BIENNIAL REPORT

Transcription

1 SAMUEL DEWITT PROCTOR CONFERENCE BIENNIAL REPORT

2 WITH VISION BY FAITH THROUGH ACTION

3 Table of Contents SDPC Organizational Overview Dr. Samuel DeWitt Proctor Spiritual Father 2 SDPC Logo 4 Message From Chairman 5 Message From General Secretary 6 SPDC Our Work 7 Testimonies of Impact Living The SDPC Moment National Signature Initiative Living The SDPC Moment National Signature Initiative Envisioning The SDPC Moment National Signature Initiatives 14 Global Journey for Justice SDPC Conferences 15 SDPC IN ACTION 16 SPDC Vision Keepers 17 Dr. Robert Franklin 19 Rev. Dr. Bernice Powell Jackson 20 Rhoda McKinney Jones 21 Dr. Henry H. Mitchell 22 Delisa Saunders 23 Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr. 24 Rev. Starsky D. Wilson 25 Rev. Dr. Virgil Wood 26 The Disciple Circle 27 SDPC Key Program Partners 28 SDPC Seminary Partners 29 SDPC Board of Trustees 31 SPDC Awards and Honors 32 Letter from the United Nations / 2014 Community Cross Awards 33 SDPC Addie Wyatt / Bill Lucy Labor and Justice Institute 34 The Beautiful Are Their Feet Awards 35 Investment in SDPC 37 SDPC Revenue Detail Fiscal Years 2013 & JOIN The Movement 40

4 It is one thing to know the is-ness of things, and even better to know the ought-ness of things, but then comes the there-fore of things, where we go and how can we get started Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference was BORN

5 Dr. Samuel DeWitt Proctor Spiritual Father The late Rev. Dr. Samuel DeWitt Proctor, Pastor Emeritus of the Abyssinian Baptist Church of New York City and Professor Emeritus at Rutgers University is the spiritual father of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference (SDPC). SDPC was named after him to honor his legacy of theological scholarship and unprecedented commitment to servant leadership. Dr. Proctor was President of Virginia Union University, Richmond, VA and North Carolina A&T State University. He held administrative positions with the Peace Corps in Nigeria and Washington, DC and the National Council of Churches. He served as Pastor In Residence for the Institute for Child Advocacy at The Children s Defense Fund / Haley Farm. Dr. Proctor was awarded honorary doctorate degrees from more than 50 colleges and universities. He was a prolific writer and preacher, authoring We Have This Ministry, How Shall They Hear?, and The Substance of Things Hoped For, among other books and articles. Proctor was a consummate preacher s preacher. His works and life light the path for SDPC and those who represent and serve it. Rev. Dr. Samuel DeWitt Proctor

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7 T h e Samuel DeWit t Pro c t o r C o n f eren c e, Inc. Logo The statue of the unnamed Haitian maroon memorializes the sacrifices, lives and faith of an African people who, in 1791, initiated a spiritual and military liberation struggle against the evils of the slave trade in Haiti and the Americas. Their victory, culminating in 1804, reverberated throughout the world. It is this symbol of faith and liberation that has been adopted as the logo of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference. The symbol represents righteousness in the struggle for justice and liberation. In one hand the conch shell, like the ram s horn, was used by the maroon to call the assembly together and to signal approaching danger. In the other hand, the sword, like the word of God, was used to proclaim the righteousness of the peoples struggle on which all our hope lies. Relevant then and relevant now, the logo symbolizes the call to assembly (Joel 2) and the Spirit of our Living God (Isaiah 61 and Luke 4).

8 A Message from Our Chairman In 2013 the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference celebrated a decade of service in the areas of education, advocacy and activism. As we all reflected on our work since the organization s inception in 2003, it is evident that our mission and vision are needed now more than ever. The critical demand for the work that we do is apparent not only in the United States, but also on a global level, especially as the needs of under served populations continue to be marginalized. We remain focused on essential areas of justice related to education, mass incarceration, health and wellness, labor and gender. We embrace the principals that all people are created equal and deserve basic human rights. The Samuel Dewitt Proctor Conference is a unique organization that exercises our strong faith and belief in God to move beyond ministering to our members to connect with like minded advocates and activists for justice. We are blessed and so fortunate to have a dynamic and talented leader in Dr. Iva Carruthers whose leadership and commitment as General Secretary amplify our core mission and values every day. We are also encouraged by our esteemed Board of Trustees who strategically help to guide and oversee the organization. We are further inspired with the friendship and support of many other faith based organizations, churches, non profit, corporate and governmental partners who share in our vision and collaborate with us to execute our initiatives. Of all our blessings, we are most appreciative of your friendship and support without which, we could not continue the work we do. While it is indeed important for us to reflect upon our legacy and accomplishments, our primary focus should be on our future as reflected in Isaiah 43:18 19 when the Lord said 18 Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. As our General Secretary shared in her letter, we have much work to do and this work will require all of us and the next generation to be a voice for those whose interests and cries are being ignored. Let us embrace the work before us with renewed spirit and enthusiasm as we continue to be a living testimony to our mission and vision. Peace, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III SDPC Chairman Senior Pastor, Friendship West Baptist Church Dallas, Texas

