Category Archives: Faith

Stories and Articles relating to faith based News.

Rev. Jesse Jackson is leading a group of community leaders in calling for an infusion of $7 million.

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Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.

Rev. Jesse Jackson is leading a group of community leaders in calling for an infusion of $7 million from the Quinn administration to keep Roseland Community Hospital running without dramatic cuts to patient care.

The Far South Side safety net hospital has a backlog of about $8 million in outstanding bills older than 90 days that it must pay, or else it will have to significantly reduce services. The hospital hasn’t been able to generate enough cash flow to pay its expenses because it serves a primarily poor population that often doesn’t have any health coverage, including Medicaid, hospital executives say.

But cutting health care services will only exacerbate a desperate situation for a community devastated by unemployment, housing foreclosures and street violence, said Rev. Jackson, president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, scheduled a press conference at the 110-bed hospital.

“There is a health care desert in the Roseland, Englewood and South Chicago area,” he said in an interview. By cutting already-scarce services, “you’re compounding the effects of poverty.”

Rev. Jackson will be joined members of the Service Employees International Union, which represents workers at the hospitals, and by members of the facility’s medical staff and administration, according to Rainbow PUSH, a Chicago-based advocacy group.

The governor’s office “is where it starts,” Rev. Jackson said, calling health care a “vital service” to a struggling community.

“The state has an obligation to bail them out, to bail the people out,” he said. Read More.

Christianity’s African Roots

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Christianity’s African Roots

Nana Ekua-Hammond breaks down our relationship to the religion before American slavery and White Jesus pieces

Christianity�s African Roots

‘Baby Jesus and Three Wise Men’, by Clementine Hunter

This Easter, over two billion Christians around the world will celebrate “the Resurrection of Christ,” and a large percentage of them will be Black. According to a 2007 Pew Report, 78% of Blacks in America identify as Protestant while a 2011 report by Pew notes that nearly 24% of Christians live in Sub-Saharan Africa. Christianity’s explosion across Africa led many to call for the Vatican to select a successor to Pope Benedict from the Continent with Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson among the suggested shortlist. This said, many think of Christianity as “the White man’s religion.”

The Christian faith occupies a complicated, often racialized place in the history of Blacks all over the globe because of how it was abused by White colonists and slave traders to subjugate Blacks. “Christianity was a double-edged sword [for African-Americans],” says Dr. Lawrence H. Mamiya, Professor of Religion and Africana Studies at Vassar College and co-author of The Black Church in the African American Experience.

“On the one hand, well, Whites wanted to use Christianity to make slaves docile and obedient.  [On the other hand,] the Africans adapted Christianity for their survival and liberation.”

But long before colonialism and slavery, Africans were practicing Christianity. “We know that Christianity has had a long history in Africa itself, pre-dating any kind of European influence,” Mamiya says.

Christianity reportedly arrived in North Africa in the latter part of 1st century AD/early part of the 2nd, while “the adoption of Christianity in Ethiopia dates to the fourth-century,” according to findings by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Bible also documents the conversion of an Ethiopian eunuch as the early church was forming.  Likewise, Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta mentions Christians in Nubia (an area that covers present-day northern Sudan and southern Egypt) in his 14th century travelogue. But when Europeans penetrated Sub-Saharan Africa in the 16th Century, ultimately mining the region for Africans to enslave, the historical narrative shifts which is perhaps why many associate the religion most with Europeans to this day.

Dr. Leslie King-Hammond, historian, artist, curator and Dean of the Maryland Institute College of Art, observes, “many of the Africans who came to the New World, probably had already had contact with Christianity from missionaries who were stationed on the Continent.” Once in America, many Africans faced a confusing range of options with respect to the religion. While some slaveholders encouraged conversion to Christianity, others did not.

Pastor Kevin Hall Offers “Lesson to Live By” in Richmond

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By Ashley
Chambers

Pastor Kevin Hall

At St. John Missionary Baptist Church, one of the largest African American Baptist churches in Richmond, Pastor Kevin B. Hall is taking the Gospel to the airwaves, broadcasting on KDYA 1190 AM station “The Light” every Sunday at 3 p.m.
This church is reaching the community through multiple channels with a mission to “evangelize the sinner and to equip the saints.”
“It is my job as Pastor of St. John to ensure that this mission becomes more than just words on paper, it must become reality and fulfilled in every aspect,” Hall said.
“It is my desire to reach the masses with the transforming message of Jesus Christ,” he said. “Our SWAT (Spreading the Word Across Town) Ministry canvass the neighborhoods seeking to connect with the un-churched and unbelievers by sharing the Plan of Salvation, a message tract, or simply offering a word of prayer to someone in need.”
Through Hall’s leadership serving as pastor since 1994, the church has added an expanded worship center and the Kevin B. Hall Education building, serving the Richmond community in two different locations.
They offer “Lessons to Live By” every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at their South Campus, located at 662 South 52nd St., and other educational opportunities at their North Campus, located at 29 8th St., through the Contextualize Leadership Development Center (CLD), an extension of the Golden Gate Theological Seminary in Marin.
A strong advocate of what he calls the “double C’s – Christ and the classroom,” Hall received his Bachelor of Arts degree from San Francisco State University and his Bachelor of Theology degree from Conroe Bible College.
He studied to receive his Masters of Divinity and Masters of Religious Education degrees from the Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. He also holds a Doctorate of Ministry from the San Francisco Theological Seminary.
For more information, contact St. John Missionary Baptist Church at (510) 233-1779.

Black Elected Officials and Faith-Based Leaders Challenge Audit Report – Open Letter

