unordained ministry’s roles to engage in theological training to fill positions of leadership in the African Methodist

Episcopal Church and other faithbased opportunities.

Presently, Payne offers a Lay Leadership Training Certificate Program to interested persons in lay ministry across the connectional African Methodist Episcopal Church, particularly, and to laypersons in other denominations and non-denominations. The MARL will extend the opportunity to those persons completing the certificate program to advance to a theological degree program, the MARL. Payne Theological Seminary is committed to providing each student with the maximum opportunity to develop and learn. As such, we accept new students each semester. Students wishing to be admitted to the Master of Arts in Religious Leadership should hold the bachelor’s degree based upon the completion of work at a college or university approved by one of the regional accrediting agencies with a ...continued on p24

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SEPTEMBER 2021

The Christian Recorder

CONGRATULATORY LISTINGS

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AUGUST 2021

*Purple font connotes Episcopal Family; Red font, General Officers; and Blue font, Connectional Officers. *The North Little Rock/Fort Smith District of the 12th Episcopal District, Presents an Evening of Elegance for Presiding Elder Mary V. Williams and Brother Edward Williams, District Consultant The North Little Rock/Fort Smith District of the 12th Episcopal District, AME Church is celebrating the retirement of Presiding Elder Mary V. Williams and Brother Edward Williams, district consultant with “An Evening of Elegance.” A virtual celebration will be held on Saturday, August 21, 2021, at 5:00 pm where we will highlight Presiding Elder Williams’ 25 years of dedicated service in the ministry. During her tenure, she made history in 2014 when she was appointed as the first female AMEC presiding elder in Arkansas.

The Anniversary Committee, PE Mary Williams Retirement Committee, the Reverend Tyrone Broomfield, Chair, is compiling a retirement souvenir journal of congratulatory messages.

Tickets for the event are available online, visit: https://myevent.com/williamscelebration21 Advertisement retirement submission guidelines and other specifics can be obtained from the office of the Twelfth Episcopal District, Email - anitame. brannon58@yahoo.com, Mrs. Anita Brannon, 12th District Administrator. *The Rev. Andrea Cornett-Scott Named Inaugural Chief Diversity Officer Mary Baldwin University announced today that the Rev. Andrea CornettScott has been named chief diversity officer (CDO), an inaugural executive staff position.

As CDO, Cornett-Scott will build upon her 25 years of experience in diversity strategies, inclusive programming, and student-centered mentorship at Mary Baldwin to provide strategic vision to develop and implement proactive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at MBU and most effectively foster a community of awareness, belonging, and respect.

Cornett-Scott will expand DEI efforts and resources across the enterprise in her new role at the executive level, reporting directly to President Pamela R. Fox. Fox announced the CDO role as part of the university’s ongoing work to infuse DEI principles into all aspects of its operations — including policies, programs, services, and activities — and most effectively empower students to become inclusive leaders in their personal and professional lives.

“Rev. Cornett-Scott has been essential to building the diverse and inclusive community at Mary Baldwin over the course of her extraordinary 25-year tenure,” said Fox. “A strong and proven leader of inclusive excellence, she will bring both experience and inspiration to the inaugural position of chief diversity officer, as well as a keen sense of compassion for our students and their individual lived experiences.”

Cornett-Scott will work with the entire campus community as well as the broader regional community, and will leverage her decades-long experience bolstering and collaborating with Mary Baldwin’s diverse student body, which now comprises more than 50% representation of people of color and is represented by diversity in gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and socioeconomic class.

Collaborating with university stakeholders, she will assess the need for training initiatives on cultural competency, racial sensitivity, gender equity, and other topics designed to increase awareness and support of DEI values.

“I am thrilled to have forged much of my life’s work at Mary Baldwin University creating programming that prepares students to serve in a diverse world,” Cornett-Scott said. “I am looking forward to working closely with the executive staff, the Coalition for Racial and Social Justice, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the broader Staunton community to grapple with complex issues and to lead an intentional effort to sustain an environment that fosters greater inclusive excellence.”

Since she joined Mary Baldwin in 1996 as director of African American affairs, Cornett-Scott has impacted the lives of hundreds of students through her work as an advisor and her leadership in MBU’s Office of Inclusive Excellence, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary during the upcoming academic year.

Also a member of the philosophy and religion department, Cornett-Scott taught the courses African American Religion and Community and Practice, both of which support the African American studies minor, as well as Faith, Life, and Service and Community Service.

In 2000, the Rev. Cornett-Scott planted Christ Our Redeemer AME Church in downtown Staunton, where she continues to serve as pastor. She has also served as the dean for the AME Virginia Annual Conference Board of Examiners for many years, and last year was appointed as the dean of the Second Episcopal District Board of Examiners.