9 Message From Our General Secretary 2014 represents the beginning of our next decade as an organization. I clearly remember the spirit and atmosphere in 2003 when the founders together finalized and incorporated what is today the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference (SDPC). There are three key words that characterize the heart and cornerstone of our beginning; Faith, Commitment and Determination. We remain faithful to the decision to actualize SDPC and continue to stand together, committed and determined to position the organization as a stimulus to create change around critical humanitarian and social justice issues and concerns. We take pride in the accomplishments we have achieved: United Nations Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) status, a designation which serves to legitimize our work on a worldwide stage; our work to address health and wellness disparities in underserved communities; a spotlight on the issue of mass incarceration highlighted in our Bearing Witness: A Nation in Chains report; and our collaboration with others to support the fight for fair wages. SDPC has an unwavering commitment to nurturing, sustaining and mobilizing the African American faith community with a local, national and global alignment. We remain committed to bringing to life the belief of our namesake, the late great Dr. Samuel DeWitt Proctor, who declared that the church should have a proactive role in addressing not only the spiritual needs but also the human needs of our brothers and sisters. Throughout our existence, SDPC has been fortunate to collaborate with partners who share in this mantra. While we have created tremendous positive impact, we cannot rest on our accomplishments. There is still serious and challenging work to be done and we are determined to press forward in a SMART way: Strategic our efforts will remain strategically guided and focused on SDPC mission and goals. Measurable it is important for us to identify what success looks like now and over the next decade, creating milestones and deliverables that clearly measure progress. Attainable Realistic Timely with our continued faith, spiritual foundation and committed partners, donors and investors we know that our short and long term goals are attainable. as we move forward we will design new realistic ways to achieve our goals, build resources and a strong infrastructure. the time is now, while increasing our support and resources, with a renewed sense of passion and service beyond ourselves and inclusive of the next generation to envision a new paradigm for the nation and global community. I am excited about the direction we are headed and am confident that we will make the necessary modifications for SDPC to continue to thrive and be innovative. Chief among those is the need for us to attract, recruit and inspire a new generation to join us in championing the cause. Additionally, critical to our success is the need to significantly enhance our fundraising efforts to ensure long term sustainability, but we can t do it without YOU. Therefore my appeal is that you join in and continue your support of SDPC. Thank you for the love, support, commitment and determination that you have demonstrated over the years. It is because of you that we are poised to soar to even greater heights. With Vision, By Faith, Through Action, Dr. Iva E. Carruthers SDPC General Secretary Chicago, Illinois

10 SDPC OUR WORK

11 Testimonies of Impact As an emergent ministry leader, SDPC has been a great place for me to grow and network and share models of ministry with others. I have developed life long friendships at Proctor and it facilitated my first opportunity for publishing. From my first experience with SDPC I felt I had discovered the place that most allowed us to be our authentic selves to take Black clergy, Christians with a prophetic voice to a place for being in relationship with one another - pushing boundaries, engaging in tough questions. I have come to depend on reliable News Flashes from Proctor along with suggested ways to consider addressing the news. The strength of Proctor is in its interdenominational and justice networks whose collective action serves and represents the interests of the African American community and people most marginalized in this nation and abroad. SDPC looks like a seminary that manifests great possibilities for much needed new models of theological education, e.g. contextual learning. The Proctor Conference is a place where you see the transmission of intergenerational knowledge and models of ministry shared in an intentional and relevant manner. It values the past and yet makes room for new possibilities of ministry and solutions to our most critical issues to emerge. The Proctor experience is unique and indelible. You get an opportunity to envision, strategize and put feet to the ground with others who have different training, perspectives and gifts, but who share the passion for a better world where justice is valued.

12 2013 Living The SDPC Moment EDUCATION In commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King s birthday, SDPC collaborated with award winning film maker, Eugene Jarecki and Charlotte Films, producer of The House I Live In. SDPC created materials and executed film viewing outreach strategies, reaching thousands throughout the nation. Efforts resulted in amazing educational opportunities and guided conversations to over 130 high schools, reflecting about 15,000 students and over 200 congregations reflecting some 25,000 persons. SDPC and the producers have an on-going partnership that continues to be part of the organization s focus on advocacy. ADVOCACY SDPC Bearing Witness Dr. Iva Carruthers Congressman Elijah Cummings Congressman John Scott ACTIVISM Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, Chair of SDPC, represented the voice of the faith community in support of low-wage workers at the official launch of Good Jobs Nation a new labor justice organization of low wage workers fighting for their rights to fair wages. Workers and Dr. Haynes were joined by members of Congress, local elected officials and community and other faith leaders in Washington, DC on May 8 th 2013 at the release of major findings from the labor study completed by the public policy organization, DEMOS.

