WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. (PNBC), led by President Dr. James C. Perkins, will hold its 57th Annual Session on August 6-10, 2018 at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia.
Over 5,000 representatives from the denomination are expected to gather for weeklong events of preaching, Christian education, and social justice strategizing. The Philadelphia location bears a special meaning, as PNBC held its first annual session in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection in 1962. The theme — “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community” — offers a roadmap for the Black church as it reclaims its position of social justice leadership in the Black community.
Founded during the Civil Rights Movement, PNBC was formed in 1961 to give full voice, sterling leadership and active support to the African-American and world fight for human freedom. PNBC was the spiritual home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and is still fighting against systems that harm poor and vulnerable populations. Poverty, mass incarceration, healthcare, and voting rights are key areas of focus.
A press conference will be held on Monday, August 6 at 1:00 PM at the Liberty Bell to bring attention to the policies of the current administration that hurt communities of color, the poor, and working-class families. Additionally, nationwide strategies will be provided with the intent of increasing voter participation in the midterm elections.
Press conference speakers include Dr. Perkins; Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock, PNBC social justice commission chair and senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA; Dr. Freddy Haynes, senior pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, and Dr. John Mendez, senior pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Winston Salem, NC. Dr. “During the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. King, we need to keep his legacy alive by addressing important issues before members of Congress. Dr. King impacted social policy, and we must do the same,” Perkins said. The annual session will encompass The Angela Project, which is a three-year movement commemorating the 400th Anniversary of Black Enslavement in America. PNBC members will join members of the National Baptist Convention of America and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship for a rich and empowering symposium on Monday, August 6 from 9:00 a.m. in the plenary ballroom.
As one of the highlights of the Annual Session, preaching from renowned pastors across the country will include:
- Dr. William Shaw, Jr, senior pastor, White Rock Baptist Church, Philadelphia
- Dr. Kevin Crosby, pastor, St. Stephen Baptist Church, and president of Simmons College, Louisville, Kentucky
- Dr. Delores Cain, senior pastor, Heritage Community Baptist Church, Tampa, Florida
- Dr. Ralph D. West, senior pastor, The Church Without Walls, Houston
- Dr. Albert F. Campbell, pastor emeritus, Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Philadelphia
- Dr. Charles C. Adams, presiding pastor, Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, Detroit, MI
- Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr., senior pastor, New Shiloh Baptist Church, Baltimore, MD
- Dr. Tyrell O. Brown, senior pastor, Morning Star Baptist Church, Richmond, VA
Accompanying the worship and teaching sessions are nearly thirty classes available through the PNBC Congress of Christian Education. The annual session also features a young adult expo and youth and children’s extravaganza that focuses on leadership, learning, outreach, witness and worship opportunities. The guest Psalmist will be Malcolm Williams and Great Faith.
The Annual Session creates a roadmap for the year long goals that will guide the member churches in living out the mission of equipping pastors and churches to be effective in ministry and lifting their voices on behalf of the voiceless.
PNBC membership consists of approximately 1.5 million people in the U.S. and 2.5 million people globally. For more information,visit www.pnbc.org.
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