On March 16, 2022, a delegation from the AME Church General Conference Commission visited Cincinnati, Ohio to begin prepartions for the 2024 General Conference. Hosted by the Duke Energy Convention Center and Visit Cincy, the delegation met with local political and business leaders and toured the facility.The delegation included Senior Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr., Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr., Bishop Clement W. Fugh, General Secretary/CIO Dr. Jeffery B. Cooper, Sr. and Treasurer/CFO Mr. Marcus T. Henderson, Sr. Clergy and lay leaders from the Third Episcopal District also were present in their capacity as the host District.
“Many of our members could not attend last year’s General Conference, and we know that they are enthusiastically looking forward to coming to our once every four-year family reunion,” stated Bishop James L. Davis, Chair of the General Conference Commission. At the 2016 General Conference in Philadelphia, over 25,000 persons were in attendance with an estimated economic impact of $38 million dollars on area businesses.
The AME General Conference is the largest minority convention brought to the city to date and the Church is especially committed to employing minority contractors. Also attending the meeting were representatives from the Greater Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce Bishop Davis stated, “It is significant that the church has a special interest and is reaching out to bless those communities that often do not have the opportunity to get a piece of the economic pie… We look to involve minority contractors in every aspect of our meeting, from transportation to food and beverage to decorations. “
Cincinnatti previously hosted the General Conference in 1856, 1964 and 2000.
Bishop Davis closed his open remarks saying. “The Family of God will be coming out in record numbers for the first time since the Pandemic…We have come here to hear a word from the Lord as we struggle with theological issues, governance, polity, social, economic, political, and other unprecedented issues for a new day. CINCINNATI WE’RE ON OUR WAY! “