13 2013 National Signature Initiative SDPC LIVING LEGACY 50 TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1963 MARCH ON WASHINGTON 2013 Living Legacies Teach Ins The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference launched a national initiative involving youth and veteran activists to commemorate the 1963 March on Washington. SDPC was able to: Coordinate strategic partners to commemorate and institute on going youth leadership development training in civil and human rights. Affirm the historic role that the faith community played and plays in the evolving movements for global civil and human rights. Afford opportunities for young leaders to engage seasoned activists to both reflect upon and chart new ways forward to make the world a better place for all. Provide intergenerational training sessions to expand the work of corporate diversity trailblazers, community outreach advocates and millennial influencers to develop civil and human rights programs and inclusion of initiatives that drive action OTHER PROGRAM INITIATIVES War on Drugs Consultation American Baptist College Beyond Justice Hearings Baltimore, MD Transatlantic Roundtable on Religion and Race Ghana Good Jobs Nation - National Campaign March on Washington Middle East Peace and Palestinian Justice Consultation - Jimmy Carter Center Kairos USA Colgate Rochester Seminary WellPoint Health and Wellness Partnership National Cares Mentoring Movement Partnership New Jim Crow Study Guide Second Edition WW Kellogg Foundation Consultation Caux Center for Peace - Caux, Switzerland

14 2014 Living The SDPC Moment EDUCATION THE NATIONAL SUMMIT ON RACE CHICAGO, ILLINOIS AUGUST 5 8, Over 100 leading scholars, activists, professionals, faith leaders and youth from across the country gathered at the National Summit on Race in Chicago, Illinois, August 5-8. SDPC served as the convening sponsor to create an environment that stimulated dialogue and collaboration on a variety of socio economic and political issues, including a discussion on how structural and systemic racism cuts across all areas of society. The Summit was modeled after and in memory and recognition of the Negro Convention Movement of the 1800s and the Pan Africanist Movement of the 1900s. ADVOCACY The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference advocates on behalf of many low income families, communities of color, and Wal Mart consumers experiencing the consequences of lobbying activities which can destabilize American families and communities through support for legislation that limits or disenfranchises voters, dismantles public education, and legalizes unfair criminal justice policies. SDPC General Secretary, Dr. Iva Carruthers presented at the 2014 Wal Mart Shareholders Meeting on behalf of Zevin Asset Management and the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes. Dr. Carruthers presented Proposal #6, which asked Wal Mart to provide a report on its lobbying expenditures, including indirect funding of lobbying through trade associations and organizations that write model legislation. This proposal is not about limiting lobbying. It is about transparency and accountability. ACTIVISM In response to the murder of Michael Brown, The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, in conjunction with Spirit House Project, Eden Theological Seminary, Christ the King United Church of Christ, and others sponsored a Preach-In and Teach-In Tent Revival for Social Justice. The activism supported on the ground mobilization of the community towards freedom and justice for black families and individuals in Ferguson, Missouri and those who are being victimized by similar injustices in America. The journey brought together students, activists and other leaders from around the country.

15 2014 National Signature Initiative SDPC LIVING LEGACY BEARING WITNESS: A NATION IN CHAINS In its ongoing work to secure social justice for those most marginalized in our society, SDPC conducted a series of nine statewide hearings on the issue of mass incarceration over the course of 15 months (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia). SDPC sought out lawmakers, social workers, health care providers, attorneys, heads of non profits, students, theologians, children of incarcerated and ex offenders, to give life and definition to an issue which, unfortunately, far too many individuals in this nation simply feel they can ignore. The findings from the hearings showed that the system of mass incarceration in the U.S. is replete with human rights violations by standards of the U.S. Constitution and the United Nations international standards of conduct. These standards speak specifically to protection from unjust punishment, torture and the basic human rights that should be respected, even while imprisoned. In response to what SDPC heard and knows, the faith community can do no less than embrace and propel a human rights framework in its witness around these issues OTHER PROGRAM INITIATIVES Daniel Beaty Speak to The Heart Movement Georgetown University Labor Center - Black Worker Consultation Kairos USA/Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School Partnership Sojourners Summit Sponsorship and Consultation Interfaith Organizing Initiative National Consultation on Mass Incarceration National Council of Churches Unity Gathering Consultation Transatlantic Roundtable on Religion and Race South Africa Bread for The World Program Partnership Center for Community Change Program Partnership Institute of the Black World/CARICOM Forum Co-convening 10,000 Woman Free Her Rally Partnership Ferguson, Missouri Preach-In and Teach-In