Congratulatory comments may be sent to: ascott@marybaldwin.edu. *The Rev. Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness Elected Vice Chair of Ward One Democrats Executive Board for the District of Columbia The Rev. Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness currently serves as the committeewoman for Ward One with the D.C. Democratic State Party. Dr. Holness is lawyer, author and senior pastor of Adams Inspirational African Methodist Episcopal Church, in Ft. Washington, Maryland, and she has served as the director, Faith Based Outreach for the District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health.

She has degrees from Clark Atlanta University (B.A.); Howard University School of Law (J.D.); Howard University School of Divinity (D. Min.); St. Mary’s Ecumenical Seminary & University (M.T.S.). She is the immediate past president of the DC Democratic Women’s Club, appointed by D.C. Mayor to serve on the Mayor’s Interfaith Council and the D.C. Commission for Women. On the historic night of November 4, 2008, she was elected advisory neighborhood commissioner for Single Member District ANC 1B11 and re-elected to three terms. She was also elected chair of ANC 1B. Dr. Holness is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Congratulatory messages can be emailed to egailandersonholness@gmail.com.

Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr. Nominated to Be a People’s Health Champion for Special Achievements after 65 Years Old Pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana was nominated to be a people’s health champion for special achievements after 65 years old. He will be recognized at a New Orleans Saints football game and his journey will be presented in video to the audience. Dr. Kelly is a member of Southern Masters Swimming Program at Crawfish Aquatic Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and presently he is seven-time state champion in Louisiana in his age group. He is training for the Louisiana State Olympics and has already qualified for the National Senior Olympics in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He is a former member of the legendary Morehouse Tigersharks Swimming team, and upon graduation received The Forbes Prize for the athlete with the highest academic grade point average. Dr. Kelly organized the James Haines Swimming Ministry in honor of his Coach and mentor from Morehouse College. He also a graduate of Springfield College, where he was graduate assistant and taught an Olympic wrestler to swim.

Dr. Kelly was a King and Bethune scholar at Boston University School of Theology.

He is also a graduate of Memphis Theological Seminary with a Doctor of Ministry.

He is adjunct instructor at Louisiana State University in African American Studies Department and School of Education. He is married to the former Linda M. Kelly of Eunice, Louisiana, and the father of Herman III, D.C. Metropolitan police and Tiffany Marie, CEO of Curastory and data scientist.

Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: hkelly1@lsu.edu.

On behalf of Publications Commission chair Bishop Vashti McKenzie, president/publisher of the AMEC Publishing House (Sunday School Union) the Rev. Dr. Roderick D. Belin, and editor of The Christian Recorder Mr. John Thomas III, we celebrate and applaud your achievements.

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NRSV) To share or receive information about Connectional clergy family bereavements and congratulations, please contact the AME Church Clergy Family Information Center. Mrs. Ora L. Easley, administrator • 5981 Hitching Post Lane • Nashville, TN 37211 • 615.833.6936 (CFIC Office) • amecfic.org • facebook.com/AMECFIC

The Christian Recorder

THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM

SEPTEMBER 2021

NECROLOGY LISTINGS

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AUGUST 2021

*Purple font connotes Episcopal Family; Red font, General Officers; and Blue font, Connectional Officers.

Deacon Bennie J. Butler, Sr., of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, the paternal grandfather of the Rev. Dr. Curry Butler, Jr., the pastor of St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church, Nashville, Tennessee, Thirteenth Episcopal District Brother Byron Lee Byfield, the father of the Rev. Aldean Byfield, pastor of St. Matthew’s AME Church in St. Catherine, Jamaica; husband to Caseta Byfield, a lifetime member of St. John AME Church, Clarendon, Jamaica and father of Alecia Byfield, former 16th District YPD president The Reverend LaNell Franklin Ross, presiding elder of the Little Rock/Jonesboro District, Arkansas Annual Conference, Twelfth Episcopal District Deaconess Janet Kasapo Chomba of Quinn’s Chapel AME Church, Chingola, Zambia, age 79; who served her church; Sunday school superintendent, music and Christian arts director, WMS local president, Area Four WMS chairperson, class leader of member Siyezwa class

and on the Ecumenical level, she pioneered the women’s wing of the Chiwempala, a local chapter of the Council of Churches in Zambia. She was the mother the Rev. Royd Mwandu, the immediate past Seventeenth Episcopal District director of Christian Education, also 3 other AME Church clergy sons and six daughters Mr. Joseph Edward Fugh, 42, son of Bishop Clement W. Fugh, presiding prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District and Episcopal supervisor, Dr. Alexia Butler Fugh, and brother of Mrs. Marcia Fugh Joseph (Paul) The Reverend James Davis, Sr., age 96, a retired pastor of St. James AME Church, Pratt City, Alabama; father of the Rev. Richard L. Davis, senior pastor, Gaines Chapel AME Church, Birmingham, Alabama in the Northwest Alabama Conference of the Ninth Episcopal District

