Join Us for Fall Convocation!
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Plan to attend the Fall Convocation, Tuesday, September 13, at 5 p.m. C.T. It will be held in the Fine Arts Room of the Susie McClure Library on the American Baptist College campus. This semester's theme is Engaging Social Justice, Equity, Advocacy, and Leadership.
Convocation is the formal opening of the new academic year, and an opportunity for the entire ABC community to come together to reflect, renew, and rekindle the commitment to carry out the College’s mission.
One of the College's newest Board of Trustees members, Rev. Dr. Johnny H. Flakes III, will deliver the keynote address. Dr. Flakes serves as senior pastor of the Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus, GA. Among his many honors is the recent recognition as a recipient of the 2022 Faith-Based and Humanitarian Award from Diversity Programs and Services at Columbus State University.
Dr. Flakes has a long history with the institution. His father, Rev. J.H. Flakes Jr., served as chair of the Board of Trustees.
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Flakes Family Donates $10,000 as Part of Pledge
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Rev. Dr. Johnny Flakes III presented a check to American Baptist College this week as part of a $100,000 pledge made by his father, the late Rev. J.H. Flakes Jr. several years ago. Before her death in February of this year, Mrs. Robena Flakes instructed her children to complete the pledge.
"It was an honor to follow the wishes of my parents and family to continue with this contribution," said Flakes, a member of the ABC Board of Trustees. The gift was presented at the National Baptist Convention USA’s annual meeting in Houston, TX.
"We are grateful for the Flakes family and this contribution that continues the pledge by Rev. J.H. Flakes Jr.," said President Forrest Harris. "This gift provides funds that will help with recruitment and other activities ‘On the Road to 100’ in 2024.”
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ABC Alumnus Rep. John Lewis Honored by His Hometown
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City leaders and residents of Troy, Ala., unveiled a marker last month on the family land of Rep. John Lewis to recognize him as the “Boy from Troy.” The event included family, friends, elected officials, and representatives of American Baptist College, along with other supporters and dignitaries.
Among the speakers was Rev. Bernard Lafayette, Congressman Lewis’s roommate at American Baptist College. Lafayette said it was Lewis who got him involved in civil rights activities by inviting him to go to classes that taught non-violence. Eventually, Lafayette went to the classes and became a leading force with Lewis and others in civil rights activities in Nashville and beyond.
“John was determined to make a difference and gave every ounce of his energy to do just that,” said Lafayette.
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Focusing on Health and Safety: ABC Offering First Aid Training to Students, Faculty, and Staff
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During the month of September, American Baptist College students, faculty, and staff will be able — at no cost — to take advantage of Adult First Aid/CPR/AED training from the American Red Cross. The training will be online and self-paced, beginning the week of September 12. Participants will have two weeks to complete the online modules, followed by in-person skills testing and certification. If you would like to participate and have not received registration information via email, contact twoodmore@abcnash.edu TODAY!
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In-Person Chapel Services Return to Campus
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“How great is our God? To be in this space after two years? How great is our God!”
Those were the opening words of Rev. Kelli X at the opening Chapel service of the Fall 2022 semester. With a message focused on utilizing your gifts and creating your own opportunities, she challenged students with this: “We know about John Lewis. We know about Kelly Miller Smith Sr. Who is going to call your name for the reason they’re at ABC in the future?”
The service closed with a singing of the Alma Mater, with Vice President for Academic Affairs Febbie Dickerson making a surprise appearance on the drums. Chapel service is held each Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. (CT) in the Fine Arts Room of the McClure Library and is open to the public.
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ABC Extends Hospitality to TSU Students
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More than 40 female students from Tennessee State University will be residing on the ABC campus in Griggs Hall this semester. In a collaboration among HBCUs, the two colleges worked together to address TSU’s housing shortage.
“Our beautiful campus will allow the TSU students to see what we experience on a regular basis – a beautiful campus on the banks of the Cumberland River, that we deem ‘The Holy Hill,” said ABC President Forrest Harris. "Students choose to attend ABC because of our academic offerings, small class size, and a nurturing faculty that helps each individual grow. Our guests will see that.”
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Supporting ABC Allows Us to Offer Students a Unique Opportunity to Achieve Academic Success
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By providing a financial contribution, you can directly impact their lives, this community, and our world.
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ABC's innovative S.E.A.L. (Social Justice, Equity, Advocacy, and Leadership) Initiative uses an interdisciplinary and justice-lens approach to weave applied scholarship, biblical liberation ethics, and theology to achieve justice outcomes for the well-being of oppressed communities. ABC's Chief of Staff and Vice President of Institutional Strategy Phyllis Hildreth, recommends the following titles to further enhance your understanding of essential S.E.A.L. concepts:
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Hands on the Freedom Plow: Personal Accounts by Women in SNCC (Faith S. Holsaert, Martha Prescod Norman Noonan, Judy Richardson, Betty Garman Robinson, Jean Smith Young, and Dorothy M. Zellner, 2010)
The River is in Us: Fighting Toxics in a Mohawk Community (Elizabeth Hoover, 2017)
We Do This ‘Til We Free Us: Abolitionist Organizing and Transforming Justice (Mariame Kaba, 2021)
Thurgood Marshall: His Speeches, Writings, Arguments, Opinions, and Reminisces (Mark V. Tushnet and Randall Kennedy, 2001)
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Look for additional recommended titles in our September 22 newsletter!
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American Baptist College has survived and thrived for 97 years. Established out of a desire to train African American preachers, it now is a full-fledged Historically Black College/University and offers both Associate's and Bachelor's degrees. Nestled on the “Holy” Hill in North Nashville, this College is a treasured institution in teaching, guiding and developing leaders of social change for the 21st century and beyond. Our work places a SEAL (Social Justice, Equity, Advocacy, and Leadership) on the world.
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