51 minute read
“Honk for Jesus” Provides an Uncomfortable Reflection of the Black Church
“Honk for Jesus” Provides an Uncomfortable Refl ection of the Black Church (Commentary) Candice Marie Benbow, Religion News Service (RNS) — “If you can’t say ‘amen,’ then say ‘ouch.’” If you’ve spent any considerable length of time in a traditional Black Church context, you’ve heard this. It’s usually said by a preacher when they know a sermon is hitting a little too close to home and the typical “Preach, bishop!” or “Take your time, pastor!” call-and-response has gone silent. “It’s tight but it’s right,” many would say as they watch parishioners shift in their seats while hearing, “Thus saith the Lord.” When “Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.” premiered in theaters and on Peacock on Friday (Sept. 2), many had no choice but to say “ouch.” The dark comedy, starring Regina Hall and Sterling K. Brown, is supposed to be satirical in its depiction of a megachurch pastor and his wife as they attempt to resurrect themselves after a fall from grace. Yet the greatest strength of this “mockumentary” is that it’s not parody at all — rather, it’s one of the most accurate depictions of contemporary Black Church culture I’ve seen. Written and directed by freshman filmmaker Adamma Ebo, “Honk for Jesus” chronicles the efforts of Lee-Curtis Childs (Brown) and his wife, Trinitie (Hall), as they work to restore Wander to Greater Paths Baptist Church to its former glory. A sexual misconduct scandal has forced the thriving institution, which once boasted 25,000 members, to shut its doors. Believing the people need to see their miraculous restoration, Lee-Curtis enlists a documentary film crew to follow them as they journey toward an Easter Sunday reopening. With Ebo as writer-director and Daniel Kaluuya as producer, the film is executive produced by Jordan Peele, known for his films “Get Out” (which starred Kaluuya), “Us,” and this summer’s “Nope.” “Honk for Jesus” continues in the same vein of Peele’s social commentary and critique. Prosperity gospel, ego, and manipulation have become prominent ministries in black churches, leaving congregants further impoverished while the pastor and his family seem to be the only ones prospering. Everything about the first family must reinforce God’s favor because, if they are blessed, then their congregation is blessed too. The continuous flow of material wealth isn’t by chance; the first family hustles incredibly hard for it. Hence, the opening credits are punctuated with Lee-Curtis preaching about how he is the personification of God’s goodness while Three 6 Mafia raps, “Ever since I can remember, I’ve been working these h*es and they better put my money in my hand.” It doesn’t take much time to recognize that LeeCurtis’ plight is eerily similar to that of the late Bishop Eddie Long, a megachurch pastor who was accused of sexual misconduct in 2010 and died in 2017. But “Honk for Jesus” isn’t about Long as much as it uses the scandal as the backdrop to explore what’s happening in today’s church. That’s why we don’t just see him in the film. We see so many black men, pastoring congregations of all sizes, who believe their own hype and will stop at nothing to maintain some semblance of power. And we see their wives, women who believe it is their calling to make themselves smaller so their husbands can appear bigger. The Childses have lost everything and it’s unclear why. Sexual misconduct? Seriously? Pastors cheat every day. Like rappers, professional athletes, and other celebrities, no one really expects a black man with wealth and prestige to be faithful — even if he is preaching the gospel. So what would make the members of Wander to Greater Paths Baptist Church any different? As “Honk for Jesus” moves along, it becomes apparent Pastor Childs’ sexuality is in question. Now it all makes sense. Wander to Greater Paths’ members don’t find refuge in Heaven’s House Baptist Church, with pastors Keon and Shakura Sumpter — played by Conphidance and Nicole Beharie — without reason. They left in droves because, for many, homophobia is still one of a black Christian’s greatest virtues. And even though he’s lost it all, there remains a remnant who believes the wrong Lee-Curtis has done can be overlooked because he has done so much right. After all, those boys were “grown enough,” no criminal charges have been filed and souls have been saved thanks to Pastor Childs. While the devoted flock’s forgiveness of Lee-Curtis and the community’s disregard for his victims are what perpetuate cycles of abuse and violence, it is important to note he never apologizes. Do pastors even do that anymore or do they simply dismiss any form of accountability as hate and the devil conspiring against them? Lee-Curtis Childs is exactly who we think he is: A broken man hoping the façade he hides behind will one day make him happy. But he is not happy and neither is his wife, who is perhaps the most important person here. The hoops Trinitie Childs jumps through and the ways she contorts herself to protect her husband from destructive forces, including himself, make her both victim and accomplice. Trinitie is complicated, wanting to be fully seen for the totality of her sacrifices to ensure her husband’s — and by extension, her — success. We don’t know all that Trinitie knows but we do know she knows enough to make a different decision — one that prioritizes her dignity and selfworth. She goes without respect, recognition, and intimacy as Lee-Curtis so recklessly mishandles what they have built together. In her documentary confessional moments, Trinitie tells a painful truth: It does take a lot to be a first lady. Perhaps more of us should start asking why. A quick scroll of social media timelines provides vastly different reviews of “Honk for Jesus.” Over on Twitter and Instagram, where many black Christians who are farther along on their deconstructionist and progressive faith journeys reside, the film is being praised for its accuracy, candor and truth-telling. On Facebook, the predominant home of older Christians and those who believe in preserving the image of the institution, the film is being blasted for making the church look bad. And both camps are right, which is what makes “Honk for Jesus” so great. In many ways, its satire is a mirror — a hilarious and horrific one. Throughout the film and especially in the final scene, today’s black church sees itself in all of its conflicting glory. The ugly can no longer be hidden. We all see it. If the church looks bad, maybe that’s because it is. Ouch. Candice Marie Benbow is a public theologian and the author of “Red Lip Theology: For Church Girls Who’ve Considered Tithing to the Beauty Supply Store When Sunday Morning Isn’t Enough.” The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of Religion News Service.
...From Inconvenient p1 socioeconomic status, political party affiliation (or lack of the same), gender, or age, no one is spared from dealing with an Inconvenient Life Truth. With that said, let’s take a look at the following scenarios.
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❖ There will come a time as family members age when a child/children must become the parent, and the parent becomes the child. This shift is not always recognized, welcomed, or handled well. If the adult child accepts the reality that he or she is now the parent, there is increased responsibility and decisions to be made that some find easier to shun than accept. There is also a parallel loss of autonomy experienced by the parent who ran the household and now is “reduced” to being a voyeur gazing on his or her life. When these two forces collide, it may cause isolation, stress, worry, guilt, and family dissension.