16 2015 Envisioning The SDPC Moment EDUCATION In 2014, SDPC in partnership with WellPoint, began a special health and wellness initiative to focus and create a communication outreach tool to ENGAGE, EDUCATE and EMPOWER the SDPC church network to build successful health and wellness ministries and programs for their congregations. The newsletter, SDPC Living Well Faith Factor, provides monthly supportive resources that educate constituents on best practices, policy and critical health issues facing leadership, congregations and communities. SDPC s goal is to offer the newsletter as a consistent call-to-action that challenges everyone to stretch and grow their mind, body and spirit for holistic health. ADVOCACY The Kairos Congregations: African American Churches & Palestinian Liberation Project is a collaborative endeavor, jointly spearheaded by the SDPC and Kairos USA, intended to mobilize black faith communities around Palestinian justice and Middle East peace. The primary goal of the project is to bring African American churches more fully into the movement for justice and peace through partnerships for education, theological reflection, and collective action. The project s curriculum will engage congregations in the study of the Palestinian Freedom Struggle, current events in the Middle East and Biblical history, drawing theological, sociological and experiential connections with Black American life. ACTIVISM Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:8 9 (NIV) SDPC created a national WE VOTE litany of remembrance, responsibility and reclamation. This liturgical engagement focused on the historical cries and voices of the thousands of hopeful voters who were thrown off their land, beaten with clubs, bitten by attack dogs, burned on buses, jailed and murdered; and, saw their homes and churches bombed and burned to the ground. The litany encouraged the people to remain faithful to God and to cast their vote, while getting others to do the same.

17 2015 National Signature Initiatives SDPC LIVING LEGACY SDPC 2015 AND BEYOND SDPC Organizational Expansion Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference has prioritized the development and organizing of local affiliates to deepen our capacity for community transformation. Cities under consideration include: Nashville, Winston-Salem, Tuskegee, Los Angeles, Oakland, Atlanta, Washington DC, Baltimore, St. Louis, and Norfolk. Issues to be addressed include mass incarceration, GOTV, ancillary educational programming and community enterprise development. Anti-Gun Violence and Moral Injury If we must die, let us die fighting back with wisdom, purpose and the full armor of God. Faith without action is dead! Dr. Iva Carruthers Mobilizing the Faith Community to Bear Witness against Violence and Injury to the Soul SDPC has begun to address the moral injury being experienced, particularly by African American youth, in the face of gun violence. Despite any arguments to the contrary, we believe the unwarranted horrific incidences of police killings of black adolescents, along with unwarranted national gun violence, must be confronted in safe spaces where young people can be allowed to discuss what they have seen, heard and how they feel. WITH VISION...BY FAITH...THROUGH ACTION!

18 Global Journey for Justice SDPC Conference Whoever believes in me, as the scripture has said, out of their heart will flow rivers of living water. John 7:38 (ESV) 2014 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:8 9 (NIV) Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Deuteronomy 4:9

19 SDPC IN ACTION

20 SDPC VISION KEEPERS

21 SDPC VISION KEEPERS Vision Keeper [vizh uhn] the act or power of anticipating that which will or may come to be: prophetic vision or the ability or an instance of great perception, esp of future developments [kee per] a person charged with responsibility for the preservation and conservation of something valuable. The initiatives work of the SDPC would not be possible without the generous support from our partners, investors and contributors. They are the Vision Keepers of our legacy and mission. Your on going annual support continues to strengthen and broaden the impact of vital SDPC programs and initiatives for the local, national anad global communities we serve. Your vision and partnership are invaluable. We thank you for being part of the SDPC movement.

22 I support SDPC The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference is an important ecumenical organization that represents the leading edge of the social gospel in the black community. Dr. Robert Franklin Director, Department of Religion for the Chautauqua Institution Chautauqua, New York The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference is an important ecumenical organization that represents the leading edge of the social gospel in the black community. The organization fills a critical void and delivers a compelling call to serve, beginning with the courageous leadership of Dr. Iva Carruthers and the prophetic inspiration of Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright. I believe there are at least four pivotal reasons that make SDPC s existence indispensable: 1. Ecumenical character 2. High intellectual standard for social ministry 3. Policy focus ensuring that we address issues that matter to our communities 4. Big tent character makes it a safe place for nonconformist daughters and sons of God while making it appealing for younger people and seminarians I began my engagement with SDPC at its inception and served on the governing board and as a conference presenter. I had the opportunity to bring the Annie Casey Foundation to SDPC as an opportunity to explore and invest in seminars around the subject matter of healthy relationships in black communities and families. I look forward to continuing to serve as a supporter and advocate of SDPC throughout the philanthropic community and as a conference attendee and presenter.