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The Black Elected Officials and Faith-Based Leaders of the East Bay have grave concerns regarding the authority, scope and jurisdiction of your recent performance audit issued on March 21, entitled Non-Interference in Administrative Affairs Audit FY 2009-10 – FY 2011-12.
The audit is deficient in that it fails to comply with the generally accepted government auditing standards (GAGAS) by asserting conclusions in the absence of sufficient appropriate evidence evaluated against established criteria.
The audit does not identify a compliance standard objectively applied to Oakland City Councilmembers uniformly, nor does it establish criteria for testing the competency of the evidence supposedly buttressing the conclusions stated therein.
The performance audit alleges violations in city contracting and operations by two Oakland Councilmembers and a Council Aide.  It also repeatedly cites, what we believe, is a likely misinterpretation of Oakland City Charter, Section 218: Non-Interference in Administrative Affairs.
The audit does not substantiate any of the “67 hotline and interview tips,” as stated in page 6 of the report, with material evidence to support the Key Findings outlined on page 1 of the audit.  In order to understand fully, the allegations outlined in the unsubstantiated audit, BEO&FBL requests that you clarify the following discrepancies within the audit report:
1)    Identify the criteria for testing the credibility of the evidence on which the audit findings are based.
2)    Identify the basis of the City Auditor’s authority to determine what constitutes actions rising to the level of a violation of Section 218 as opposed to actions constituting a “Culture of Interference in City Hall”?
3)    Presuming that the City Auditor is not in a position to determine what actions constitute a violation of law, please explain the authority supporting forfeiture of a City Councilperson’s liberty interest without due process. Section 218 reads, “Violation of the provisions of this section by a member of the Council shall be a misdemeanor, conviction of which shall immediately forfeit the office of the convicted member.”
A misdemeanor, or crime, is determined by a judge or jury.  Within the scope of the City Auditor’s office, where did the authority to address the alleged violations reside?  Common due process rights include: a) the right to a hearing, b) presumption of innocence until proven guilty, c) right to confront and cross-examine their accusers; and d) charges proved by sufficient showing of competent evidence.
4)    Per the scope and methodology, where is the material evidence (auditor notes, names and notes of those interviewed or other pertinent data) that supports the findings identified in the audit?
5)    Page 2 of the report states, Councilmembers should “not be involved in administrative actions such as negotiating, establishing terms, or drafting contracts or grants on behalf of the City.”  This work transpires regularly in committee and Council meetings between Councilmembers, City departments and staff and the public.  Based on your audit, where should this dialogue take place to ensure the appropriate use and oversight of taxpayer resources?
6)    Page 21 addresses “A Culture of Interference”, and states “audit found that the culture of interference appears to be felt across many City departments and is perceived to come from multiple Councilmembers.”  Please share the identity of the other Councilmembers that where identified by City departments and staff within the audit.  Only Councilmembers Brooks, Reid and Council Aide Iris Merriounius were specified.  This appeared contradictory to the statement that of “multiple Councilmembers.”
BEO&FBL awaits your expeditious response to the matters outlined above.  As stewards of the public trust, we understand the importance of having ALL of the facts without rushing to judgment.  We want to ensure that ALL Elected Officials and their staff are treated fairly, provided due process and not subjected to unfounded public or media scrutiny based on bias or personal opinions.
Thanks in advance, and we look forward to your response.
Black Elected Officials and Faith Based Leaders

San Leandro Police Settle Contract

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Isaac Benabou, police association president.

The San Leandro Police Officers Association and the City of San Leandro have agreed to a three-year labor contract.
The 2013-2015 agreement provides wage increases to retain  officers and to recruit qualified new officers, while keeping the city financially sustainable for the long term, according to city officials.
“We commend the San Leandro Police Officers Association for working diligently with the city to produce a new agreement that recognizes our shared goals of public safety and fiscal responsibility,” said Mayor Stephen Cassidy. “San Leandrans are rightly proud of having one of the finest police departments in California.”
Under the agreement, effective Jan. 1, the 82 members of police officers’ association will receive no raise until 2014 and begin paying this year the employee share of the city’s annual pension obligations to the California Public Employee Retirement System.
Employee retirement contributions will be 3 percent of salary in 2013 and increase by 3 percent each year until reaching 9 percent of salary in 2015.
Association members will receive a 4 percent raise in 2014, up to 8 percent in 2015. Officers will also continue the 50/50 sharing of health insurance increases over the contract term.
“Our officers have worked hard in keeping San Leandro a safe place to work, play and live and have done an excellent job in doing so,” said Isaac Benabou, police association president.  “All of our members enjoy serving this great city and have recognized that our relationship is unique within the Bay Area.”
Though the city’s revenues have improved as the city and state have emerged from the Great Recession, San Leandro’s general fund remains constrained, say city officials.  Police association members have not received a pay increase since 2010. The agreement will save the city $153,924 in 2013 and about $102,939 in 2014.
The contract will cost the city roughly $304,519 in 2015, the final year.
For information call Human Resources Manager LaTanya Bellow at (510) 577-3399.

Nubian Academy for Girls Set to Open

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Nubian Academy students participate in a science lab. Left to right are: Cierra Suarez, Empress Shalom, Meisha Butcher. The girl in back is Imari Fernandez.

The Nubian Academy for Girls, which is opening on April 6, will host a Saturday school every weekend until the summer.
The Saturday school will serve up to 50 girls from sixth through eleventh grades and will be hosted by several community centers, churches, public schools and colleges. Activities will include homework help, cultural celebrations, field trips, guest speakers, cooking classes and health education.
The academy will hold summer school for sixth through eleventh-grade girls from July 5-Aug. 20. A charter school will start in the fall.
The academy will be based on high quality teaching that ensures competency and mastery in reading, writing and mathematics.  The main focus will be STEM subjects: science, technology, engineering and math.
Students will also develop the social, behavioral, and organization skills necessary for future school success, as well as foreign languages, performing arts, visual arts and history.
The Nubian Academy will be the first all-girl educational institution in Northern California. Traditional teacher training has focused on teaching strategies that reflect boys’ interests and behaviors, without an understanding of the ways in which boys and girls develop and learn differently, according to the school’s founders.
For information call (510) 355-2664.

