New Bethel AME Jackson hosts Congressmen James “Jim” Clyburn and Bennie Thompson
at Men’s Day Program
By Rev. Dr. Lorenzo Neal
The sanctuary was full on February 12, 2023, for the New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Jackson, Mississippi, where the Rev. Dr. Lorenzo T. Neal serves as pastor. The setting was the annual Men’s Day program, and the Honorable James Clyburn, Assistant Democratic Leader of the House of Representatives and Representative of South Carolina’s Sixth Congressional District, along with The Honorable Bennie Thompson of Mississippi’s Second District, graced the pulpit. The theme for the annual program was “Preparing Leaders for Today and Tomorrow.” The Rev. George W. Tyler, Presiding Elder, retired, was the program chairperson and worship leader. Local elected officials across Mississippi were present, including several state Representatives, State Senators, and United States District Judge Carlton Reeves. The program included special musical guests, and Pastor Neal gave a moment in Black History honoring Bishops Richard Allen, Daniel Alexander Payne, Henry McNeal Turner, and Frederick Douglass. In addition, the Presiding Elder presented Congressman Bennie Thompson with full bravado for his accomplishments and his relationship with New Bethel and the community.
Congressman Thompson began his introduction of Congressman Clyburn with a recollection of their journey together in the House of Representatives. He commended Clyburn’s work for the citizens of South Carolina and the country. He listed the many commendations Clyburn has received since being elected. He also highlighted how during the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, it was Clyburn who first endorsed Joe Biden and how his influence during the South Carolina primary gave Biden the win needed to garner the presidential nomination and eventual election as President of the United States. Thompson then shared how he reminded Clyburn to respond to Pastor Lorenzo Neal’s request for Men’s Day speaker as a favor to his friend. After Thompson’s introduction, Brother Ray Magee gave a rousing musical selection setting the stage for Congressman Clyburn’s message.
Congressman Clyburn began his message by recalling the story of having Congressman Thompson speak at a Martin Luther King, Jr. event in his district, where he was again reminded to accept the invitation to New Bethel as a favor to his friend. After the lighthearted words, Clyburn began addressing the historical relevance of the men’s day program, referring to the birth of AME founding bishop Richard Allen and Allen’s work of liberation for blacks during a time when the entire country was beginning. He continued by addressing the immediate condition of Black Americans. He offered steps to continue improving the lot of blacks in communities like Jackson and other urban areas across the country. Clyburn reminded the audience of the many attempts in the country to repress votes and social changes that negatively impact the church and communities. Clyburn emphasized the need for black men to raise boys into leaders while the violence against young black men and women by themselves and others. He encouraged local elected officials to promote and pass liberating legislation that does not infringe on the basic rights and needs of the people. Clyburn’s message was more akin to a preacher giving a sermon than a congressman making a speech.
The program concluded with remarks from Presiding Elder Tyler, Dr. Neal, and Bishop Stafford Wicker and presentations of plaques to both congressmen by Bishop Wicker on behalf of the men of New Bethel.
articles@thechristianrecorder.com
Photo Credit-Kevin Bradley, Freelance photographer with The Jackson Advocate