❖ Person A had an unhappy marriage with Person B. Person A resolved that Person B would never be granted a divorce and upheld this chosen edict for years, ignoring the Inconvenient Life Truth that while separated, they were still married. Person A thought not seeking a formal divorce was the best way to exact revenge on Person B. Person A got sick after a short debilitating illness. Person B did not have much in life—until the probate court awarded Person A’s social security, ownership of a place to live, bank savings, life insurance, and the like. Not making one’s expression known in writing through a will or trust can be costly.
Celebrating Black August and Climate Justice Wisdom to End Hunger
Rev. Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith
“I am black and beautiful … the sun hath looked upon me ….” Song of Solomon 1:5a & 6a (New Revised Standard Version) In approximately 1010 B.C.E., Solomon became the tenth son of King David (the second king of ancient, united Israel) and the second son of Bathsheba. Scholars of blacks in the Bible trace her genealogy through her grandfather Ahithophel, David’s African counselor (II Samuel 11:3), and argue that Solomon was black. At the same time, scholars’ debate if Song of Solomon 1:5a & 6a is referring to Solomon or his bride. Still others query whether the reference is meant to be a mockery of being black or a celebration of it, depending on the translation. While these debates are quite important to debunking untruths or misunderstandings about blackness and African heritage in the Bible, the lessons of leadership from persons like Solomon are also significant as we celebrate Black August 2022. Like King Saul and King David, King Solomon reigned for 40 years in one of the highest and most prosperous periods in Israel’s history. Some scholars call it the “Golden Age” of Israel. Solomon’s leadership is credited for his ability to be wise, compassionate, people-oriented, diplomatic, creative, and innovative. Black August provides an opportunity to remember and foster ancient and contemporary leadership like this. Black August is a season for uplifting the legacy of these gifts by and for people of Africa and of African descent. Black August also includes the celebration of these gifts on the International Day of People of African Descent. This year this day is complemented by the official launch of the Permanent Forum of People of African Descent in December. This will happen after the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, more commonly referred to as COP 27, which will be held from 6-18 November 2022 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. This will be a timely moment when we consider climate change as a major cause of hunger and acknowledgement that Africa is dramatically and disproportionately affected by climate change. People of Africa and of African descent will have a key role in the leadership and participation at COP 27, as they have in the past. They will bring proposals of successful practices of adaptive strategies to climate. This includes the wise and results-driven practice of agroecology. Agroecology is an approach that focuses on ecological farm management using low-cost, low-input methods that rely on a diversity of crops to improve soils and diets. Governments in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Senegal are working alongside farmer organizations to promote agroecology, including the subsidization of biofertilizers and other natural inputs as alternatives to synthetic fertilizers. Bread for the World is and will be listening for more proposals like these as we seek to deepen our relationships with African faith leaders and European partners and learn from wise and innovative methods like these to advance our advocacy agenda together. Learn more at www.bread.org. Angelique Walker-Smith is senior associate for Pan African and Orthodox Church engagement at Bread for the World.
First Episcopal District Women In Ministry Create the Diane Nash Community Award
Rev. Dr. Jacquita Wright-Henderson, 1st Episcopal District
It was a normal day in the lives of the Delaware State University’s women’s lacrosse team as they returned home from matches in Florida and Georgia until sheriff’s deputies stopped their bus in Georgia. It was April 2022, and 25 athletes, two coaches, and an athletic trainer followed instructions as, without cause, the deputies searched their belongings. This experience resulted in Delaware State University, one of only three historically black institutions with a women’s lacrosse team, filing a Civil Rights complaint on behalf of the students.
The First District African Methodist Episcopal Women In Ministry (AME WIM) unanimously decided that Coach Pamella Jenkins and the 2021-2022 women’s lacrosse team would be the first recipients of the newly created Diane Nash Community Award because of their courage, poise, and commitment to raising the consciousness of unjust practices in our country. AME WIM created this award to address its objective of “raising the consciousness of the AME Church on issues important to women.”
The First District AME WIM named the award for Diane Nash, a member of the influential Freedom Riders and one of the most prominent student leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. Diane Nash helped start the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and was one of the leaders of the Selma Voting Rights Movement. These students are extraordinary examples of the power of students to create change. Coach Jenkins was grateful for the recognition and responded, “It is an honor which definitely means a lot because it came from women of faith, and faith is what got us through this situation.”
The inaugural award was presented on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, during the AME WIM Fellowship Luncheon at the First Episcopal District’s Christian Education Congress under the leadership of the Right Rev. Julius H. McAllister, Sr., presiding prelate; the Rev. Dr. Jay Broadnax, executive director; and the Rev. Lashonna Smith, chairperson. During the luncheon, AME WIM Connectional president, the Rev. Dr. Erika D. Crawford, joined the First Episcopal District AME WIM president, the Rev. Dr. Jacquita WrightHenderson, as she presented the university’s women’s lacrosse team and Coach Pamella Jenkins with the first Diane Nash Community Award. ❏ ❏ ❏
other forms of discrimination,” said Carl V. Hill, Ph.D., MPH, chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer at the Alzheimer’s Association. “We must create a society in which the underserved, disproportionately affected, and underrepresented are safe, cared for, and valued.” According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2022 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, blacks are about twice as likely and Hispanic/Latinos are about one and one-half times as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias. The various types and experiences of structural racism and discrimination contribute to systemic inequities, including lower socioeconomic status; lower quality early life education; and less access to healthy food and proper health care. Individually and cumulatively, these factors impact brain health over the life course in Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, and other communities. “These systemic disparities are related to less access to important health-protecting resources such as high-quality care and social networks that provide valuable health information and support,” said the Rev. Miriam J. Burnett, M.D., M.Div., MPH, medical director, African Methodist Episcopal Church International Health Commission. “The consistent and pervasive lack of resources, as well as social and environmental factors, lead to disparities in other health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which increase the risk for Alzheimer’s and other dementias,” said Adriana Perez, Ph.D., CRNP, ANP-BC, FAAN, FGSA, assistant professor of nursing at University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and member of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses.
Multilevel racism associated with lower memory scores
Research suggests interpersonal and structural racism are contributors to racial and ethnic disparities in cognitive aging. However, there’s little understanding of how multilevel racism influences cognition throughout the life course. To address this gap in knowledge, Dominika Šeblová, Ph.D., postdoctoral researcher in the Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team of researchers with expertise in health equity, assessed experiences of interpersonal, institutional, and structural racism among 942 middle-aged adults (mean age=55; 64% women; 55% Latinx; 23% non-Latinx black; 19% non-Latinx white). Black participants were most exposed to racism at all levels. They were more likely to grow up and live in segregated areas that are known to be resource-deprived due to institutional disinvestment in black neighborhoods. Black participants experienced on average six civil rights violations in their lifetime and were exposed to interpersonal discrimination at least once per week. These exposures were associated with lower memory scores, and the magnitude of the association corresponded to 1-3 years of chronological age. Structural racism was associated with lower episodic memory in the full sample.