City Staff Retaliates Against Non-Profit Youth Agency Whistleblowers

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John Bailey

La Tronda Lumpkins

Peter Roos

By Ken A. Epstein

Is the city retaliating against Pivotal Point Youth Services, which provides job training to low-income youth in West Oakland, after the Oakland Post reported on the city’s failure to provide timely payments to the agency?
The Post reported complaints made by Pivotal Points at public meetings of the Oakland Workforce Investment Board (WIB) and also reported that the program’s staff said failure to receive payments from the city had placed the future of the agency in jeopardy.
The failure to receive funding already has meant that most of the agency’s staff has stopped receiving salaries and are working as volunteers, staff members said.
“We are not in this for the money. We’re still here. We’re continuing,” said La Tronda Lumpkins, Pivotal Point’s executive director.
In a March 1 memo to city officials, WIB Director John Bailey said he was writing to set the record straight.
“The purpose of this memo is provide factual information in relation to certain points made in the Oakland Post,” he wrote.  “Pivotal Point is the only agency mentioned or quoted in the Oakland Post articles.”
Facing lack of city funding, the agency has lost its business liability insurance, which Bailey pointed out.
Without this insurance, Pivotal Point is “conducting program activities in clear violation of their contract,” Bailey wrote.  “A notice to cease activities pending correction is being issued at this time.”
According to Post sources, Bailey called Pivotal Point’s insurance carrier to find out if the agency had insurance. At that point, the nonprofit was still operating under a one-month grace period from the insurance company.
Lumpkins responded for Pivotal Point in a March 4 email message to Mayor Jean Quan and the City Council.
“Mr. Bailey’s memo is in keeping with the WIB staff’s unfortunate practice of blaming the youth service providers for situations that have, in fact, been created by the WIB staff.  I am a bit dismayed as I would prefer to see Mr. Bailey spend his time improving Oakland’s Workforce System instead of persecuting its service providers.”
“The WIB executive director’s pattern has been to retaliate against organizations that appear at WIB meetings to complain,” said Lumpkins, who added that Bailey had not sent her a copy of his March 1 memo.
Lumpkins claimed that, prior to Pivotal Point difficulties, Scotlan Youth and Family Center in West Oakland had lost its contract after speaking out at a public meeting.
“As a result of these two situations alone,  (federally funded Workforce Investment Act) services to youth in West Oakland have almost entirely been curtailed, she said. “Please be reminded of the very reason why Oakland receives workforce funds, to serve youth and adults to enable them to be successful in today’s labor market.”
In his memo responding to the Post, Bailey wrote that the contracts for agencies that started on July 1, 2012, were “executed Nov. 29, 2012 with the exception of two; one for YEP (Youth Employment Partnership), (and) one for Lao Family Community Development, which were executed on Dec. 5.”
Responding to Pivotal Point’s complaint that it was providing services for months but not receiving reimbursement, Bailey wrote, “This statement is only partially correct.
“The Youth Contracts are Performance Based contracts, which have five set benchmarks.  As those benchmarks are met, the agencies may invoice and receive payment.
“Pivotal Point has consistently underperformed and has not been able to realize the full value of their contracts.”
According to Lumpkins email, “WIB staff fails to point out that payment points are based upon the youth’s performance of work experience and diploma acquisition which require the youth providers to advance funds that they have not received – a perfect Catch 22.
“This is the third year in a row that contracts have been issued between 6 and 9 months into the fiscal year. These years coincide with the city assuming responsibility as system administrator for (federal job) funds.”
The city’s failure to pay has created crises at Pivotal Point, Lumpkins wrote,
“Inability to pay, retain and reward experienced staff; inability to pay fixed operating costs –i.e., rent, insurance, taxes; inability to complete performance-based contracts within the fiscal year under contract; the most egregious impact: diminished services to low-income youth in Oakland.”
Bailey also responded to assertions that agencies requesting 20 percent advances had not received them.
“Advances were not part of the original contracts. This issue was voted on in Youth Council in November 2012 and ratified by the full WIB,” he said.
As of this month, advances “have been approved and are presently in the signature phase,” Bailey wrote.
“Advances which enable performance to begin have not yet been executed,” wrote Lumpkins, who added, “They were previously approved by the WIB and promised by the WIB staff.”
In an interview with the Post, Peter Roos, chair of the board of Spanish Speaking Citizen’s Foundation, another of the nonprofit agencies receiving funding, the city appears to be moving to stop funding small agencies that cannot afford to cover expenses until the city starts paying.  “They seem to only want to work with the large outfits that front the money to the city,” he said.
No youth agencies have been paid so far for the year starting July 2012, more than eight months ago, according to Post sources.
Pivotal Point and Spanish Speaking Citizens Foundation were among 16 organizations and individuals who signed a complaint on Dec. 17 regarding a “failed” RFP (Request for Proposal) process conducted by the Workforce Investment Board.
The complaint said the impact of the process “has been to deny the basic principles of fairness and a ‘level playing field’ to all potential bidders and to significantly contaminate their morale and interest in the process.”
The complaint also asked that, “Safeguards be established by the city to prohibit retaliation by any member of city/WIB staff.”
John Bailey told Post staff that he was doing the Mayor’s wishes.

Research Project on Improving Teachers’ Cross-Cultural Competence

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Dr. Kimberly Mayfield

Chantal Reynolds

Based on the work of the African American Male Achievement Initiative in the Oakland Unified School District, two local researchers are conducting  a research project to look at the level of cross-cultural competence necessary for teachers to successfully meet the academic needs of Black male students.
Often the proposals for improving academic performance focus on what the students need to do better or on changes in school structures. However, rarely is the level of cross-cultural competence addressed.
The new action research study, led by local community activists Dr. Kimberly Mayfield, Ed.D. and Chantal Reynolds, M.A., is soliciting the participation of parents and guardians of African American male K-5 students for the current study.  The research will seek to identify the racialized experiences of African American male K-5 students and their parents and guardians in Oakland schools.
The results of the study will be used to create effective cross-cultural professional development for European American  The project is an  extension of the work started by the Effective Teachers for Oakland Taskforce.
The African American Male Achievement Initiative in Oakland was started in 2010 as a response to the overall underperformance of African American male students, who lag behind their white peers at local, regional and national levels in several academic areas such as achievement and high school graduation rates.
Anyone who would like to participate in this study should call (510) 225-9202. Ext. 1, or email crossculturalcompetence1868@gmail.com

Faith Is Stronger Than the Sword

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By Jesse
Jackson

Christmas decorations light the streets. Malls are full. Christmas music fills the air.
But this year, there is a somber undercurrent to the celebration. We will all hug our children a little harder. Our hearts will be in our throats as they go out to play. After the horror of Newtown, we remember how precious and how vulnerable they are in a country that is drowning in guns.
Some good news can be told, however. Violent crime, teenage pregnancy, binge drinking and cigarette smoking are down. Yet, one in five children in the U.S. is now living in poverty — up dramatically over the course of the past decade.
More are obtaining a college degree, but more find themselves unable to afford higher education. And too many are at risk from guns and violence. We can do better for them.
This year, the real story of Christmas — the mass we celebrate on the birth of Christ — has more power than ever.
The real story isn’t about a holiday; it is about a holy day. It’s about two parents summoned from their home, forced to return to register so the occupier could count them.
They had no place to stay. One brief look and the innkeeper announced there was no room at the inn. The baby was born in the cold, in a working barn, set in a rough manger on a straw floor.
This was a child at risk.
Like today, those were not normal times. Poverty and violence were spread through the land. The sufferers began to expect a change. Prophets predicted that a mighty messiah would come — a king of kings — to free the oppressed.
But this messiah wasn’t a powerful warrior wielding mighty armaments. He led disciples, not armies. He sought to preach good news to the poor.
He was the Prince of Peace, not a man in arms. He never lifted a sword nor carried a shield, never held an office nor amassed a fortune, yet his gospel overturned an empire and transformed the world.
He taught us the power of love and hope and charity.
Christmas should be a time when we hear this message. Faith is stronger than the sword. We do not have to accept a nation where 6-year-olds and their protective teachers are mowed down by a sick man armed with an assault rifle. We don’t have to let the gun lobby keep us from insisting that no gun should be sold without a background check.
We don’t have to accept a country of Gilded Age inequality where poor children go without adequate nutrition, where promising students cannot afford the education that they have earned.
We don’t have to emulate Rome and seek to police the world.
This Christmas, let each of us take a moment for the real story.
Let us take stock, not of the presents we give or get, but of how we treat the young in the dawn of life, the poor in the pit of life, the elderly in the dusk of life, the stranger on the Jericho Road.
Let’s commit ourselves to bringing peace to Bethlehem.
This year, more than ever, we will hug our children and hold them close and remember that they are the true measure of our wealth. This year, we will remember that the presents the Wise Men brought weren’t the real gift; the real gift was the child himself, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.