23 I support SDPC I believe that the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference stands just as Esther did, as the important voice of progressive African clergy and lay leaders speaking out today for the people, for such a time as this. Rev Dr. Bernice Powell Jackson Former President, North American Region World Council of Churches Pastor, First United Church of Tampa Tampa, Florida For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? Esther 4:14 (NIV) Esther 4:14 tells us that an evil plot to destroy the Jews by King Xerxes had been uncovered. Up until this time, Queen Esther had kept her Jewish heritage a secret from King Xerxes. Mordecai encourages her to go into the king s presence and beg for mercy on behalf of the Jews. Esther believed that God had prepared her for this very moment in history as a vessel of deliverance for her people, as she was about to risk her life to request to see the king. Through her courageous intervention and willingness to face death, the people s lives were spared. I believe that Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference stands just as Esther did. SDPC is an important voice of progressive African clergy and lay leaders speaking out today for the people, for such a time as this. It is evident based on my experience that the work of SDPC spans beyond being a voice of hope; it serves as an organization which is a force to be reckoned with, driving action. During the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, it was really important for Black churches to speak boldly in telling the truth around the harsh realities of what people were experiencing by being isolated and disbursed around the country. I had the awesome opportunity to work with Dr. Iva Carruthers to help SDPC create a platform that allowed those impacted by Katrina to tell their stories in a way that people could understand what was and what was not being told. Proctor is great at showing people and communities how to tell their stories.

24 I support SDPC The ancestors will rejoice, those who need it will benefit, we at Proctor will praise God and mommy, from her celestial perch will say, well done and thank you. I thank you as well. Rhoda McKinney Jones Director, National Adoption Center SDPC Board Secretary Doylestown, Pennsylvania I love the Black church in all her representations. And for me, the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference is one of those forms. Social justice, civil rights and liberation theology are all concepts with which I grew up, heard bantered about at supper, in Sunday church and during late night conversations my father had with noted African American leaders and visiting ministers from across the country. Proctor provides a profound sense of comfort, familiarity and warmth whenever and wherever we gather. It meets my needs and I have found a place I call home. After my father, the Rev. Dr. Samuel B. McKinney, received Proctor s Beautiful Are the Feet Award at the Jacksonville, FL. convening, a SDPC founder and trustee, Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. invited me to volunteer my journalism skills to help the organization. And it s been a life changing journey and an honor to be of service for the last nine years, working as a media liaison and now as board secretary. As a writer and journalist of 30 years, it gives me great pleasure to support Dr. Iva Carruthers in whatever role she deems necessary. Iva has what papa calls, the lift of the far view; for she sees where we are going and what we need as a people to get things done. All the above reasons are precisely why I give my time, talent and treasures in addition to being inspired by my parents who were phenomenal supporters of Proctor from its inception. I believe the act of philanthropic and charitable giving is necessary and needed in order to change lives and transform policy. After the death of my beloved mother, Louise Jones McKinney, I knew I had to do much more. My mother was an incredible giver; a serious philanthropist. She loved the Proctor Conference. She and my father made Seattle, Washington a more livable city because of their good works, generous donations and dedication to the least of these. I could do no less. So in her honor I donate knowing that it would make her proud and make papa smile. Now I am asking you to give, and remember when you give the ancestors will rejoice, those who need it will benefit and we at Proctor will praise God. Mommy, Daddy and I say, well done and Thank You.

25 I support SDPC It has been my highest esteem to support SDPC with my time, expertise and resources and I believe, It takes somebody who is steadfast, unmovable, to abound in this kind of work Dr. Henry H. Mitchell Religious Leader, Professor Mentor United Theological Seminary, Doctor of Ministry Program Atlanta, Georgia An excerpt from Reverend Martha Simmons stated, Over the past 30 years, Henry and Ella Mitchell have come to be known around the country, by too many denominations and faiths to name, as the ultimate clergy couple. More than any clergy couple of the 20th and now the 21st century, they have modeled discipleship, scholarship, love of Black culture and covenanted marriage. Never has our culture produced a couple whose commitment to the Black Church has influenced so many generations of preachers. I have had the opportunity to work with the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference since it s inception and my wife Ella P. Mitchell and I were honored to receive the initial BEAUTIFUL ARE THEIR FEET award in I believe that the Proctor organization is important because it effectively deals with many of the most relevant and pressing issues facing contemporary African American life. Developing and successfully executing the Martin Luther King Doctoral Fellows Program at Rochester Theological Seminary in 1971 was critical not only to development of new Black theological scholars, but also have helped to the advancement of relevant curriculum materials for seminaries. Initiatives such as the MLK Fellows helped to deliver scholars who are better equipped to do the great social transformative work that takes place at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference. At a blossoming age of 95 and as a dedicated servant leader doing God s work, it has been my highest esteem to support SDPC with my time, expertise and resources. I believe, it takes somebody who is steadfast, unmovable, to abound in this kind of work. If you re scared they ll know it in a minute and they ll move in on you right then. We are free from fear, free to do labor, to take risky projects, to work where the kingdom needs to be helped, because in this day and age the biggest challenges we have require courage like we never had before.