...From Experiences p5 “Chronic exposure to racism and interpersonal discrimination among marginalized communities leads to stress that affects the body and influences physiological health, and likely contributes to the development of cognitive decline,” said Jennifer Manly, Ph.D., professor of neuropsychology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the senior author of this work. “Overall, our findings indicate that racism impacts brain health and contributes to the unfair burden of Alzheimer’s disease in marginalized groups.”
Poorer cognition among oldest old is linked to experiences of discrimination
Discrimination is a fundamental cause of health inequities. However, it is unknown whether discrimination contributes to disparities in cognitive aging among the oldest old, a group sometimes referred to as super agers. To answer this question, Kristen George, Ph.D., assistant professor of epidemiology in the Department of Public Health Sciences at University of California, Davis and colleagues examined the relationship of lifetime experiences of major discrimination with cognitive function and decline among a diverse cohort of Asian, black, white, Latino and multiracial participants of the Life After 90 (LA90) Study. Among 468 participants (20.5% Asian; 21.8% black; 14.5% Latino; 35.7% white; 7.5% multiracial), the average age at enrollment was 93. Participants completed three cognitive assessments over an average of 1.2 years. Participants reported experiences of major lifetime discrimination via questionnaire and were grouped based on their responses. ❖ Group 1 reported workplace discrimination (i.e., unfairly fired, not hired, not given a promotion) and was comprised of mostly white men. ❖ Group 2 reported little to no discrimination over their lifetime and consisted of white women and Asian, black, and Latino older adults. ❖ Group 3 reported experiencing discrimination across several domains (workplace, financial, housing, etc.) and all participants of this group were nonwhite. The researchers found that participants in Group 1 (workplace discrimination) had higher levels of baseline cognition in domains of executive function and semantic memory compared to Group 2 (no discrimination). Group 3 (wideranging discrimination) had worse semantic memory at baseline compared to Group 2. Across the groups, there were no differences in cognitive decline over time. “These findings highlight that among the oldest old, inequities in cognitive function persist after accounting for experiences of major lifetime discrimination,” said George. “Despite the incredible longevity of this group, discrimination has an indelible impact on cognitive health, and oldest old adults still stand to benefit from efforts to eliminate and redress health disparities.” ❏ ❏ ❏
The Beloit Coalition of Churches Gives Away Free Backpacks and School Supplies
Destin Howard, WREX
Thirteen different churches came together for a back to school health and resource fair. Pastor Dr. Norris Jackson formed the Beloit coalition of churches to help create Saturday’s Back to School Health and Resource Fair. During this event, the churches and other community sponsors provided hundreds of children with the supplies they needed to start the school year. “It’s about coming together as a body of Christ, coming together as a community to help a community, “said Jackson. The pastor continued to say, “What we’re doing is the goal was to put one thousand book bags into the hands of our children, not just book bags but book bags with items in them, so we wanted to give them the things that they would need to learn,” said Jackson. The 13 churches also partnered with the Beloit School District to provide supplies and give parents information about the upcoming school, which will be fully in-person. School district officials say they are excited to get a head start. “I think kids are looking forward to coming back. I know the parents and families are definitely looking forward to their kids coming back to school; going to be in person; lots of information; it’s again been about registration opens up next week,” said Theresa Morateck, the executive director of Teaching Learning and Equity. The event was filled with local vendors and hiring opportunities for those in need of employment. In addition, local community service groups and volunteers supported those efforts. “So being part of this community and seeing how I’m able to give back, it’s just a signifier of the elders that are passing the torch; the work that is happening is going to continue,” said Joshua Wright, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated president and volunteer. The first day of class for the Beloit School District is September 1, 2022. ❏ ❏ ❏
Black Voters Matter Expands Its Partnership with the AME Church to Support Voter Engagement Eff orts
ATLANTA – On September 12, Black Voters Matter announced an expansion of its partnership with the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) in which it will invest $600K in grants to be dispersed in nine Episcopal districts across 13 states in support of church-led GOTV efforts throughout the South. Participating AME churches will use the grant to activate community outreach to friends and family of church members, conduct street canvassing, literature drops, polling place parties, and rides to the polls. Of the allotted funds for the expansion, $150K will support a special project in Georgia, for the work of the 6th Episcopal District. This partnership speaks directly to the deep ties that African Methodist Episcopal churches have had in black communities for 235 years spanning centuries. The AME Church grew out of the Free African Society (FAS), established in Philadelphia in 1787, that directly addressed discrimination based on race and practices in the Methodist Episcopal churches. The AME denomination has led and nurtured every effort of black people in search of freedom in America, the continent of Africa, the Caribbean and beyond, with a presence in 39 countries on 5 continents, and claims a membership of 2.5 million. Its Episcopal Salutation states, “that working with the poor and disenfranchised is NOT an addendum to an already crowded agenda. It is the very essence of who we are and what we must be about.” There is no social ill that will go unnoticed, no injustice that will be tolerated, and no opportunity to model love – service – and ministry to empower the people that will be ignored nor any efforts to mute its voices that will be tolerated. Its strong roots in the Southern region of the US makes the AME Church a likely partner in any effort regarding freedom and social justice, equity and inclusion, and ensuring that all people are included in solutions for the good of humankind. “Our partnership with the AME Church is very special because of the deep-rooted history the church has had in the voting rights movement in America. Freedom is our faith, and our faith has always been embedded in our fight for the right to vote and justice,” said LaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter. “There have been ongoing efforts from the right-wing to roll back progress on voting rights with conservative churches embracing voter suppression rhetoric that supports restricting ballot access for millions of Americans. This partnership reflects our outlook to use our faith not as a tool to divide, but a tool to bring folks together and inspire our community to show up and show out at the polls once again for the issues and causes that matter to us.” “We hope that our partnership with the AME Church will encourage our community to raise their voices and use their political power,” said Cliff Albright, co-founder and executive director of Black Voters Matter. “We know the powerful role the church has had in our community throughout history, and we believe our partnership today will continue this rich history and inspire a new generation to use their voice and vote.”
In addition to Georgia, the grant will be extended to include AME churches in the following states: Arizona, Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin– all key battleground states in the upcoming general election.