Godfrey White Offers Faith Based Seminars to Protect Health and Wealth of Seniors

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Godfrey White

Godfrey White, former Executive Director of Elderly Affairs Office of the Governor of Louisiana, has returned home to Oakland.
He was appointed to the Louisiana position by Governor Kathleen Blanco in 2003.  White, a native of New Iberia, Louisiana, was a resident of Oakland when he took time away from his successful marketing and sales training business to help elect Blanco as the first woman governor.
He developed a plan that galvanized African American voters across the state. As Governor, Blanco then appointed White to head the Elderly affairs Office, where he utilized his extensive knowledge to teach faith-based organizations how to protect elders from abuse through quality estate and healthcare planning.
On Jan. 26 at 10 a.m., he will present a free Community Forum Brunch on Estate Planning, Elder Abuse, and Long Term Care plans at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church, 530 37th St. in Oakland.
Many pastors have agreed to co-host the forum. They include: Rev. Dr. Kevin Barnes, Pastor Rev. Harold Mayberry, Rev. Dr. Robert McKnight, Pastor Rev. Nicole Harris and Dorothy L. Poston, director of the West Oakland Senior Center.
The forum is supported by Mrs. A. Fouche of Fouche’s Hudson Funeral Home in Oakland.
White was the first African American to play and letter in football at the University of Southwestern Louisiana and the first Black to be elected to the student Government Association.
Along with many other “firsts,” White says he is proudest to be known as the first African American student athlete to graduate from the University of Southwestern Louisiana.
White accepted, on a volunteer basis, the challenge to help develop and implement a Voter Registration – Get Out to Vote  campaign on behalf of the NAACP.   The campaign was very successful and increased the numbers of registered voters.
White is very active with his church, Elmhurst United Methodist Church.  He and other members established a food give-away program called Feed My Sheep Pantry.  Housed in a facility owned by the church, the program feeds over 80 people a week.
White was also instrumental in developing and implementing a computer program at the church.

Temple Hill’s Days of Christmas

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By Robert M. Arnold

December is a month of lights for many Bay Area faith traditions. The public is invited to Oakland’s Mormon Temple Hill, located at 4770 Lincoln Ave. to enjoy the thousands of lights now illuminating the landscape, waterway and buildings.
Special free events and programs are planned each evening now through Dec. 30, featuring world-class singers, dancers, bell ringers, instrumentalist, and even a professional storyteller.  For more information visit www.templehillevents.com  or call (510) 531-1475.
The Voices of the Miraculous Music Ensemble will perform African-American toe-tapping gospel gems on Dec. 22, directed by Emperess Hall with lead vocalist, Majesty Scott at 7 p.m., with a repeat program at 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23,is Grand Piano Night featuring six talented pianists, sharing two grand pianos.

Judge Orders Negotiations Over Oakland Police Department’s Future

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Judge Thelton Henderson

Federal Judge Thelton Henderson has ordered the City of Oakland to begin settlement negotiations with attorneys who are seeking an outside receiver with powers to fire top police department commanders.
Henderson said there were several areas of mutual agreement, including the need for additional court intervention in the Oakland Police Department, giving both sides until Nov. 29 to file a joint statement outlining their areas of agreement.
Henderson has scheduled a Dec. 13 hearing on a receivership motion brought by the attorneys who represented plaintiffs in the decade-old Riders police corruption case.
The Riders case ended in a settlement that required the police department to accept federal monitoring and institute many reforms, which were supposed to have been completed four years ago. But some have not been fully implemented.
A major issue is whether a federal receiver would have the power to discipline and fire Chief Howard Jordan and his command staff.
The city has refused to surrender that authority. But attorneys for the plaintiffs say the city has failed to hold the department’s top officers responsible for the Riders case and subsequent scandals.
“I cannot have our clients or our future clients subjected to the kind of mass harassment that goes on at OPD because the command staff is not doing its job,” attorney Jim Chanin said.
Chanin added that he only would reconsider the receivership proposal if city leaders take verifiable steps to make police department commanders fully accountable. “I need something close to a guarantee that these kinds of systemic problems won’t continue,” he said.
Mayor Jean Quan said in a prepared statement that the city is hoping that negotiations will result in “timely compliance with the remaining reform tasks to achieve constitutional policing and a healthy, strong relationship between police and the people of Oakland.”

Youth, Latinos Won Prop. 30

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Noel Gallo celebrated his victory Tuesday night with Lazear Elementary School Student Body President Manuel Huerta, and newly-elected District 5 School Board Member Rosie Torres.

By Barbara Jones,
L.A. Times

Bolstered by strong support in Los Angeles County and other Democratic strongholds, voters approved a historic tax-hike measure that will generate $6 billion annually and avert catastrophic cuts to California’s public schools, colleges and universities.
Backed by Gov. Jerry Brown and bankrolled by organized labor, Proposition 30 was approved on Tuesday by a 54-46 margin, with late-night returns from Los Angeles County giving it a come-from-behind win. Voters also rejected rival Proposition 38, with less than 28 percent supporting the broad income-tax hike to fund education.
On Wednesday, political experts said turnout was key to the success of Prop. 30, with Democrats, Latinos and young people who turned out to re-elect President Barack Obama also voting to increase the state’s sales tax and the income tax on the wealthy.
“It was saved by a transforming electorate who mobilized in the last few weeks,” said Raphael Sonenshein, executive director at the Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs at Cal State Los Angeles.
At the same time, the issue resonated with voters concerned about the fate of California’s struggling schools.
“Voters have been telling us in polls that the area they least want to see cut is schools, and the area they would most be willing to see taxes go up is for schools,” said Mark Baldassare, president of the Public Policy Institute of California. “We’ve never really had the opportunity at the state level to vote in a way to test their inclination to do so.”
Prop. 30 raises the sales tax a quarter-percent for the next four years, starting Jan. 1, 2013. It also increases the tax rate on incomes of more than $250,000 for the next seven years, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2012.

Faith Leaders Join Together in Fight Against Crime

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Over 25 clergy spoke out in solidarity in an effort to stop crime in Oakland. Pictured, clockwise from top left: Pastor Gerald Agee (Friendship Christian Center); Pastor Lawrence VanHook (Community Christian Church); Dr. George Cummings (Imani Community Church) of OCO; George Holland, President of the NAACP Oakland Chapter; Bishop J.E. Watkins (Jack London Square Chapel); Pastor VanHook; Lynette McElhaney, District 3 candidate; and Bishop Bob Jackson (Acts Full Gospel Church).Photos by Ashley Chambers and collage by Adam L. Turner.

By Ashley
Chambers

In the wake of more than 100 homicides this year and a community that is still reeling from the foreclosure crisis, some Oakland faith leaders spoke out at a press conference Tuesday, Oct. 30 in West Oakland.
Over 25 East and West Oakland clergy joined together to speak out against the violence that has plagued this city.
“Oakland is in crisis, and the community has been ignored. It is time for a change,” said Pastor Lawrence Van Hook, senior pastor of Community Christian Church for Christ and president of the Bay Area Action Council.
Clergy said they are making a collective effort to fight crime in the city and restore peace, including weekly night walks with Measure Y, the city’s Violence Prevention and Public Safety Act.
“We are uniting West Oakland and East Oakland to come together for the shalom of this city,” said Bishop Bob Jackson, senior pastor of Acts Full Gospel Church in East Oakland.
George Holland, president of the NAACP Oakland chapter, expressed his support saying, “We’re always going to be behind our clergy.”
Speaking at the press conference, City Council District 3 candidate Lynette McElhaney said, “Ceasefire in Oakland is a priority…None of us are safe until all of us are safe.”
Clergy announced their endorsement of McElhaney for District 3 at the press conference. “I’m honored to have the support of the clergy in championing this cause,” she said.
Also at the press conference were Pastors of Oakland, Baptist Ministers Union, the Interdenominational Ministers Alliance and Bay Cities Baptist Minister Union.

