Release date: 16-Mar-05
Contact: Elaine Justice at 404-727-0643 or elaine.justice@emory.edu

Candler's Black Church Studies Marks 15th Anniversary

The Program of Black Church Studies at Emory University's Candler School of Theology will celebrate its 15th anniversary April 6-9 with a series of sacred events "designed to recognize the uncommon legacy and witness of people of African descent at Candler," says Alton Pollard, black church studies director.

The celebration will feature worship services, presentations, discussions, a celebration of Candler's graduating seniors, a musical tribute honoring Candler's black faculty, a faith and health information fair, and an anniversary dinner.

Keynote speaker for the anniversary dinner at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 8 will be renowned black theologian James Cone, Charles A. Briggs Distinguished Professor of Systematic Theology at Union Theological Seminary (NYC). Among Cone's books are "Black Theology and Black Power," "A Black Theology of Liberation" and "Martin & Malcolm & America: A Dream or a Nightmare."

Preaching at the opening worship service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 6 will be Emory alumnus Brad Braxton, associate professor of homiletics and New Testament at Vanderbilt University. Music will be provided by Candler's Voices of Imani singers, trumpeter Gregory "Milkshake" Mayfield and pianist/vocalist Crystal Harris.

The annual elders send-off Thursday, April 7 will feature guest speaker Timothy McDonald III, a 1978 Candler alumnus and senior pastor of Atlanta's First Iconium Baptist Church.

Friday events include a presentation on the faith and health movement in the black church and information fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday's events will feature a session for black Christian religious leaders titled "A Response to 'An Open Letter to MLK Jr.,'" convened by Theresa Fry Brown, associate professor of homiletics at Candler, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Saturday evening will include a 7 p.m. musical tribute honoring Candler's black faculty and special recognition of Candler's first black graduates.

"Candler's Program of Black Church Studies is one of the best known in the country, for its sizable and diverse faculty and course offerings, broad student and alumni participation, and expansive program offerings," says Pollard. "Candler's entire faculty has maintained its commitment to the ongoing success of this program."

Since its founding in the fall of 1989, Candler's Program of Black Church Studies has grown from three to eight full-time faculty, and students of African descent now total one-fourth of the school's enrollment. Dozens of students have received Candler's Black Church Studies certificate, which provides an opportunity to develop in-depth academic and practical knowledge about black religious life and culture.

Anniversary events are open to the public, but registration is required, and daily rates are available. Fee for the entire celebration, including meals, is $100 if received by March 28. For registration information, contact Ayanna Abi Kyles at akyles@emory.edu or 404-727-4180. To view and download the anniversary brochure go to: www.candler.emory.edu.

Emory University is known for its demanding academics, outstanding undergraduate college of arts and sciences, highly ranked professional schools and state-of-the-art research facilities. For nearly two decades Emory has been named one of the country's top 25 national universities by U.S. News & World Report. In addition to its nine schools, the university encompasses The Carter Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Emory Healthcare, the state's largest and most comprehensive health care system.

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