The theme of the conference, “10 Years After Ferguson: Walking or Talking,” fueled panels, plenary sessions, sermonic discourse, music, and discussions that highlighted the imperative for Christ centered activism.
The event aimed to engage participants in meaningful discussions about social justice and community activism, reflecting on the impact of Michael Brown Jr.’s tragic death in 2014. Brown’s killing sparked national protests and discussions about police violence, systemic racism, and the urgent need for reform within law enforcement practices.
A notable feature of the convention was a plenary session titled “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot,” featuring Michael Brown Sr., father of Michael Brown Jr. and founder of Chosen for Change, a non-profit organization that provides holistic grief support to families who have experienced traumatic loss. He emphasized the importance of community involvement in transforming society after tragedies, urging attendees to take action in honor of their loved ones lost.
Pastor Marcus Cosby of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, delivered an inspiring sermon on Friday evening, calling on attendees to “shake off their baggage” and have faith for something better. He reminded the audience that meeting others with justice is crucial, saying, “If someone was kind enough to meet you with justice, you should be kind enough to meet somebody else with justice.” Cosby highlighted the notion that “justice begets justice” in a “beloved community.”
Participants had the opportunity to engage in a thought-provoking tour of Ferguson, retracing the streets where Michael Brown Jr. was killed. This experience included oral histories from law enforcement and community representatives, providing crucial insights into the events of August 9, 2014, when Brown was shot and killed by police officer Darren Wilson.
Throughout the convention, multiple sessions tackled various crucial topics, including “Civic Engagement in Adventist DNA” presented by Kevin M. Burton, and the Lucille Byard Symposium where Dr. Anthony Medley from the Allegheny East Conference and his wife India Medley, chief nursing officer at Howard University Hospital examined “Generational Trauma: Slavery and its Impact on Health.” These eye-opening discussions emphasized a holistic approach to social and civic engagement within the community.
During the Saturday evening worship, Detroit City Temple Associate Pastor Tricia Wynn Payne, also the Women's Ministries director, delivered a soul-stirring sermon, encouraging attendees to “go when God says go,” reinforcing the need for active faith and engagement in social justice initiatives.
The convention culminated in a celebratory breakfast, where attendees had the chance to network and discuss practical applications for community engagement.
Chaired by Edward Woods III, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty director for the Lake Region Conference, the convention emphasized a spiritual and social imperative for the community, underlining the necessity for Christ-centered activism in the pursuit of justice. Sponsored by various organizations, including Adventist HealthCare and the Center for Community Change at Andrews University, the event showcased a collective commitment to replicating the love of Christ, drawing on the call of Micah 6:8, to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God.
Ramona L. Hyman, PhD. is a professor, author and speaker living in Harvest, Alabama. In addition, she serves as a Governor’s Appointee for the Alabama Arts Council.