Willie Brown Speaks to Faith Leaders

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Willie L. Brown, Jr.

By Sabrina Saunders,
Executive Direcetor,
One Accord Project

Willie L. Brown, Jr., former California Assembly speaker and two-term San Francisco mayor, delivered a keynote address to Richmond’s African-American faith and community leaders, urging a strong election day turnout to return President Obama to the White House, restore local Black political leadership to Richmond and reject the Measure N beverage tax.
Brown, appearing at a clergy breakfast at Mt. Zion Baptist Church on Saturday, Sept. 15, called out GOP ploys in key swing states to trim voter registration rolls of Black and other traditional Democratic voters ahead of the November election as a new twist on an old game that needs to be overcome.
He stumped for reelection of his long-time friend Nat Bates and election of other Black candidates in this year’s City Council races as a step to returning an African American to the Richmond mayor’s office in 2014.
“I want to be very much a part of, and around, when you finally get your mayorship back,” he said.
And Brown homed in on two chief criticisms of Measure N, the so-called “soda tax,” pointing out that it will drain money for family budgets without any commitment as to how the funds would be spent by city government.
“By taking money from my paycheck you are not going to make me healthy,” Brown said.  “Adding money to my paycheck is going to make me healthy.”
Brown was touching on a point that Richmond ministers, community groups, such as the local branch of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and numerous current and former elected leaders have been making about Measure N—that it is regressive because it will fall hardest on lower-income people.
Though Measure N was promoted as a tax on soda to reduce sugar consumption, it actually would have to be paid by local business on sales of hundreds of beverages containing added sugar and can be expected to be passed along in higher grocery prices felt by everyone, not just soda drinkers.
Additionally, Brown, still one of California’s leading Democrats, hit the fact that the “soda tax,” put forward by Green Party members of the City Council, fails to commit any of the tax proceeds to new recreation, nutrition education and other programs to improve health and fight obesity in Richmond.
To make the point, Brown drew an analogy to the state ballot.
The former Assembly speaker said he has told Gov. Jerry Brown that support among Black voters for the governor’s top election priority, the Proposition 30 increase in sales and income taxes, isn’t as strong as it might be because of lingering doubt about how that money would be spent as well.
The event, organized by the One Accord Project, drew about 80 Richmond clergy members and elected and community leaders who enjoyed a traditional breakfast of grits and eggs with turkey sausage and smothered potatoes.

How Nonprofits and Churches Can Raise Funds

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Kim Klein

Kim Klein began her fundraising career “on the ground” in some of the poorest communities in America.
Her celebrated strategies and teachings became the backbone that founded “The Grassroots Fundraising Journal and Institute,” which has helped hundreds of nonprofit, community service and faith-based organizations raise millions of dollars and sustain numerous vital programs.
OCCUR, in partnership with The San Francisco Foundation FAITHS program, will host one of Klein’s rare presentations Tuesday Sept. 25 at First Unitarian Church at 685 14th St. in Oakland.
The event is part of OCCUR’s “Model Built on Faith” program series, which is designed to build the program capacity and provide technical assistance for faith-based and nonprofit organizations.
“This tough economy has been incredibly difficult for organizations and agencies that mobilize their staffs and volunteers daily to provide critical community services and safety net programs,  which makes this session with Klein extremely timely,” said David Glover, OCCUR Executive Director.
For information or to RSVP, call (510)-839-2440 or email occur@sbcglobal.net or fax (510)-268-9065.

Oakland COGIC Convocation “Retools for the Future”

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By Paul Cobb

 

Bishop W.W. Hamilton

Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr., Presiding Bishop of the more than 6-million-member Church of God in Christ (COGIC), came to Oakland’s Marriott Hotel, 1001 Broadway,  Wednesday to encourage the Northern California congregations to “Retool for the Future” and to reach out to remain relevant for the needs of youth, the communities and their membership.

Bishop W.W. Hamilton the Jurisdictional Prelate and Secretary to the General Board invited Blake and more than 25,000 congregants from around the Bay Area to attend workshops, attend convocations and to share new skills and approaches to improve their missionary and auxiliary work.

“We learned how to prepare for disasters, emergencies and other tragedies as well as how women entrepreneurs could mentor youth to become businesspersons,” said Emma Clark, a conference headquarters support staff.

Bishop Hamilton, who pastors the Greater Victory Chapel in Seaside, told the other pastors, bishops and congregants at the 55th Annual Holy Convocation that “It is time to rework our scorecards to fit the end game that the Lord will be measuring at the Bema –the judgment seat of Christ.”

He said COGIC should not just “measure success by bodies, budgets, attendance, buildings and offering plate totals. The scorecard should also stress the deeper emphasis on accountability, discipleship and spiritual maturity.”

Marvin L. Winans, founder and pastor of Detroit’s Perfecting Church, was the lead speaker at Monday’s Musical night.

Women’s Day will be observed Friday with Bishop Hamilton hosting a breakfast. Dr. Mary M. Welch, Jurisdictional Supervisor of Women, will present worship services featuring Missy K. Burrell, Upper Room COGIC; Missy D. Herron, Greater McGlothen Memorial COGIC; and Elder P. Parker, Olive Grove COGIC.

Nathaniel A. Bullock, Sr., administrative assistant and pastor of the Greater White Rose, COGIC, in Stockton, is Saturday’s keynote speaker.

Bishop Hamilton will cap off Sunday’s closing services with ordinations of ministers.

For information visit www.ca-northwest.org or www.cogic.org. and/or clarkemmaj@aol.com.

 

Greater Cooper AME Celebrates Pastor

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Reverend Dr. Stephen Pogue (left), Pastor of Greater Cooper A.M.E. Zion and Reverend Dr. W. Darin Moore, Pastor Greater Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church.