26 I support SDPC I have always been passionate and committed to doing whatever I can to support the great work of SDPC and I understand that AFT would not be who we are today without the great support of our members working together. Delisa Saunders Deputy Director, Human Rights and Community Relations American Federation of Teachers Washington, District of Columbia At the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), we champion fairness, democracy, economic opportunity, and high quality public education, healthcare and public services for our students, their families and our communities. AFT has had the pleasure to work with Dr. Carruthers and the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference (SDPC) for more than 10 years. We have discovered many common intersections between the work of SDPC and AFT. We both share in our commitment to advance social justice and human rights principles through community engagement, organizing, collective bargaining and political activism, thus making our collaboration and partnership necessary and impactful. The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference provides an environment where participants can listen, learn and engage, while exploring effective ways to support the mission and work of Proctor and AFT. SDPC is often ahead of the curve in the community on many issues. They serve as part of the global moral voice of authority and I consider the Proctor organization one of the boldest, broadest networks of organized faith leaders in this country. Professionally I began my career in the non profit arena, so I understand how difficult it is for organizations to acquire funding and adequate resources for sustainability. Today I am proud and encouraged that AFT has been a financial, in kind and resource donor of SDPC since I have always been passionate and committed to doing whatever I can to support the great work of SDPC and I understand that AFT would not be who we are today without the great support of our members working together.

27 I support SDPC The work of Proctor serves as a useful tool for Pastors as they minister to their congregations around critical social justice challenges Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr. Senior Pastor, First Institutional Baptist Church Former Chair, Foreign Mission Board, National Baptist Convention Phoenix, Arizona The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference is one of the few organizations that is deeply engaged in authentic prophetic ministry from the African American perspective. Like John the Baptist, it carries a resounding cry in the wilderness of a collective prophetic voice that fills a void for social justice issues in the Black community. The work of Proctor serves as a useful tool for Pastors as they minister to their congregations around critical social justice challenges. I have lifted up the organization s work around mass incarceration, Hurricane Katrina and the March on Washington for initiatives within our congregation. Since attending Proctor s first conference, I have been moved to make contributions personally and through First Institutional Baptist Church. I remain committed to continuing to support the mission of SDPC in ways that are suitable and timely for our congregation. I believe that it will be imperative that we begin to establish new methods and means to get the SDPC platform out to the younger generation.

28 I support SDPC SDPC enables me to connect with people who are in the trenches addressing the same critical challenges while collectively sharing best practices and solutions that change lives. Rev. Starsky D. Wilson President & CEO Deaconess Foundation St. Louis, Missouri I first attended the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference in 2007 for a required seminarian class at Eden Theological Seminary. I had no idea what was in store. It felt like home for me as someone who professionally does outreach ministry work. Five years later as a Senior Pastor in a distressed community, where two generations have turned their backs on the community, Proctor has become indispensable to support the work that I do. Having a relationship with SDPC enables me to connect with people who are in the trenches addressing the same critical challenges while collectively sharing best practices and solutions that change lives. In 2009, my conference experience caused me to make a switch from conference attendee to conference contributor. At the close of the conference, seminarians were brought to the front to be prayed over by the elders. As they were praying over us I grew extremely faint to the point where I had to be helped back to my hotel room by Mother Thelma Hogg and Dr. Jeremiah Wright. Mother Hogg had cared for Dr. Wright over the years and now she was caring for me. This was an absolute moment where I found my place in a wider trajectory at Proctor and committed to being part of the undergirding support for the organization through resource and partnership support. The Proctor Conference is important because it helps to fill the gap between the church, community and faith leaders. It is critically important for the Deaconess Foundation because it helps to lay the social justice foundational work for us around advocacy work for children and youth.

29 I support SDPC Dr. Proctor gave his life as an authentic Jesus witness and I will remain connected to his mission and vision for SDPC to advocate for reconstruction over deconstruction. Rev. Dr. Virgil Wood Civil Rights Activist Houston, Texas I believe that SDPC holds an important place in society, in that it serves as an authentic witness to the legacy of Samuel DeWitt Proctor collective himself. I was blessed to have had Dr. Proctor as a teacher and mentor. I am equally encouraged by the collective efforts of faith leaders who have banned together to form the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, an organization that embodies his mission, vision and philosophy. There are essentially no words that can fathom the leadership trajectory and anchoring work that Rev. Dr. Proctor, Rev. Dr. Sullivan and Rev. Dr. King implemented to frame much of the work in social justice and advocacy taking place today. Independently and collectively they were responsible for immeasurable change. Dr. Proctor played a key role in a number of monumental initiatives such as, supporting the civil rights and justice work in Montgomery, AL; he had a hand in the release of Bishop Desmond Tutu; and, he worked directly with President Lydon B. Johnson as a subject matter expert and confidant on race relations and social justice issues impacting vulnerable communities and people. Dr. Proctor gave his life as an authentic Jesus witness and I will remain connected to his mission and vision for SDPC to advocate for reconstruction over deconstruction.

