J OURNAL GARLAND
VOL XIII ISSUE 24 AUGUST 4, 2015
www.garlandjournal.com
Clergy addresses voting rights at annual convention in Dallas Perkins, pastor of Greater Christ Baptist Church in Detroit, MI, the PNBC puts to rest any doubt that the Black Church is alive and well by addressing issues and effecting change. Elected 20th President of the PNBC, in 2014, Rev. Perkins, says it is important that the members “jump in the arena of life an engage with some issue.” “Baptists are coming to Dallas in August and voting rights sits at the top of the agenda,” he said, during a recent phone interview. “As we mark the 50th
Dr. James C. and Linda Adkins Perkins By Cheryl Smith
When thousands of clergy members from across the country gather at the Downtown Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dallas, TX for the annual Progressive National Baptist Convention, August 2-7, 2015, there will be a number of issues discussed and at the top of the list is voting rights. Led by the fiery Rev. Dr. James C.
communities across the country and pastors were highly revered and looked to as the fearless voices, no matter the issues, the reverend says that the same spirit of activism is needed today. “Pastors must speak for the orphans, those without and we must be a voice for the voiceless,” he explained. “If preaching and praising alone did it all and was enough to bring about change, no one does it better than we do. “We’re under attack. We must do more,” he continued, adding that social
Voter education, recruitment and participation are key, Rev. Perkins said, “Voting is behind it all. If you don’t vote, you get left out. If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu!” anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act, we have to realize that we are under attack, and praising and preaching is not enough. We need protest.” Citing the period when the Black Church was the focal point of
justice issues must be a priority. Moving forward, the graduate of Wiley College, who is a strong advocate of historically Black colleges and universities says while the schedule is filled with programming designed
to build stronger, more productive congregations and communities, they have to focus on the very foundation of the organization, which is rooted in among other things, the fight for human freedom and advocacy for human rights. PNBC has a history of partnering with other institutions within the Black communities, he noted, citing Black Businesses and the Black Press. “Historically black newspapers and black churches had an alliance,” he said, adding that working together the communities were stronger and information was shared.” Unfortunately today, the media is not as positive and many can point to the negative impact seen in communities across the country as well as those images shared around the world. With the advent of such vehicles as reality television, he explained, too many negative images and unproductive lifestyles are on display. “We are creating gospel stars not gospel prophets in this age of celebrity,” he said. The focus must change and that’s
See CLERGY, page 7
Brown successor named, Spencer unanimously chosen At an emergency board meeting resulting from the death of founder Joyce Ann Brown on June 13, 2015, MASS Mothers (Fathers) for the Advancement of Social Systems named Koquice Spencer, as the temporary CEO/President. Ms. Brown, who was released from prison in 1989 after serving nine years, five months and 24 days in prison for a crime she didn’t commit, made good on a promise she made while incarcerated and founded MASS Inc. Since her release, Ms. Brown has been committed to freeing the wrongfully convicted, assisting and supporting the families of the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated, providing opportunities for those looking to reenter and become productive members of society, and ensure better conditions for those living in prisons. MASS Board members said they felt Ms. Spencer, who has worked side-by-side with her mother, was the ideal choice to take over the helm of MASS. They praised her commitment
and leadership, while offering words of encouragement. Ms. Spencer, who will serve in the capacity of CEO/ Preosdemtuntil the full board meets later this year and votes on a permanent successor, is excited about the opportunity to continue the work her mother was so passionate about. She expressed appreciation to the board for their vote of confidence and belief that MASS must continue. In the interim, the Board felt it was important to inform supporters, donors and volunteers that MASS Inc., which is a 501 C 3 non profit organization, did not die with Ms. Brown and is under the capable leadership of Ms. Spencer with assistance from Vice President of Programs Robert Spencer and Vice President of Marketing James Maynard. “I am so appreciative of the support that I continue to receive since my mother’s death,” said Ms. Spencer. “Of Koquice Spencer with her mother, Joyce Ann Brown
See BROWN, page 3