By Kia Croom

Greater Cooper African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church recently held its annual Shepherd’s Appreciation Celebration honoring Reverend Dr. Stephen W. Pogue.
The event featured Rev. Dr. W. Darin Moore, pastor of Greater Centennial AME. Zion Church in Mount Vernon, N.Y. The three-day celebration took place May 9-11 in the Greater Cooper’s Sanctuary.
The theme of the celebration was “Finding Treasures in Darkness,” taken from Isaiah 45:3, “I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden wealth of secret places; so that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by name.”
This theme, said Sister Teresa Williams, the preacher’s steward, is a common thread in Pastor Pogue’s teaching.
“The treasures are the Kingdom of Heaven. The treasures God gives the world that are taken out of darkness will show his surpassing power. And although many have seen dark places, you shall come out whole, by God’s Grace,” she said.
Each night highlighted a different biblical character portrayed in a brief theatrical performance. Wednesday, congregants met Peter,who recalled his miraculous fishing experience, where his net overflowed with fish.
Thursday, the Shumanite Woman talked about the ‘Good life,’ her wonderful marriage and God’s gift of a son to her and her husband. She described the darkness that loomed over her when her son took ill and died in her arms and how she found peace.
Friday night, the Woman at the Well described her life as a loner and how her encounter with Christ changed her life
Also attending was Rev. Ed Proctor-Harris, Presiding Elder, Bay Cities. Other guest worship leaders included Rev. Frances Reynolds Tsai of Greater Cooper; Rev. Michael Wallace, Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church and Rev. Malcolm Byrd, First Church A.M.E. Zion Church.
Rev. Pogue is a native of Roselle, N.J. He graduated from Nyack College in 1998 with a degree in Bible and Pastoral Ministries. He has a master’s degree in divinity from the  Alliance Theological Seminary in New York and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from McCormicks Theological Seminary in Chicago.
Greater Cooper African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church is located at 1420 Myrtle St. in Oakland. For information call 510) 444-2672.
Kia Croom is a contributing writer for the Richmond Post.

Beth Eden Pastor Celebrates 41 Years

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By David Scott

The congregation of Beth Eden Baptist Church recently celebrated 41 years of service that Pastor Dr. Gillette O. James and First Lady Dr. Rosa James have dedicated to the church and its members.
The March 11 celebration featured praise songs by Celestial Voices,  Daughters of Praise, a Poem by Sister Nola Devereaux-Martin and presentations by the auxiliaries and deacons of Beth Eden.
Brother Cameron Stanton dressed in a tuxedo and Sister Jamicia Scoggins wearing an elegant evening dress escorted Pastor James and the First Lady down the center aisle.
Dr. Kevin B. Hall, Pastor of St. John Baptist Church in Richmond, delivered a sermon, “Order My Steps,” on the difficulties and challenges that face a pastor who leads well.
The American Baptist Seminary of the West recently announced that it will confer a Doctor of Divinity degree on Pastor Gillette “in recognition to (his) superb service to church, community and the seminary.”
Beth  Eden Baptist Church is located at 1183 10th St in Oakland.

Calvary Hill Community Baptist Celebrates Pastor Joseph Bryant’s 16 Years of Service

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By Lee Hubbard

Pastor Dr. Joseph Bryant and First Lady Kelly Bryant

Pastor Dr. Joseph Bryant and First Lady Kelly Bryant of Calvary Hill Community Baptist Church will celebrate 16 years of service Sunday, March 25.
The church is located on 141 ‘sIndustrial Road in the San Francisco Bay View.
“The 16th ‘Labor of Love’ Appreciation Anniversary for Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Bryant Jr. gives us an opportunity to pause and give thanks for our leadership,” said Rev. Timothy Dupre, an assistant pastor at Calvary Hill Community Church.
The church, one of the fastest growing Black churches in San Francisco with over 1,500 members, has three Sunday services and has built a fitness center and an afterschool “Vision Academy” program for youth.
On Saturday, March 24, the church begins new hours for its Calvary Gifts and Book store, which will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The launching of the store will include local authors.
The 8 a.m. Sunday service will be led by Pastor Martin Peters of Victory Baptist Church in Oakland.  The 10 a.m. service will be led by Bishop Charles Dickerson. Pastor Chris Williams of Harvest Fellowship in Oakland will preach the noon service.

Bethel Temple Pentecostal Church Honors Pastor Billy R. Wydermyer

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Marilyn and Rev.Wydermyer. Photo by Joe L. Fisher, BAPAC.

By Kia Croom

B e t h e l Temple Pentecostal Church honored Pastor Billy R. Wydermyer, Jr.at its annual Pastor Appreciation, a three-day celebration on March 1, 2 and 4. Pastor Bill started working at Bethel Temple in 2009 after the death of Pastor Betty Hendricks and was officially installed on February 5, 2010. As pastor, he strives to provide a balanced ministry, which produces a balanced people whose lives are transformed through the spirit of Jesus Christ. According to Pastor Bill, each service provides an atmosphere where praise and worship is intense and inspires a personal and intimate relationship with God. “Through our belief in Jesus Christ’s unlimited boundaries, Bethel Temple will be a ministry of excellence,” he said. After three years of leadership at Bethel Temple, he has launched the “Each One, Reach One,” Community Campaign. As part of the initiative, the church’s Outreach Ministry goes into the community every Saturday to share love of God with community members. During the holiday season the congregation distribute turkey baskets to families in need. In the summer in preparation for the school year, the church sponsors a backpack drive, and during the winter months, the church collects and distributes coats to the needy. Prior to accepting his call to ministry in 1995, the pastor was appointed by the Late District Elder Joseph Turner to serve on the Deacon board. He sought positions of increasing responsibility and ultimately became a licensed and ordained minister by the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. (PAW). During this time, he held a number of prominent offices within the church community, including his current position on the Executive Bishop’s Board for California District Council, 16th Episcopal District, PAW. Pastor Bill is married to First Lady Marilyn Wydermyer, who has worked alongside him for 21 years. The couple has five children. Bethel Temple Pentecostal Church is located at 3429 Cutting Blvd. in Richmond.

Mills College President Speaks at Beth Eden

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By David Scott

Dr. Gillette O. James, Pastor of Beth Eden Baptist Church, and Dr.Alecia A. Decoudreaux, President Mills College.

Dr. Alecia A. DeCoudreaux, the first African-American President of Mills College, was keynote speaker Sunday Feb. 19 at Beth Eden Baptist Church in Oakland.
“I want students to think critically, communicate effectively, following their passion to impact the world and giving back to those in need, “ she said, explaining her vision for the women’s college, which she has led since taking the position in July.
Pastor Gillette O. James, Senior Pastor at Beth Eden, invited DeCoudreaux to speak as part of Black History Month and to welcome her to the Bay Area.
“We here at Beth Eden were blessed with her global vision for Mills College. She inspires our congregation to pursue higher education at any age,” said Pastor James.
As a child raised on the South Side of Chicago, she learned from her grandmother about the value of education, DeCoudreaux said. “She taught me education is the key to independence.”
Before taking the position at Mills, she served as vice president and deputy general counsel at Eli Lilly and Company, where she worked for three decades. She was also executive director of Lilly Research Laboratories, research planning and scientific administration and directed governmental and community relations for the company.
A graduate of Wellesley, one of the largest women’s colleges in the nation, DeCoudreaux has a background in women’s education combined with more than 30 years of experience as a corporate attorney, women’s advocate, fundraiser, and community volunteer.

OCCUR to Mobilize Youth in Churches

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OCCUR and the San Francisco FAITHS Program are  presenting a 2012 Model Built on Faith V kick-off workshop, “Mobilizing Youth To Transform Our Communities,”  which will be held 8:30 a.m. – Noon, Thursday, Feb. 22,  at the First Unitarian Church, 685 14th St. in Oakland.