30 The Disciple Circle We would like to thank and recognize the following generous donors who have contributed to our Disciple Circle for 2013/2014. Each of these individuals is an extraordinary partner in advancing our work. Dr. William Ackah Bishop John H. Adams Rev. Dr. Gregory J. Bentley Dr. Charlotte Blackman Rev. Edward Branch Leona Bridges Rev. Dr. Jerry Cannon Mary Fears Crayton Rev. Dr. Henry Davis Rev. Mark A. Dennis, Jr. Dr. Carol Edwards Juanita I. Eldridge Rev. Herbert Ford Rev. Dr. Eugene L. Gibson, Jr. Rev. Dr. Lora Hargrove Ellsworth Hasbrouck Rev. Barbara A. Heard Thelma Hogg Dr. Joann Horton Lynda A. Hughes Bishop Nathaniel Jarrett Dr. Alison Gise Johnson Lois B. Johnson Rev. Dr. Wilma R. Johnson Kaleema N. Kindred Sharon Laston Dr. Mary F. Lenox Barbara J. Little Rhoda McKinney Jones Rev. Dr. Samuel McKinney Rev. Dr. Henry H. Mitchell Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III Ethan Nadelmann Richard Peterson Robert Purcell Laticia A. Scott Dr. Ann E. Smith Rev. Dr. Ozzie Smith Dr. Warren Stewart Sr. Rev. Dr. Martha Taylor Tobia Thurman Dr. Emile Townes Rev. Dr. Oscar Varnadoe Elvina and Fred Vaughn Ira Wagner Rev. Christine Y. Wiley Rev. Dr. Dennis W. Wiley Rev. Reginald Williams Sydneye Wilson Rev. Dr. Willie Wilson

31 SDPC Key Program Partners We give a special thanks to our partners Justice and Witness Ministries UNITED CHURCH O F C H R I S T CENTER for COMMUNITY CHANGE TRANSALANTIC ROUNDTABLE ON RELIGION AND RACE

32 SDPC Seminary Partners... and thank those seminary and university institutional partners who grant credit for conference student participation according to ATS standards and whose faculty provide program support. American Baptist College Nashville, Tennessee American Baptist Seminary of the West Berkeley, California Auburn Theological Seminary New York, New York Brite School of Divinity Fort Worth, Texas Center for African American Theological Studies (CAATS) Chicago, Illinois Chicago Theological Seminary Chicago, Illinois Christian Theological Seminary Indianapolis, Indiana Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School Rochester, New York Drew University Madison, New Jersey Duke University School of Divinity Durham, North Carolina Ecumenical Theological Seminary Detroit, Michigan Eden Theological Seminary St. Louis, Missouri Emory University Candler School of Theology Atlanta, Georgia Fund For Theological Education Atlanta, Georgia Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary Evanston, Illinois

33 Harvard School of Divinity Boston, MA Howard University and Chapel School of Divinity Washington, District of Columbia Interdenominational Theological Center Atlanta, Georgia Lancaster School of Theology Lancaster, Pennsylvania Lutheran School of Theology Chicago, Illinois McCormick Theological Seminary Chicago, Illinois New Brunswick Theological Seminary New Brunswick, New Jersey New York Theological Seminary New York, New York North Park University Chicago, Illinois Northern Baptist Theological Seminary Lombard, Illinois Payne Theological Seminary Wilberforce, Ohio Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Princeton Theological Seminary Princeton, New Jersey Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University Richmond, Virginia San Francisco Theological Seminary San Francisco, California Shaw Divinity School Raleigh, North Carolina Spelman College Atlanta, Georgia Temple University Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Union Theological Seminary New York, New York United Theological Seminary Dayton, Ohio Vanderbilt Divinity School Nashville, Tennessee Wesley Theological Seminary Washington, District of Columbia Perkins School of Theology Dallas, Texas

34 SDPC Board of Trustees It is said that one ought to enter the sanctuary to worship, but leave it to serve. With this in mind, the SDPC was founded to be a centerpiece of visionary leadership and strategic organizational effort for the good of pastors and congregations. We have a unique calling to strengthen the capacity and network of the African American faith community and its leaders, and to serve the community, locally, nationally and internationally. Dr. Iva E. Carruthers, SDPC General Secretary Rev. Dr. Valerie Bridgeman Founder/President, WomanPreach! Inc. Methodist Theological School in Ohio Delaware, Ohio Rev. Robert N. Burkins, Sr. Elmwood United Presbyterian Church East Orange, New Jersey Dr. Iva E. Carruthers, General Secretary Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Inc. Chicago, Illinois Rev. Dr. Marcus D. Cosby Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Houston, Texas Rev. Martin L. Espinosa Ray of Hope Community Church Nashville, Tennessee Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr. The Healing Nations Foundation New York, New York Honorable Rev. Wendell L. Griffen New Millennium Church Little Rock, Arkansas Rev. Dr. Forrest E. Harris American Baptist College Nashville, Tennessee Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, Chairman Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Inc. Friendship West Baptist Church Dallas, Texas Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, Presiding Prelate 1 st District AME Church Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Rev. Dr. Ann E. Lightner Fuller Mt. Calvary AME Church Towson, Maryland Tyra Ann Mariani Washington, DC Rev. Dr. Earl B. Mason Sr. Bible Based Fellowship Church of Temple Terrace Tampa, Florida Rev. Dr. Larry Murphy, Historiographer, SDPC, Professor Emeritus Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary Evanston, Illinois Rev. Dr. Michael Pfleger Faith Community of Saint Sabina Church Chicago, Illinois Rev. Dr. Joe Samuel Ratliff Brentwood Baptist Church Houston, Texas Rev. Dr. William Marcus Small New Calvary Baptist Church Norfolk, Virginia Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart Christ Missionary Baptist Church Memphis, Tennessee Robin P. Williams United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Washington, DC Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr., Pastor Emeritus Trinity United Church of Christ Chicago, Illinois