As chair of the Social Action Commission of the AME Church, Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield said, “Partnerships are our recognition that we are ‘called’ to serve all the people. Our AME V-Alert effort, in its 23-year history, has created mini-villages with pockets of activism. In 2022, our work with Black Voters Matter formalizes an informal relationship in ways that empower all the people. We look forward to a 100% voter turnout of those reached and impact beyond our wildest expectations.” ❏ ❏ ❏
CONNECTIONAL NEWS
What Conservative States Should Learn from Kansas
Quardricos Bernard Driskell, Columnist
Our country will continue to deal with the consequences of the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The effects of overturning the 50-year-old precedent in Roe v. Wade have been profound and swift. Some states have outright banned abortions; others are close to doing so. But recently, Kansas voters decided to keep abortion legal, rejecting an amendment to outlaw abortion altogether. Conservative Kansas, corn-filled Kansas has de facto settled this debate on an issue that has plagued families and communities for generations - that fundamentally, women should still have ownership over their health.
In 2004, Thomas Frank wrote a book entitled, What’s the Matter with Kansas? How Conservatives Won the Heart of America, which detailed how the current populist, anti-liberal, anti-elitist conservative movement has shaped America. Frank used his home state of Kansas as the focal point. It was a roadmap on how explosive cultural issues, such as gay marriage, LGBTQI rights, and abortion highjacked economic and fiscal concerns of classic conservatism. Against this backdrop, he posed the question – what is the matter with Kansas? And so, in a state that overwhelmingly supported Donald Trump by nearly 15 percentage points in 2020, to Frank’s interrogative, given the recent vote, apparently not much. Be clear – abortion in Kansas is still rare. The state has only four clinics where abortions remain available, mainly in the Wichita and Kansas City metro areas. Kansas’ abortion restrictions include limiting abortions after 22 weeks of pregnancy to cases where the pregnant person’s life is in danger, and the state requires an ultrasound before a procedure. But could a state like Kansas, where access to abortion remains limited, serve as a model for other conservative states in America-harkening back to an aged-old political adage echoed by both conservative, pro-life Democrats and pro-choice moderate Republicans, made famous by President Bill Clinton in 1992 – of making abortions safe, legal, and rare? This phrase transcended Clinton and others into the inchoate sentiments of millions of Americans that it became consequentially – especially for those who did not fall so dogmatically on either side’s position on abortion – a basis for acceptable compromise and practice. Republican activists would say Kansans did what is in the best interest of Kansas, espousing the states’ rights mantra - a refrain dating back to enslavement in the United States positing that somehow protecting fundamental human and individual rights should be decided by individual states rather than a universal national decision. That is, to say, protections should be optional, depending on the nuanced sensibilities of wisdom at more local levels – revealing yet again that elections at the state and municipal levels are equally important. Kansas has demonstrated that even in the deepest politically red states, abortion can remain legal. Moreover, it provides hope to abortionrights supporters betting on ballot initiatives in other conservative states to restore or maintain access to the procedure. After all, this is the home of the late statesmen Robert Dole. Senator Bob Dole (R-KS), a World War II hero
Robert Barton, Scout Master Troop 487 and 3347
We have been away too long AAMES needs to take a plane load of AME scouts back to Africa. Back in 1998 BSA Troop 487 chartered by Ebenezer AME Church in Ft. Washington, Maryland. Notes from Scout Master Robert Barton…. Kings and palaces, lions and island prisons. Sounds like a fairy tale, but for one troop, it was a trip of a lifetime. So said S.M. Bob Barton and C.O.R. Clarence Crayton who led a group of 16 boy scouts and 17 adults on a 17-day trip. The trip was conceived as an educational and ancestral visit by parents of Boy Scout Troop 487, a 60-member troop sponsored by Ebenezer AME Church in Ft. Washington, MD. Beginning in January, the scouts and parents raised money by hosting church concerts, selling various goods, and soliciting contributions. They collected about half of the money needed to pay for the trip, with the remainder paid for by the parents. Ebenezer’s African Liberation president, Sis. Nomvula Cook, a native South African, arranged personalized visits and accompanied the group on the trip. The group was hosted by the American ambassador to Lesotho, AME churches, and South African Scout Troops. Within two days of their departure from Washington, D.C., the scouts and parents found themselves on a safari in a game preserve near Kruger National Park. Rhinos, lions and elephants roamed freely past the expedition’s land rovers. Perhaps a little too freely, I thought, when our jeep had to back off from a bull elephant that wasn’t interested in any visitors. The troop also visited several African villages, where the scouts were able to mingle with locals and participate in tribal dances and songs. We were hosted by the mayor of Pretoria, the king of Bafokeng (who attended Howard University), and the Queen of Lesotho, a country inside South Africa that remained free from white colonists during the apartheid period. Apartheid remained evident in South Africa, even years after the fall of the white government. The segregation was mainly economic, rather than legal, but it was clear in the delineation of housing in the country. Fine manors and estates gave way to government housing and eventually shantytowns that had no electricity or running water. These sights had an adverse impact on the scouts. The most moving part of the trip for me was a visit to Robbens Island, which housed the prison in which President Nelson Mandela spent 27 years as a political prisoner. Ex-inmates served as tour guides. One told the scouts not to be afraid of him because he was not a criminal, but a political prisoner. He had been arrested while lobbying for voting rights for blacks and served 15 years. The scouts were surprised by the country’s emphasis on education and discipline. They were impressed by the student’s conduct in the classrooms, and how they were serious about schoolwork and did not play around. Ebenezer AME Church and Troop 487 was able to repay some of the hospitality shown in South Africa. The mayor of Pretoria and her assistant visited Washington, D.C. Parents and scouts gave them a tour of of the city and hosted them at a Sunday service at Ebenezer and a brunch afterwards. To learn how to start a Girl Scout or Boy Scout unit at your church, please email Michele Neal at Michele@amescouts.org for Girl Scouts. Contact Missiouri McPhee at Info@amescouts.org for Boy Scouts. Go the AME Christian Education Dept. WEB Site www.AMECED.COM. Also, please visit us on Facebook at AAMES Scouting Connection. ❏ ❏ ❏
who rose to be majority leader of the U.S. Senate, championed expanding the federal food stamp program, bringing awareness to disabilities, and sending U.S. troops to foreign conflicts. One rooted in classic Republicanism, one that said in his 1996 presidential acceptance speech at the Republican National Committee Convention: “If there’s anyone who has mistakenly attached themselves to our party in the belief that we are not open to citizens of every race and religion, then let me remind you, tonight this hall belongs to the party of Lincoln.” Senator Dole, who also
...From What Conservative p17 during his presidential run called for adding a “declaration for tolerance” to the Republican Party’s platform, declared that the tolerance language should be directly added to the platform’s language on abortion. Senator Dole was a pro-life Republican, but he, like these Kansans voters on abortion, also understood what the current GOP seems to have conveniently ignored. Maybe the GOP and other red states should follow the example of Kansas because, in this case, they got it right.