 

In these critical economic times, the enthusiastic involvement of young men and women is key to the future of faith-based institutions, nonprofit collaborators and the communities they serve, according to OCCUR.

 

In the OCCUR 2012 Kickoff Session, an expert panel of leaders will speak, including Chris Chatmon, Executive Officer of African American Male Achievement, who supports the needs of African American and young men of color for the Oakland Unified School District.

 

Chatmon will present proven strategies to inspire and mobilize youth as well as challenge faith institutions to take immediate steps to give  young people a voice, address their urgent and critical needs as well as engage participants in the process of transforming the conditions in their communities.

 

To RSVP, email at occur@sbcglobal.net or fax  (510) 268-9065 or call (510) 839-2440.

 

West Coast Clergy Meet

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By Kia Croom

 

San Pablo Avenue Church of Christ hosted the 49th Annual West Coast Preachers and Leaders Forum, featuring more than 42 ministers,

Between 300 and 400 people attended the forum, which took place from Feb. 5-9. The theme of this year’s event was 21st Century opportunities and challenges facing the church.

Left to Right: Minister Willie Brown, San Pablo Ave. Church of Christ, Oakland; Minister Sammy Jones, Sr., San Pablo Ave. Church of Christ, Oakland; Minister Vincent Hawkins, keynote speaker at the Banquet held at the Oakland Hilton. Photo by Joe L. Fisher, BAPAC.

Minster Willie Brown co-facilitated the forum with Evangelist Sammy Jones, Sr., who are both of San Pablo Avenue Church of Christ.

Minister Brown explained the purpose of the annual gathering, which is convened within the Church of Christ each year at a different location.

“The convocation exists for the sole purpose of the edification, exaltation and unification of the scriptural principles set forth by the New Testament doctrine and practice,” he said.

The forum featured ministers from the West Coast and several other states including Oklahoma, Texas and Washington D.C. They discussed a variety of topics including “Strengthening our Families in our Fragmented Society,” “Countering Secular Values with Spiritual Perspectives” and “Salvation for Lost, Confused and Hurting Souls.”

The event also featured a banquet, which was held at the Oakland Hilton.

According to Minister Brown, the 50th Annual West Coast Preachers and Leaders Forum will take place in Los Angeles in February 2013 and will be hosted by Minister Billy C. Curl at the Crenshaw Church of Christ.

Crab Feed at Beth Eden

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By David Scott

Left to right: Carole Chenier, Chairperson; Tarsha Jordan-Oliver; Lorraine Montgomery, Vice Chair; Gena Hansen, Event Coordinator.

Beth Eden Baptist Church held a crab feed fund-raiser last Saturday, Jan. 28 at the West Oakland Senior Center.
The scholarship fund-raiser, chaired by the church’s Education and Scholarship Committee, raised money to help send students to colleges and universities around the country.
Last year, Beth Eden awarded scholarships to over 20 students.
The mouth-watering all-you-can-eat crab, tender baked chicken, garlic bread and pasta were prepared by the husband wife chef team, Rhonda and Clifford Hart.
“We want to provide our youth the opportunity and teach them the value of a good education,” said Carole Chenier, Education and Scholarship Chair at Beth Eden.

St. Andrew Missionary Serves the Community

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St. Andrew Missionary Baptist Church Private School students with Rev. Robert Lacy (front row); Middle row, from left to right: Zion Lacy, Courtney Corbitt, D’Sean Williams, Lawrence Williams, Davon Johnson, Ms. Carrie Banks; Back row - Lauryn Williams, Garriana Carter, Jerlisa McElroy, Genuis Hunt, Rashad Goosby.

St. Andrew Missionary Baptist Church Private School Parent Coop Prayer Clinic, organized by Rev. Robert  Lacy and the Board of Directors in 1975, is a church that serves the community.
The church regularly offers services to the community including a food distribution program, clothes giveaway, a school-to-work program that grants a high school diploma, work opportunities and assisted living in apartments.
The church responds to the needs of those who have educational deficiencies; high school dropouts; and students who need GEDs. The church also helps those who face economic  hardships, families that have lost loved ones and the large numbers of students who have not completed college or university education.
To better serve the community, the church’s students and staff have decided to build a medical research laboratory, law library and a 24- hour daycare center. These projects will also serve those who are completing community service.  
The St. Andrew Church family is seeking architects or structural engineers who are willing to help on the project.
Rev. Lacy was baptized into the Baptist faith at the age of 11.  His experience, work, and service include 68 years of church work and community activity. He is an Ordained Deacon, Sunday school teacher, President of the Brotherhood and minister.
He is presently organizer and pastor of the St. Andrew Missionary Baptist Church Private School Parent Coop Prayer Clinic.
“My ultimate desire is to remain steadfast in service,” said Rev. Lacy, who turned 80 in November.
Members of the public who visit the church and its services ”will experience a joyful, spirit filled presence that you will long remember,” he said.
The church accepts and needs donations and other contributions for services that it offers.
St. Andrew Missionary is located at 2608 West St., Oakland. For information call 510-465-8023 or toll free 866-990-9987 or email saintambcpstu.com.

Abyssinian Baptist Holds Gospel Bowl

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By DeeDee Scott

Dr. Kevin D. Barnes, Sr., Pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church (ABC), started the year on Jan 2 by hosting the 14th Annual Gospel Bowl in Oakland.
This year’s event was held in memory of the late Pastor A.L.Cobbs, Sr., of Harmony Baptist Church.
Eight Bay Area Pastors preached the Gospel to a packed house of 550 parishioners. Pastor Charles Hopkins of Grace Baptist Church opened day the day, followed by Pastor Todd Wheelock of Antioch Church, Pastor Larry Brice of People’s Baptist Church, Pastor Leon McDaniels of Paradise Baptist Church, Pastor A.L.Cobbs, Jr. of Providence Baptist Church, Pastor Johnny Leggett of Bethany Baptist Church and Bishop Keith L. Clark of Word Assembly Church.  Pastor Elliott Ivey of Pleasant New Beginnings Baptist Church brought the day to an end.
“It was an amazing day from start to finish – several community members came together in the name of our Lord for praise and worship,” Pastor Barnes said,
Abyssinian Men’s Ministry parked cars in the parking lot on 33rd and 34th streets. Guests’ children played in ABC Kids Place that was supervised by the ABC Children’s Ministry, and a light lunch was served by ABC Culinary Ministry.
Pastor Barnes’ organization, Successfully Raising Young Black Men, Inc. was the primary sponsor of the event.
CDs of the Gospel Bowl are available for  $8, and DVDs for $10 can be purchased at Abyssinian Baptist Church, 528 33rd St. in Oakland. Or order by phone at (510) 653-0315.

