HBCU Night
Rev. Dr. Shakira Sanchez-Collins, TCR Columnist
HBCU’s have paved the way in providing access to education not only for Black American students, but also for students from all over the world. With the pandemic and racial justice movement as a backdrop, this past year has garnered more attention for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States leading to a much-needed increase in awareness and support for these institutions. In similar fashion, on the evening of July 6, 2021, the 51st Quadrennial Session of the General Conference placed a spotlight on the HBCUs of the African Methodist Episcopal Church with a HBCU Gospel Benefit Night.
The virtual concert featured the musical talents of the Paul Quinn College Choir, J..J. Hairston and other solo artists who led us in a night of praise and worship. Bishop Wilfred Messiah delivered an encouraging word entitled “God Will Make Your Iron to Float” from 2 Kings 6:1-7 which focused on how God will make a way even in times of great obstacles. Interspersed between the music and Word, the bishops, college presidents and alumni gave a clarion call to financially support and envision a greater future for the AME scholastic institutions.
“Invest in us. Invest in our students. Invest in our dreams. Invest in our institutions. You do that by sharing your time, your talent, [and] your treasure”, Dr. Michael Sorrell, the president of Paul Quinn College, said during the concert referring to the AME academic institutions.
Throughout the concert, many of the academic institutions had the opportunity to display their scholastic strengths, recent achievements, and vibrant college life in hopes to attract the next generation of scholars and achievers. An inspiring virtual event, the HBCU gospel night highlighted the communal call to ensure that the HBCUs of the African Methodist Episcopal Church have the resources and support necessary to educate and equip future generations.