Quardricos Bernard Driskell is an adjunct professor of legislative politics, where he teaches religion, race, public policy, and politics at the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. Follow him on Twitter @q_driskell4.
New Dean at Gammon Theological Seminary
Turner Theological Seminary congratulates Dr. Candace Lewis, presidentdean of Gammon Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Seminary (ITC), Atlanta, Georgia. On Wednesday, August 10, 2022, Dr. Lewis was elected by her colleagues and became the first woman to lead The Deans’ Council at the ITC.
The ITC is a Christian Afrocentric ecumenical consortium of seminaries and fellowships that educate students to commit to practicing justice and peace through a liberating and transforming spirituality to become leaders in the church and local/global communities. Dr. Lewis said one of her primary duties as the president of the Deans’ Council would be to facilitate the work of the deans by collaborating with the ITC on items relevant to the success of the institution’s goals through liberating and transforming pathways. ❏ ❏ ❏
Rev. Dr. Natalie Mitchem, Ed.D., RDN, Executive Director
“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” 3 John 1:2 NIV August is Clergy and Clergy Family Wellness month, and July was Faith-Based Health, Wellness, Nutrition, and Fitness Month. Each of these months were established by the International Health Commission (IHC) of the AME Church to promote wellness in the faith-based community. Clergy and Clergy Family Wellness in the month of August is a time to focus on “physical and mental health, manage stress, encourage sabbatical (at home or away from home), and clergy self-care” (www.AMEChealth.org). IHC is celebrating 30 years of service and we invite everyone to take a 30-Day Culinary RX AME
CONGRATULATORY Listings
*Purple font connotes Episcopal Family; Red font, General Officers; and Blue font, Connectional Officers.
The Right Reverend Carolyn Tyler-Guidry 122nd Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Celebrates 85th Birthday August 25, 2022 The Right Reverend Carolyn Tyler-Guidry, a bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, was the first woman appointed to be a presiding elder in the Fifth Episcopal District of the AME Church and the second woman to become a bishop in the denomination.
Bishop Guidry was born on August 25, 1937, in Jackson, Mississippi. Tyler-Guidry attended J.P. Campbell College in Jackson and received an Associate of Arts Degree in Business and Secretarial Science. She then began working for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Tyler-Guidry held the women’s voter registration chair. In 1964, she was hired by the Security Pacific Bank in California where she worked for twelve years. In 1977, she attended the Los Angeles Bible School to pursue the path of ministry, and was ordained as an itinerant elder that year. She then served as the pastor of the First African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Indio, California, where she oversaw renovations to the church and parsonage, and the creation of a day care center. In 1983, she was appointed to the Cain Memorial AME Church in Bakersfield, California, where she served for five years. Cary B. Tyler, her first husband, died in 1988. In 1989, she became the first female to be appointed to a major metropolitan church when she was appointed to the Walker Temple AME Church, with 600 members, in Los Angeles. In 1994, she became the first female appointed to presiding elder in the Fifth Episcopal District. In this role she oversaw 19 churches in Los Angeles. She ran for election for bishop in 1996 and 2000; while her first two efforts were unsuccessful, her willingness to stand for election helped raise visibility for women clergy. In 2000, Vashti Murphy McKenzie became the first woman elected bishop in the A.M.E. Church. In July 2004, she became the second woman to be elected as bishop in the AME Church. That same year, she received her master’s of theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. Upon her election as bishop, she was appointed to serve as the presiding prelate of the 16th Episcopal District of the AME Church, comprising Suriname, Guyana, the Windward Islands, the Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba, and London, England. Not long after she was appointed, Hurricane Ivan caused severe damage in the region, especially in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, which made her first months in office very hectic. In 2008, at the 48th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the AME Church, she was appointed to serve as bishop of the 8th Episcopal District, which comprises the U.S. states of Louisiana and Mississippi. She retired in 2012. Bishop Carolyn Tyler-Guidry served an unprecedented two terms as the Social Action Commission chair, 2004-2012.
In addition to her ministry in the church, she has been actively involved in charitable and non-profit organizations. Tyler-Guidry served as the secretary on the board of the John F. Kennedy Hospital in Indio, president of the Riverside County Board of Mental Health, and treasurer of the national board of One Church One Child. She is also a member of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority. Bishop Guidry is the widow of Donovan Guidry, a retired officer in the United States Army, who died in June 2007 after a lengthy illness. She is the mother of six children, grandmother of thirteen, and great-grandmother of eleven. Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: Girlbishop122@aol.com. Congratulations to John Thomas III, editor of The Christian Recorder on his appointment as a tenure-track assistant professor in the Political Science Department at the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina as of August 15, 2022 John Thomas III joined the Department of Political Science in August 2022. His research interests include comparative race politics, social movements, democratic consolidation, minority rights, and public policy with a regional focus on Latin America and the Caribbean. John’s dissertation examined the evolution of the social movements of black activists in Peru and Ecuador from 1980 to 2016 and their impacts on state institutions and the broader society. He has received funding from several entities to conduct his research including the University of Chicago Division of Social Sciences, the Tinker Foundation, the Fulbright Commission, TIAA-CREF, and the U.S. Department of Education. He is also an American Political Science Association Diversity Fellow. John has consulted on issues of Afro-Latinx social inclusion for the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the governments of Honduras and Peru. He has served as a teaching consultant at the Chicago Center for Teaching, taught Political Science courses at Chicago State University, and was a presidential fellow at Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio through the Gift of Black Theology Collaborative. Congratulatory messages can be sent to: editor@ thechristianrecorder.com.
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor, AMEC, The Christian Recorder, and the Rev. Dr. Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor Celebrates 60th Wedding Anniversary ANOTHER YEAR’S JOURNEY AND I AM GLAD ABOUT IT! Congratulations to the Rev. Dr. Calvin Herbert Sydnor III, retired 20th editor of The Christian Recorder, and the Rev. Dr. Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor - Sixtieth Wedding Anniversary! They were married on August 18, 1962 at St. James AME Church in Danville, Kentucky. August 18th is a memorable day each year for Calvin, Charlotte, the Blake and Sydnor families, as it has been for the last 60 years! August 18th is also the birthday of the Rev. Dr. Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor. August 18, 1962 was on a Saturday and she wanted a Sunday wedding, but many of the wedding guests had traveled long distances to attend the wedding and her parents thought Saturday would be a more convenient day to allow wedding guests to attend the wedding and return home and to work on the following Monday. Down through the years, several people have asked us for the “key” to our long marriage. One thing we know is that it wasn’t luck!
