The Reimagining of the Black Church - 5/3/2021

 Conversation Overview

The Black Church is often referred to as the first institution built by and for African Americans and may be considered the most important institution that ever existed in the Black community. In this Messy Conversation, the church's rich tradition and central role in spiritual renewal and growth, critical engagement, and pursuit of social justice will be explored. The steadfast dedication of the church is to provide life skills for individuals, families, and professional development. It is a place of safety where African-Americans can gather without fear or judgment from external organizations. Please join Najuma Smith-Pollard, Le'Tasha Morrison, Rev. Sharon Gray for a Messy Conversation entitled The Black Church Reimagined.

Min. Le'Tasha Morrison - After accepting her call into the preaching ministry, Min. Le'Tasha began her Biblical studies at Southern California School Ministry and then matriculated through Azusa Pacific Seminary, where she earned her Masters of Divinity in December 2019. She is now pursuing her Doctorate of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary.

Min. Le'Tasha currently serves at the New Mt Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Sonja Dawson. She serves as the Youth Minister while also spending time in the Young Adult Ministry and Intercessory Prayer Team. Ultimately at the end of the day, Min. Le'Tasha is a servant whose desire is to one day hear God say, "well done, my good and faithful servant."

Rev. Najuma Smith Pollard, Founding Pastor of Word of Encouragement Church and Program Director of the Cecil Murray Center for Community Engagement at USC. She is a frequent speaker and panelist for conferences related to Women's Empowerment, Women In Ministry, Sexual Violence Awareness, Civic Engagement and The Black Church. In addition to ministry and civic engagement work, Dr Najuma is certified coach; her program Wake Up and Win, focuses on Self-Awareness and Personal Mastery. She is a lover of social media, music, dancing, movies, Fitness, and travel. She is mother to Dorian, Zuri, and Daniel (her Angel child). The best advice Rev Najuma ever received came from her mother who told her "You can do anything you set your mind to!" IG: @revjuju

Rev. Sharon Gray, The foundation on which Rev. Sharon Gray stands was established by her parents the late Mr. Otis & Mrs. Dorothy Gray. Rev. Gray earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services in 2014 from the University of Phoenix. She has also completed courses at Long Beach Bible Institute and Bethany Christian Bible College. Rev. Gray was licensed to preach the Gospel in October 2003 and was ordained in December 2007 at New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late great Rev. Dr. Lonnie Dawson, Pastor and Founder. She was dedicated to the leadership of Dr. Dawson and served under his tutelage and leadership diligently; she will always cherish and appreciate the time and training he imparted into her life and ministry. Rev. Gray loves serving, she now serves under the Leadership of her current pastor Rev. Dr. Sonja Dawson, Esq. She serves as the Intercessory Prayer Team leader, she is an associate Minister on the ministerial staff, she is a Youth Leader and Sunday School teacher. Rev. Gray is proud to have been featured with other Clergy women in an article listed in the LA times entitled Clergy Conversations on Faith and the Me-Too movement. With the knowledge that she was created to worship and serve God, Rev. Sharon says: "I am determined to be all that He wants me to be…walking in my purpose, right into my destiny."