35 32 SDPC AWARDS AND HONORS

36 SDPC Awards and Honors United Nations Dear NGO Representative, Nations Unies NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS BRANCH OFFICE FOR ECOSOC SUPPORT AND COORDINATION 25 th Floor Secretariat Building, United Nations, New York, New York Telephone: (212) ; Fax: (212) Website: Contact: 1 May 2014 I am pleased to inform you that the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at its Coordination and Management Session of April 2014 adopted the recommendation of the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to grant Special consultative status to your organization Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Inc. On behalf of all staff of the Non-Governmental Organizations Branch/OESC/DESA, please accept our heartfelt congratulations. Consultative status for an organization enables it to actively engage with ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies, as well as with the United Nations Secretariat, programmes, funds and agencies in a number of ways. In order to better understand this relationship, we take this opportunity to provide some critical information about the privileges that consultative status with ECOSOC confers on your organization, as well as the obligations that your organization will be required to meet under this relationship Community Cross Awards I nominated the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference for the Community of the Cross Award because of its faithful commitment to support the global community of people of African descent. The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference s Christ centeredness represents the public church s mission in the world, said Dr. Linda Thomas, professor of anthropology and theology at LSTC. The Community of the Cross award is presented by the faculty of Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago to a community, institution, congregation, or any collectively functioning Christian group whose actions manifest the invitation of our Lord to take up the cross and follow him, and whose service is directed to the world around it, both Christian and non Christian, and whose satisfaction and honor clearly derive from the gospel.

37 SDPC Awards and Honors SDPC ADDIE WYATT / BILL LUCY LABOR AND JUSTICE INSTITUTE The Late Addie Wyatt and William Bill Lucy The SDPC Addie Wyatt / Bill Lucy Labor and Justice Institute embraces the principle that we must be global in our vision and local in our organizing. This Institute sponsors programs to enrich the understanding and advocacy efforts to connect human rights, worker justice and youth leadership and advocacy. Young people have been sponsored to participate in SDPC Capitol Hill Advocacy Days. The William Lucy Fellowship The William Lucy Fellowship is designed to further the understanding and models for activism that support, identify and secure the rights of workers; the unemployed; and low and middle income families in a changing global economy. The fellowship is designated for students interested in the intersection of ministry, justice and human rights. Since its founding, over twenty five students have been recipients of the William Lucy Fellowship.

38 The Beautiful Are Their Feet Awards 2013 REV. DR. ALLAN AUBREY BOESAK REV. DR. AMOS C. BROWN REV. DR. CAIN HOPE FELDER REV. DR. IVA ELAINE CARRUTHERS REV. DR. BERNICE POWELL JACKSON REV. DR. MACK KING CARTER 2014 REV. DR. VINCENT HARDING REV. ELIZABETH OMILAMI REV. DR. JOSEPH L. ROBERTS, JR. REV. DR. J. DEOTIS ROBERTS ROMANS ₁₀:₁₅ KJV CELEBRATING MINISTRIES AND GIFTS VOLUME X & XI THE BAOBAB TREE "THE TREE OF LIFE"

39 The Beautiful Are Their Feet Awards Beautiful Are The Feet Honorees Rev. Dr. Larry G. Murphy Ms. Ruby Nell Sales Rev. Dr. Virgil Woods Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery The Ella Joe Baker Humanitarian Award Honorees Congresswoman Barbara Lee Mr. Danny Glover

40 INVESTMENT IN SDPC

41 SDPC Revenue Detail Fiscal Years 2013 &

42 THE CALL IS NOW 39

43 THE SDPC MOVEMENT! You can help ensure the SDPC movement of social justice and equality for our communities continues to succeed and thrive. WE CANNOT DO IT ALONE. Together our united collaboration is powerful and can reverberate throughout our neighborhoods, across the country and across the world. WHAT YOU CAN DO: SDPC volunteerism builds UNITY, addresses multiple social justice and human rights issues and demonstrates the power of collective grassroots organizing to bring about change. We would not survive without the generous grants, gifts, donations and sponsorships from our various supporters. You are the hands and feet of SDPC. God s justice has no boundaries. Learn more about becoming part of the SDPC Movement, ACT NOW! Visit us at Connect with us on Facebook Call us at

44 SAMUEL DEWITT PROCTOR CONFERENCE 4533 S. Lake Park Avenue Chicago, Illinois