I feel blessed to have married such a wonderful woman. I knew she was going to be my wife shortly after meeting and getting to know her; that was in September 1961 at Wilberforce University. I met her and her friends in front of Shorter Hall. I was with my friend and roommate, Rodger Reed! Long before I arrived at Wilberforce, I had decided that I would only marry an AME, and I believe that decision was a good one and got us off to a good start in our relationship and marriage. Congratulatory messages can be sent to: chsydnor@ bellsouth.net.
AUGUST 2022
Happy 95th Birthday to Mrs. Melanie Frances Jones Thibodeaux, widow of the Rev. Dr. G.H.J. Thibodeaux (AME General Officer) Mrs. Melanie Frances Jones Thibodeaux is the widow of the Rev. Dr. G.H.J. Thibodeaux (AME General Officer and the Mother of Mrs. Roslyn Thibodeaux Goodall). She will celebrate her 95th birthday on Saturday, August 27, 2022. A lifelong resident of Shreveport, LA, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas and additional hours in Special Education instruction from Grambling College. Mrs. Thibodeaux is a 1945 graduate of Central Colored High School in Shreveport. Mrs. Thibodeaux has been a faithful member of St. Matthew African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church for more than 70 years, where she has the distinction of being the oldest member. Over those years, she served as a steward, president and vice president of the Women’s Missionary Society, director of the Young People’s department, Sunday school teacher, chair of Founder’s Day, co-chair of the church’s anniversary, and ...continued on p21
NECROLOGY Listings
*Purple font connotes Episcopal Family; Red font, General Officers; and Blue font, Connectional Officers.
Retired Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. Barbara Jeanne Wooten
Chappelle, age 83, widow of the late the Right Reverend Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr., the 108th elected and consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, mother of Kristen Nicole, grandmother of Micah Jeremiah and Travis Richard, and great-grandmother of Micah II
Mr. Richard Herndon, the brother of the Reverend Dr. J. Wayne Rogers, pastor of Bethel AME Church, Hope, Arkansas, Twelfth Episcopal District
The Reverend Dr. Ida V.
James was one of the founding members of AME Women in Ministry and the founding pastor of Faith Temple AME Church located on the West Side of Chicago, Chicago Conference, Fourth Episcopal District Dr. J. B. Flowers, Jr., a former member of the Judicial Council of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, a member of Mt. Herman AME Church, Grenada, Mississippi in the Eighth Episcopal District
Presiding Elder Vernon Ivan Fitzgerald Lowe
served for many years in the First Episcopal District with distinction; he is the father of the Reverend Robert R. Lowe, pastor of Mount Moriah AME Church, Cambria Heights, NY, New York Annual Conference
Mr. Herloia Lee “Hercules”
Anthony, the father of the Reverend Octavius L. Smith, pastor of Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Sanford, FL and member of the Board of Examiner’s of the Central Annual Conference, Eleventh Episcopal District Sis. Helen Jean Key, age 77, mother of the Reverend Linda Ann Key Evans, pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Memphis, TN in the West Tennessee Conference of the Thirteenth Episcopal District
Mr. Edward “Buster” Billips,
the father of the Reverend Dr. Eric Billips, Sr., pastor of North Stelton AME Church, Piscataway, NJ, New Jersey Annual Conference and the father-in-law of the Reverend Dr. Myra Billips, First Episcopal District
The Reverend Hoover
Footman, a retired itinerant elder in the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; his last pastoral assignment was Adams AME (North Charleston), Charleston District, South Carolina Annual Conference
The Reverend Laura Mae
Holloway, retired pastor of the Marianna District, Eleventh Episcopal District, the beloved, dedicated mother of the Reverend Calvin E. Holloway, pastor of Mt. Olive AME Church, Monticello, and the beloved mother-in-love of Sister Patricia Holloway Sister Valarie Graves, the spouse of the Reverend Frederick Graves, pastor of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church (Sumter), Sumter District, Northeast Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church
The Reverend Michael
William Battle, a local deacon at St. Matthew AME Church (Hamer), of the Florence-Dillon District of the Northeast South Carolina Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
The Reverend Martina Dorothy Thomas Madden,
a retired local elder from the Second Episcopal District, residing in the Tenth Episcopal District; the Reverend Madden was the mother of the Reverend Janis Madden Barnes, pastor of Payne Chapel AME Church, Sherman, Texas, Tenth Episcopal District
Mother Elnor Harvin
Edmonds, the beloved mother of the Reverend Raymond F. Edmonds, Jr., senior pastor, Union Bethel, Randallstown, MD, mother-in-love of the Reverend Jerri Edmonds; the mother of Mrs. Sherry Clemons, a member of Union Bethel AME Church, Brandywine, MD, and Mrs. Trina Brickhouse a member of Reid Temple AME Church, Glenn Dale, MD; she and her late husband were longtime members of New Mt. Olive AME Church, Chesapeake, VA
Retired Presiding Elder
Alexander Stephans, who served for many years in the First Episcopal District with distinction
Presiding Elder Percy
Robert Tate, retired, Youngstown District, Third Episcopal District, husband of Mrs. Geraldine Tate, a former president of the Third Episcopal District M-SWAWO + PK’S
The Reverend Frankie Lee
Massey, the beloved pastor of Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, Winter
AUGUST 2022
Garden, Florida, Daytona Beach District, Central Annual Conference, Eleventh Episcopal District, husband of Linda Massey and father of daughter, Hope Massey Mrs. Frances Rankin, the aunt of Mr. Bobby Rankin, chief of protocol of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
The Reverend Florance
Marie Mcelroy, presiding elder of Blue Mountain District and the beloved pastor of Chapel of Christ Our Redeemer African Methodist Episcopal Church, Kingston in the Jamaica Conference, Sixteenth Episcopal District
The Reverend Johnnie L.