Lake Merritt United Methodist Receives Grant for Food Pantry

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KTC Foundation is providing a grant to Lake Merritt United Methodist Church in Oakland to purchase shelving, carts, containers and a bar code system for the church’s food pantry.
The project, which started as a soup kitchen, has grown into a community program that 1,600 individuals rely on each month to meet their food needs.  The bar code system in particular will allow the church to register clients who regularly use the pantry and subsequently provide a system to track the growing needs of the community.
“Lake Merritt (United Methodist) is located in an area where approximately 21 percent of residents earn incomes below the poverty level and another 9 percent earn incomes that are 50 percent below the poverty level,” said Ginny Clunan, program coordinator for KTC.
“We know that our donation will provide the fuel Lake Merritt needs to continue making an impact in the fight against hunger in Alameda County.”
In addition to serving the community, the food pantry also assists Alameda County families through a partnership with a La Escuelita, a local elementary school. For the past 10 years, the church has provided 30 bags of food each week for the school to distribute to students whose families are in greatest need.
KTC Foundation is funded by DaVita, Inc. – a provider of kidney cares services – and its CEO Kent Thiry and his wife, Denise O’Leary. KTC donates money to non-profit groups to fund projects that leave a lasting impression on the community.

Rev. Matthews to be Installed at First Union Missionary

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Reverend Dwight Edward Caruthers Matthews will be installed Sunday, Jan. 22, as the fifth Senior Pastor to lead the First Union Missionary Baptist Church in San Francisco.
Rev. Matthews has been ministering  for 28 years and was Senior Pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church until November 2011, when he accepted the calling of First Union Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1001 Webster St.
Born in Dawson, TX, he was the eldest of 8 children.  He was raised by his grandparents, attended local schools in Dawson and went to college in Navarro, TX, where he played football.  Rev. Matthews continued his studies in Dallas, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Studies and Philosophy at Bishop College.
Rev. Matthews is married to Dr. Artricia O. Matthews and has one daughter and one grandson.

Sojourner Truth Presbyterian Installs Pastor Kamal Hassan

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Reverend Kamal Hassan and his wife Makini Hassan.

Sojourner Truth Presbyterian Church, which has served the Richmond community for 40 years, will install Reverend Kamal Hassan as Pastor and Teaching Elder on Sunday, Jan. 22, at 3 p.m. in the church sanctuary located at 2621 Shane Drive.  Members of Presbyterian churches throughout the Bay Area will participate in the service.
Rev. Hassan has served as the Designated Pastor of Sojourner Truth Presbyterian Church since 2008 and looks forward to the opportunity to make a positive impact on the community. “I strongly feel that God called me to ministry for a time such as this, ” he said, adding that he believes the church, “must be involved in the lives of the people and community where it is located, and it must be engaged in the social, political, economic, and cultural lives of people in a way that reveals God’s will for all humanity.”
 Sojourner Truth Church held its first worship service in 1972 at Fairmede Elementary School in the Hilltop community of Richmond.  The church is named after Sojourner Truth, a strong and exceptional Black woman who refused to separate faith from action, believed in the salvation of the soul and fought for the freedom of all God’s people.
 “The church must be engaged in efforts to mend the tear in our social fabric that has caused so many of us to focus solely on our individual needs and ignore the sufferings of others, ” said Rev. Hassan.
 Although Sojourner Truth is his first call as a Presbyterian pastor, Rev. Hassan has more than 20 years of experience as a religious worker and more than 10 years as an ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a preacher and Christian educator whose message is rooted in the African American prophetic tradition.
He is also a community organizer who has worked for decades in low-wealth communities of color for social justice. Under his leadership Sojourner Truth has produced  its first website and now has 10,000 Twitter followers, a vibrant Bible study, a revitalized prayer ministry, and has increased its profile in the community by hosting many events.
Rev. Hassan received his AA degree in radio broadcasting from Los Angeles City College, his BA in history from California State University Los Angeles, and a Master of Divinity degree from San Francisco Theological Seminary.
 He is married to Makini Hassan, executive director of the Marin City Housing Development Corporations (MCCDC), where she leads employment and training programs, affordable housing initiatives and small business development.
 Sojourner Truth Presbyterian Church holds regular services  on Sundays at 11 a.m.  They have many ministries and programs. For information visit www.stpcweb.net

Church Leaders Join Forces With Occupy Movement

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By Aneesah Dryver

Dr. Ben Chavis

The goal is to join forces with Occupy Wall Street to launch a new campaign for economic justice inspired by the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Led by Dr. Ben Chavis, civil rights and religious leaders have announced formation of Occupy the Dream, an organization to mobilize the country around King’s vision, to wage war on poverty, unemployment and economic injustice. The executive committee of the new organization includes Dr. Chavis, Manhattan, and Dr. Jamal Bryant, Baltimore, who are both co-chairs. Bishop Millicent Thompson-Hunter, Philadelphia, is Secretary; Pastor Daryl Hamm, Baltimore, is Treasurer; and Pastor Harold Mayberry of First AME Church in Oakland, is Parliamentarian. According to Mayberry, the alliance was initiated when entrepreneur Russell Simmons, Dr. Jamal Bryant and Ben Chavis met with one of the leading voices of Occupy Wall Street, David David Degraw, discussing how to work together. “The Black Church has been on the forefront of change in every significant movement,” said Pastor Mayberry. “The Black Church will help bring structure to a movement that already has momentum.” According to Mayberry, the movement wants an immediate halt on all foreclosures because people are left homeless as a result of predatory lending practices. The movement also demands the reinstatement of Pell Grants. “Young people are unable to go to school because they don’t have any money,” said Mayberry. Finally, the movement is asking for major Wall Street banking institutions to invest $100 billion in job training. The “Occupy the Dream” coalition has called for a National Day of Action on M. L. Kng, Jr., Day when it will “Occupy the Federal Reserve” in cities nationwide. . Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. Al Sharpton have endorsed Occupy the Dream. Bryant, pastor of Empowerment Temple in Baltimore, joined Chavis and leading advocates of Occupy Wall Street at the National Press Club. The Bay Area protest is on Jan. 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Federal Reserve Bank, 101 Market St., San Francisco. For information go to http://www.occupydream.org/

Allen Temple Leadership Convocation, Jan 11-16

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Pastor J. Alfred Smith, Jr.

Allen Temple Baptist Church will host an All Church Prayer and Leadership Convocation, “Overcoming Evil with the Power of Good: A Call to Prayer and Action,” Wednesday, Jan. 11 through Monday, Jan. 16.
 This six-day conference, which is open to the community, is comprised of prayer, preaching, teaching, social and prophetic justice and service opportunities.
 The speakers are sons and daughters of Allen Temple, including Senior Pastor J. Alfred Smith, Jr., Assistant Pastor Jacqueline A. Thompson, Pastor Emeritus J. Alfred Smith, Sr., Reverend Doctor Malvina Stephens, Reverend Doctor Eunice Shaw, Reverend Pamela Wilson, Reverend Daniel Buford, Reverend Harry Louis Williams and  the church’s Martin Luther King Jr. Preacher, Reverend Doctor Marcus Goodloe.
 The convocation will culminate with a Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service on Jan. 16. Service activity will kick off the Greening the Ghetto and Community Revival of International Boulevard’s Beauty( CRIBB) projects.
 Allen Temple is located at 8501 International Blvd. in Oakland. For information visit www.allen-temple.org.