Sister Brenda Holland Curry, Connectional Lay Organization officer, assistant recording secretary for the Connectional Lay Organization Mrs. Linda Marie Simon Kelly, the wife of the Rev. Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr., pastor of Bethel AME Church, Baton Rouge, Louisiana in the Eighth Episcopal District; serving with her husband as a partner in ministry for over 35 years, serving as an Episcopal district WMS officer; as the conference M-SWAWO+PK’S president and was first lady of Bethel for over 23 years, and the loving mother of Herman Osby Kelly III and Tiffany Marie Kelly Mr. Henry E. Justice, brother of the Rev. Dr. J. Stanley Justice, pastor of Morris Brown AME Church, Philadelphia, the Rev. Lester N. Justice, pastor of Wesley Temple UMC, Salisbury, MD, Evangelist Iris V. Justice Waters, and the uncle of the Rev. Dr. Robert A. Jackson, Jr., pastor of Bethel AME Church, Stamford, CT, First Episcopal District

Mr. Raymond F. Edmonds, Sr., husband of Mrs. Elnor Edmonds, both were longtime members of New Mt. Olive AMEC, Chesapeake, Virginia, and he was the father of the Rev. Raymond F. Edmonds, Jr., pastor, Falls Road AMEC, Baltimore, MD, and the fatherin-love of the Rev. Jerri Edmonds; he was also father of Mrs. Sherry Clemons and Mrs. Trina Brickhouse Brother Keith “K.D.” Jones, son of Brother Delroy Jones, Sr., and the Rev. Latisha Jones, pastor of Gregg-Anne AME Church, Bradley, Florida, Eleventh Episcopal District; and brothers Roshea and DJ. Mrs. Amy Velma Lee-Bowie, 108, of Phenix City, Alabama; the mother of the Rev. Jacquelyn Bowie Hayter of the Ninth Episcopal District Mrs. Jaunitta Irene Cooper, spouse of the late Presiding Elder Samson M. Cooper (PGH District), West Virginia Annual Conference, Third Episcopal District

Condolences to the bereaved are expressed on behalf of Publications Commission chair Bishop Vashti McKenzie, president/publisher of the AMEC Publishing House (Sunday School Union) the Rev. Roderick D. Belin, and editor of The Christian Recorder, Mr. John Thomas III.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 (NRSV) To share or receive information about Connectional clergy family bereavements and congratulations, please contact the AME Church Clergy Family Information Center. Mrs. Ora L. Easley, Administrator • 5981 Hitching Post Lane • Nashville, TN 37211 • 615.833.6936 (CFIC Office) • amecfic.org •facebook.com/AMECFIC

AMEC VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT ANNOUNCEMENT AUGUST 2021 The AME Church and the Alzheimer’s Association in partnership since 2019 have been spearheading webinars, events, and meetings that focus on bringing information and resources to our members and the community. To further support these efforts we are planning to expand AME-hosted education programs and support groups to reach more people in more communities based on feedback from community listening sessions.

AME members are being sought to become faith outreach representatives, community educators or support group leaders. Follow the links below to learn more about each volunteer role as described below: AME Community Educator position description: https://drive.google.com/file/ d/12u5uCINwNdMJCoNHPcJe14NmYEL1ZWgH/view AME Faith Outreach Representative position description: https://drive.google.

com/file/d/1FNwXD1eqk9-lk71rKjDlx_ DCHFO-fBIM/view AME Support Group Facilitator position description: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fVbKzZiJaDc4urK8q0Ah22PZs4vMTbv/view Initial onboarding will be offered through the Alzheimer’s Association’s online community with an AME-specific mentorship session hosted by individuals who are both AME members and ALZ volunteers during the week of September 13th20th. Times for the mentorship session will be announced later this month.

To apply to become an AME/Alzheimer’s Association volunteer, please visit https://volunteer.alz.org/volunteeropportunities/amec. If you have any questions, please contact Alzheimer’s Association, director of DEI Engagement Beverly Berry. ❏ ❏ ❏

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SEPTEMBER 2021

The Christian Recorder

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EDITORIAL

EDUCATION AS RESISTANCE FOR SURVIVAL AND FREEDOM By. J. Jioni Palmer, Contributing Writer

For as long as I can remember, my youngest son has been enamored by Frederick Douglass. Maybe it is because we live on Douglas Street, and he knows Douglass attended our church, where the fellowship hall is named after him. A bronze plaque is affixed to the pew where the 19th-century abolitionist and orator sat in the sanctuary. For his fifth birthday, he requested we visit the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Anacostia. For his celebration at school, he insisted I read a children’s book about Douglass.

This last request caused a controversy within the Palmer household.