Edison, Jr, the pastor of St. Matthew African Methodist Episcopal Church, Oxmoor, West Birmingham Ensley Greensboro District, Ninth Episcopal District Mrs. Dorothy Harris, 96, the widow of the late Reverend David F. Harris, who preceded her in death; they were married twenty-five years and served many churches in Texas; their last assignment was at Metropolitan AME in Austin, Southwest Texas Conference
The Reverend Donald White,
who along with the love of his life, Sis. Mary E. White, pastored many churches faithfully until his retirement from the ministry at St. Phillip AME Church in Nashville, NC; in his role as a superannuated minister at Greater Bethel AME Church, he gladly performed any task given by pastor, serving gladly until his health failed
Condolences to the bereaved are expressed on behalf of Publications Commission chair Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., 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)
in many other capacities. To this day, she regularly attends church service, via the church’s conference line. She also attends conference and Connectional church meetings that are conducted via a virtual platform. The Rev. Dr. Glenell Lee-Pruitt is her pastor and Bishop and Supervisor Stafford J. N. Wicker are her Episcopal leaders. Mrs. Thibodeaux became a life member of the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) of the AME Church in 1984 and has faithfully served on the local, conference, and Connectional levels. She currently serves as life member coordinator for the Central North Louisiana Conference of the 8th District. Mrs. Thibodeaux served as chair of the Budget and Financial Estimates Committee under the administration of then International WMS president, Mrs. Delores Kennedy Williams. She has also served as president of the Clergy Spouses organization of the 8th Episcopal District of the AME Church. She and her committees planned and executed many fun and informative retreats. Mrs. Thibodeaux served as the office manager for her late husband during his service to the AME Church as director of Evangelism and Worship. She began her early classroom career as a substitute teacher at the Milam Street Special Education School. She was later hired as a special education teacher at Linear High School. When Green Oaks High School was built in 1972, she and her students became the first Special Education class there. While at Greek Oaks, Mrs. Thibodeaux was sponsor of the 4-H Club and a sponsor of the senior classes. She retired from Green Oaks High School in 1990. Mrs. Thibodeaux pledged Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. at Paul Quinn College as a member of the Tau Beta Chapter. She transferred her membership to Beta Epsilon Zeta Chapter in 1955 and has enjoyed uninterrupted service in this organization for 67 years. Mrs. Thibodeaux is a past president of Beta Epsilon Zeta Chapter. She was the sponsor when Psi Sigma Chapter was chartered at Louisiana State University in Shreveport. She has served in many chapter and regional offices, in the sorority. Through her guidance and example, her daughter also pledged Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Prior to its dissolution, Mrs. Thibodeaux was an active member of the Shreveport-Bossier chapter of Church Women United where she served as president and vice president. Through her service, she was honored, by the chapter, as a Woman of Valor. Mrs. Thibodeaux has a caring heart and always thinks of others. A great example of this is how she reached out to her family, friends, and business associates to collect funds to purchase items for 8th Episcopal District members who were displaced because of Hurricane Katrina. Her outreach provided more than four families with bedding, household goods, clothing, and finances. Partnering with her daughter, she was able to provide jobs for the adult members who relocated to Dallas.
...From Congratulatory p19 Mrs. Melanie Thibodeaux loves people and has left an indelible mark on the lives of many. She is known for leaving places better than she finds them. Happy 95th birthday to Mrs. Melanie Thibodeaux. Congratulatory expressions may be sent to: Mrs. Melanie Jones Thibodeaux, c/o 4830 Line Ave., Suite 141, Shreveport, LA 71106 or melaniethibodeaux723@gmail.com. Caleb Akil Dickens Was Born to Pastor Conitras Dicken and the Rev. Akil Dickens.
On July 28, 2022, Caleb Akil Dickens was born to Pastor Conitras and the Rev. Akil Dickens. Caleb is their firstborn weighing 6 lbs., 6 oz. Pastor Conitras Houston Dickens is the senior pastor of DuPage AME Church in Lisle, IL and the special assistant to chief information officer/general secretary, Dr. Jeffery Cooper. Rev. Akil Dickens serves alongside his wife as the executive pastor of DuPage AME Church. Congratulatory messages can be sent to: revcmhouston@gmail.com.
Presiding Elder Ralph and Mrs. Pat Johnson Will Celebrate Their 45th Wedding Anniversary on Saturday, August 27, 2022 Presiding Elder Ralph and Mrs. Pat Johnson will celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary on Saturday, August 27, 2022. The Rev. Dr. Johnson serves as the presiding elder of the North District of the Tennessee Annual Conference and as the very proud pastor of St. Paul Oakwood, TN. Presiding Elder Johnson says, “We have shared and experienced so much during our wonderful years together, and God has blessed us through it all. We will celebrate with our children and grandchildren with fine-dining at an elegant restaurant in Nashville.”
You may send congratulatory messages to: ameomega@bellsouth.net.
The Rev. A. J. Holman, Sr. Appointed the Grand Historian of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World Congratulations to the Reverend A. J. Holman, Sr., pastor of Bethel AME Church, Chattanooga, Tennessee for being appointed the grand historian of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the world. He is a professional genealogist serving several families. The Reverend Holman serves as an assistant grand chaplain of the same order as well as state chaplain and historian of the Tennessee Association of Elks of which he wrote its history. He has written the history of his local lodge, Armistice Lodge #440, Chattanooga, TN. He is a product of Bishop College (now Paul Quinn College), Dallas, TX and Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Seminary, Atlanta, GA. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in history at Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA. The Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World is a 501©(8) fraternal organization established 125 years ago in Cincinnati, Ohio by Benjamin Franklin Howard and Arthur James Riggs, promoting charity, justice, brotherly, fidelity, and sisterly love. The organization claims descent from the Free African Society, our parent body in history. It is currently led by Grand Exalted Ruler Leonard J. Polk, Jr., Esquire. Congratulatory email messages can be emailed to: ajholmansr@gmail.com.
The Rev. Walt “Baby” Love, Longtime Radio Host and Personality, Elected to the Radio Hall of Fame Congratulations to the Rev. Walt “Baby” Love, longtime radio host and personality, on his election to the Radio Hall of Fame! The Reverend Walter L. Shaw, Jr., better known as Walt “Baby” Love, has been consistent in lending his unique blend of Christian faith, motivational and inspirational personal experiences to millions of listeners each week for over forty-nine years. He has been the host of four uplifting radio programs; The Countdown with Walt “Baby” Love aired for an unprecedented twenty nine years from August 1982 thru August 2011; Gospel Traxx with Walt “Baby” Love for twenty two years (and still going strong); The Urban AC Countdown for fifteen years; and the short form vignette program African American Making It Happen for seven years. Walt has been heard on hundreds of radio stations around the world throughout his career and his “brand” is associated with excellence.
The Rev. Love, an ordained elder on the staff at FAME (Los Angeles), previously won the Billboard Music Award for Best Syndicated Show and the Stellar Award for Best Gospel Radio Personality. The Rev. Walt is married to the Rev. Patricia Shaw, associate minister at Bethel AME (Oxnard).
