By Ayesha K. Mustafaa
Editor
Over 22 pastors from across the U.S. converged on Jackson, and participated in an open panel discussion “summit” called on by Mission Mississippi and its president Neddie Winters Wednesday.
The lofty goal was to hold a “Conversation on Racial Unity in America.” Although “benign sounding,” the pastors threw some heavy punches in response to some weighty questions from the audience.
Launching the program and working to draw large numbers, Jay Richardson, senior pastor, Highland Colony Baptist Church, was called upon to comment.
“This is a heaven-sent opportunity for us to speak to the nation about racial reconciliation from, of all places, Mississippi. Only God could have orchestrated this,” said Richardson.
About Mission Mississippi, David Gates, president of Atmos Energy said, “We have had dozens of employees attend Mission Mississippi events across our state. They leave these events inspired and with a positive outlook for the future of our state and the role our business plays in that future.
“Becoming involved with Mission Mississippi is a great way to give your business team a boost.”
Keynote speakers at the Wednesday luncheon held at the Jackson Convention Complex were Dr. Ronnie Floyd, president of the Southern Baptist Church, and Dr. Jerry Young, president of the National Baptist Convention.
Young explained that he cannot tell the story of his present goodwill without talking about his experiences on the plantation farm. “I grew up on a plantation – not a farm; it was a plantation in the Delta of Mississippi,” said Young. “I have to explain that in order to show the grace of God in my life today; now I’m the president of the National Baptist Convention, one of the largest in this country.”
Floyd explained that he came to Mississippi to put racism on notice that it will no longer be tolerated in these United States, calling racism an evil among us.
Gov. Phil Bryant attended the luncheon and spoke briefly, thanking God for his victory as governor of Mississippi.
State Treasurer Lynn Fitch and Mission MS Board of Director member Camille Young – a Caucasian and African American – before the luncheon audience described their similarities and their differences and how they still remain close friends.
The 20 participating pastors for the summit were:
Marshall Blalock, senior pastor, First Baptist Church Charleston, Charleston, S.C.;
Dr. Jesse Bottoms, vice president – Northeast Region, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. and pastor, Beulah Baptist Church, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Felix Cabrera, director of Red 1:8 Church Planting Network; lead pastor, Iglesia Bautista Central, Oklahoma City, Okla.
Dr. Matthew Canada, president – Moderator’s Auxiliary, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., pastor, Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, Madison, Miss.
Dr. C. Dennis Edwards, chairman – Sunday School Publishing Board, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., pastor, St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Little Rock, Ark.
Dr. Steve Gaines, senior pastor, Bellevue Baptist Church, Cordova, Tenn.
Dr. Gene Henderson, Mississippi Baptist pastor and leader, Pinelake Church, Brandon, Miss.
Dr. Paul Kim, Asian American Relations Consultant for the Southern Baptist Convention, Pastor Emeritus, Antioch Baptist Church, Cambridge, Mass.
Dr. Rogers Kirk, vice president-Midwest Region, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., pastor, Third Missionary Baptist Church, Davenport, Iowa.
Dr. Claybon Lea Jr., vice president, Far West Region, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., pastor, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Fairfield, Calif.
Dr. Ed Litton, senior pastor, Redemption Church, North Mobile, Ala.
Dr. Calvin McKinney, general secretary, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., pastor, Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, N.J.
Dr. Clarence Moore, vice president, Southeast Region, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., pastor, Good Shepherd Missionary Baptist Church, Augusta, Ga.
Dr. Thomas Morris, parliamentarian, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., pastor, Greater Hinds Street Missionary Baptist Church, Cleveland, Miss.
Dr. John Reed Jr., vice president, Western Region, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., pastor, Fairview Baptist Church, Oklahoma City, Okla.
Dr. Kevin Smith, teaching pastor, Highview Baptist Church, Louisville, Ky.
Dr. Ted Traylor, senior pastor, Olive Baptist Church, Pensacola, Fla.
Dr. Ricky D. Turner, treasurer, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., pastor, Oak Ridge Missionary Baptist Church, Kansas City, Kan.
Dr. K. Marshall Williams, president, National African American Fellowship of the Southern Baptist Convention, senior pastor, Nazarene Baptist Church, Philadelphia, Penn.
Dr. A.B. Vines, former president, National African American Fellowship of the Southern Baptist Convention, senior pastor, New Seasons Church, Spring Valley, Calif.
Coming next week: The keynote addresses from Dr. Ronnie Floyd and Dr. Jerry Young.