My wife and oldest son argued the book was too long and unvarnished— there are several images and references to the beatings dispensed by enslavers or received by the enslaved. They appealed to me to try to dissuade him and encourage him to choose another book. Rather than being heavy-handed, I asked him why he insisted that his classmates hear this particular manuscript. “They need to learn, dad,” was his response.

How could I argue?

I didn’t read the entire book and left out some of the grittier details. Instead, I focused on Douglass’ quest to learn— mainly how he traded biscuits with the son of his enslaver in exchange for reading lessons and was beaten when discovered.

I figured this would be particularly meaningful to young children, who themselves were learning to read.

I thought of this while recently reading “Surviving Being Dark: A Pedagogy of the Sacred for Survival in a Divided Society”

by Karen Mosby. Just like Frederick Douglass absconded with food from the “master’s kitchen” to trade for knowledge was an act of resistance to his enslavement and a step toward his liberation, education

for people of African descent in America has always been an essential element in our individual and collective efforts for survival, justice, and freedom. Through the horrors of the Middle Passage, the terror of enslavement, the tyranny of Jim and Jane Crow, and current movements to make #BlackLivesMatter in every way conceivable, people of African descent in America have fought to survive while endeavoring to thrive, with education living in the liminal space between.

Mosby’s article gives three examples of “pedagogies of sacred for survival,” which have been central to education, particularly religious education within predominately black communities. As examples, the author highlights enslaved and free black efforts during the antebellum and postbellum periods, the 1963 Birmingham Children’s Crusade, and the “Get Home Safely” video in response to the extrajudicial killings of black people by law enforcement. Each of these illustrates how people of African descent in America used whatever resources available to them to educate themselves. However, the education wasn’t solely intended to exist on its own devoid of any practicability or applicability, but rather as a tool or methodology to empower the learners to overcome existential threats, whether they are systemic or individual in nature.

I would argue educating people in any form, let alone a way that gives them agency in a society or culture that seeks to castigate them to the margin while denying them dignity and humanity, is not only an act of resistance but also an example of the praxis. That is to say, the teacher is modeling for the student the lessons they are imparting.

In addition to the examples in Mosby’s articles, I am reminded of the

work of Helen Appo Cook (1837-1913), who created kindergartens in the late 19th century here in Washington, DC. These “nurseries” served to achieve multiple ends: they provided early learning opportunities for African American children, training for aspiring teachers, and “daycare” so housewives could earn extra income to support their families.

Similarly, Nannie Helen Burroughs founded the National Training School in 1908 to educate women who had no other means to access structured learning. While her students were given practical skills in industrial education, the instruction was undergirded by the “three B’s: the Bible, the bath, and the broom,” the overarching goal was to “uplift the race.”

Although there is much that differed between the approaches of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois, they both agreed on the centrality of education in transforming the lives of individual people of African descent and the community overall. To them, and for me personally, education is sacred and an essential tool for survival.

During the summer of 2018, my family traveled to Tunica, MS, where my wife was scheduled to attend a conference.

After visiting my mother-in-law in South Carolina, we meandered to Atlanta to see

J. Jioni Palmer Guest Editorial

my wife’s alma mater (Spelman College) before making our way to Huntsville, AL, where we would spend the night at the home of one of her friends from college.

About an hour or two from Huntsville, I realized we were passing the outskirts of Birmingham. My mind immediately went to the four little girls killed in the bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church and the Birmingham Children’s Crusade in and around Kelly Ingram Park. I decided to pull off the interstate and take my kids to these sacred sites.

Why? Because they need to learn.

J. Jioni Palmer is the founder and publisher of “Thinking Good,” a digital media community that helps men be their better selves, and is the men’s minister at Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, DC. A graduate of the University of California at Los Angeles and Howard University School of Divinity, Palmer is a former journalist, Congressional staffer, and Obama administration appointee. He lives in Washington, DC with his wife, two sons, two cats, and a puppy. ...From Master of Arts p21 minimum 2.5 GPA. Students from foreign institutions

of collegiate standing may be admitted if they present satisfactory evidence of having completed studies equivalent to comparable institutions in the United States. A graduate of an unaccredited U.S. school may be admitted only as a Special Student. A certificate in Lay Leadership Training is preferred but not required. An official transcript of all college, graduate, and seminary work undertaken must be submitted. Two letters of recommendation-one from the applicant’s pastor or supervisor at their place of employment and one from other persons, preferably college professors, who are familiar with the student’s academic ability.

The application for admission must be completed online and submitted along with an application fee of $50, which can be mailed in the form of a check, money order, or online by credit card. The applicant to the MARL degree must submit a written 750-1,000-word essay on the subject, “What Is the Value of a Theological Education to Me?” Included in the essay should be the motives for entering the Christian lay ministry and those persons, influences, and religious experiences that led to choosing a vocation. ❏ ❏ ❏