Information on the induction ceremony (November 1 in Chicago) is available at Radio Hall of Fame. https://www.radiohalloffame.com/.
The Rev. Mindy L. Mayes Pastor of Bethel AME Church, Noblesville, IN, Elected the First African American President of the Rotary Club of Wabash, Indiana The Rev. Mindy L. Mayes, MPH, M.Div. was elected the first African American president of the Rotary Club of Wabash, IN. She is the pastor of Bethel AME Church - Noblesville, IN. Mindy has served as the pastor of Bethel-Noblesville for the last 4 years. Secularly she serves as a health and human sciences extension educator with Purdue Extension Wabash County. In her position as president of the Wabash Rotary Club Mindy looks forward to taking action in the change of the world, improving the lives of citizens within Wabash County and beyond.
Congratulations to Master Jacob Cuthbert, III on His Graduation from the Federal Teen Academy Congratulations to Master Jacob Cuthbert III on his graduation from the Federal Teen Academy. The Tampa Federal Teen Academy was held August 3rd and 4th at the FBI Tampa Field Office. The Federal Teen Academy allows high school students (14-to-17year old’s) an opportunity to get a comprehensive look into the Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau ...continued on p22
...From Congratulatory p21 of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), United States Attorney’s Office-Middle District of Florida (USAO), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Participants were provided with several presentations on topics such as terrorism, drugs, cyber-crime, cybersecurity, human trafficking, gangs, guns, explosives, evidence response, surveillance techniques, SWAT, and the dayto-day operations of a federal agency. Participants were also afforded the opportunity to learn from special agents, intelligence analysts, language specialists, and professional staff about investigative tactics that include gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses assisting with cases. Master Jacob is a member of Saint Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church, Orlando, FL and is the son of the Rev. Dr. Missiouri L. McPhee (connectional director of Boys Scouts). Congratulatory messages can be sent to Jacob at Missiouri.McPhee@gmail.com.
On behalf of Publications Commission chair Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., 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.
...From Connectional p18 and Lifestyle Medicine Challenge/Journey to assist clergy and clergy families in taking steps towards improved health, disease prevention, and wellness. Culinary RX AME explains how healthy food choices can help prevent and fight disease (i.e., diabetes type 2, heart disease, cancers, high blood pressure, and more) through informative short videos and hands-on cooking experiences. The IHC 30-day challenge also incorporates evidenced-based lifestyle medicine principles to promote overall wellness for the mind, body, and spirit. Visit the survey monkey link and take the 30-day challenge/journey with us, and we pray you experience blessings, health, and wellness every day in Jesus’ name. Survey Monkey Link - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R78MDDR 1. Faith In Action/Prayer – Pray first about all important life decisions 2. Enroll in Culinary RX- AME – www.ame-church.rouxbe.com – One-time fee $49.99 for lifetime access 3. Nutrition – Try Meatless Monday, eat more fresh foods naturally low in sodium and read nutrition facts labels. Use the Harvard Healthy Eating
Plate or Diabetes Plate Method for a guide (https://www.hsph.harvard. edu/nutritionsource/healthy-eating-plate/, https://www.diabetes.org/ healthy-living/recipes-nutrition/eating-well). Plant a church garden. 4. Manage Stress – List how you will manage stress 5. Daily Fitness – Choose an activity of your choice and participate for 60 minutes 6. Healthy Relationships – Galatians 5:18 – 26, take a healthy look at your relationships 7. Self-Care – List healthy choices you will make over the next 30 days 8. Rest/Sleep – Make time for rest and a minimum of 7 hours of sleep 9. Laughter/Joy – Find or do something that makes you laugh and/or puts a smile on your face 10. No Smoking/No Menthol – Find a smoking cessation program (www. centerforblackhealth.org) 11. Limit Alcohol – If you drink alcohol, limit and/or no more than one alcoholic beverage for 30 days ❏ ❏ ❏
Juneteenth Celebration at First AME Church – Athens, Georgia
June 20, 2022, marked the first official recognition of Juneteenth as a national federal holiday. Since in Galveston, Texas, Reedy African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church is the historical site of the first Juneteenth celebration, it seems appropriate for First AME Church to be a part of the inaugural Juneteenth weekend celebration in Athens, Georgia. On Sunday, June 19, 2022, Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, the effective presiding prelate of the 6th Episcopal District, proclaimed a powerful and persuasive message titled “Possess or Possessed,” stating if we are to possess the land, we must 1) pass down our faith, 2) take God’s Word seriously, and 3) never forget that we are children of God. Cognizant that it was also Father’s Day, he took the time to encourage all fathers. Bishop Jackson was accompanied by the charismatic and always encouraging Episcopal Supervisor Christy Davis Jackson, Esq. Also in attendance were Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz, Magistrate Judge (Morris Brown alumni) Donarell Green, City Commissioner of District #5 Dexter Fisher, and other members and friends. Vice chair of the Steward Board, Sis. Freda Giles, gave remarks of commendation and thanks.
Engaging the youth of the community in the spirit of Juneteenth, the celebration continued Monday, June 20, 2022, with an oratorical contest for middle school students centered around the thought, “What Freedom Means to Me.” Micah Taylor, an 8th grader at Oconee County Middle School, received the top prize of $300. Sister Patricia Clifton, steward at FAME, coordinated this activity which will be an annual event. The entire celebration was fun, inspirational, and educational. ❏ ❏ ❏
First AME Church Juneteenth Oratorical Contest Participants
Sis. Aurelia Scott, Sis. Retia Cornelius, Supervisor Christy Davis Jackson, Esq., Sis. Donna Wilkins (WMS President), Sis. Wilhelmina Bowles (L-R)
First AME Church Juneteenth Celebration Supervisor Christy Davis Jackson, Esq. with members of the FAME WMS Serenity Southwell (Honorable Mention), Richard Burton (Honorable Mention), Sis. Patricia Clifton (Steward and Coordinator), Mariah Burton (3rd Place Winner), Pastor B.A. Hart, Joseph Micah Taylor (1st Place Winner), Jordan Adams (2nd Place Winner) (L-R)
First AME Church Juneteenth Celebration Bro. Tommy Valentine (Ex. Director, AthensClarke Heritage Foundation), Pastor B.A. Hart, Mayor Kelly Girtz (Athens-Clarke County), Bishop Reginald T. Jackson (Presiding Prelate, 6th Episcopal District), Commissioner Dexter Fisher (District #5 Athens-Clarke County), Judge Donarell Green (Magistrate Court of Athens-Clarke County) (L-R)
