Kyle – Page 2 – NBCSL Conference

November 8, 2023November 8, 2023 By Kyle

Alexis McGill Johnson

Alexis McGill Johnson is president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Action Fund and Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), a national leader in sexual and reproductive health and education. Through a network of 49 affiliates, Planned Parenthood health centers provide vital health care to more than 2 million people each year at nearly 600 health centers across the country, so that everyone — no matter who they are, where they live, or how much money they make — can get supportive, high-quality health care to live full, healthy lives.

Alexis is a longstanding champion for social and racial justice, a respected political and cultural organizer, and a tireless advocate for reproductive freedom. She has been part of Planned Parenthood’s leadership for more than a decade as PPFA board chair and a Planned Parenthood Action Fund board member.

Alexis co-founded and co-directed the Perception Institute, a consortium of researchers, advocates, and strategists who use mind science research on race, gender, ethnic, and other identities to help reduce bias and discrimination and improve equity.

She is a frequent commentator in the press and a keynote speaker. She serves on the board of the Leadership Conference for Civil and Human Rights and is a founder of the Culture Group. Alexis has a BA in politics from Princeton University, an MA in political science from Yale University, and taught political science at Yale and Wesleyan universities.

November 4, 2023November 6, 2023 By Kyle

Reverend Dr. Gina Marcia Stewart

The Reverend Dr. Gina Marcia Stewart is an energetic, faithful, and loving pastor, visionary, preacher, adjunct professor, teacher, and community advocate with a heart for God, God’s people, and the community. She has led the congregation of Christ Missionary Baptist Church since March 1995. She is the first African American female elected to serve an established African American Baptist congregation in Memphis and Shelby County.

Dr. Stewart is a graduate of the University of Memphis (BBA), Trevecca Nazarene College (M.Ed-Administration and Supervision), Memphis Theological Seminary (M.Div), And the Interdenominational Center (The ITC – D.Min.). She has also attended the Harvard Divinity School Summer Leadership Institute for Church-Based Community and Economic Development. She is currently pursuing a PhD in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Dr. Stewart currently serves as the President of Lott Carey Foreign Missions Society and member of the National Board of the NAACP. She serves as a trustee for the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology and a Co-Convener for the Women in Ministry Conference. She is a former board member of the Advisory Board for The African American Pulpit, The National Civil Rights Museum, and Bread for the World. Dr. Stewart is the founder of Greater Works, Inc., a non-profit organization devoted to philanthropy and ministry development. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Her awards include but are not limited to the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award and pin, bestowed upon her by President Joseph R. Biden in June 2021.

With skillful hands and integrity of heart, Dr. Stewart has led the congregation of CMBC to be a compassionate and caring community with a commitment to proclamation, protest, and practice. At CMBC, the hungry are fed, the naked are clothed, and the transforming love of God touches the wounded and broken.

Dr. Stewart travels extensively, conducting workshops, revivals, and seminars. She is a woman with a heart for God and God’s people.

November 2, 2023November 6, 2023 By Kyle

The Fisk Jubilee Singers

The Fisk Jubilee Singers are vocal artists and students at Fisk University in Nashville, TN., who sing and travel worldwide.

The original Fisk Jubilee Singers introduced ‘slave songs’ to the world in 1871 and were instrumental in preserving this unique American musical tradition known today as Negro spirituals.

They broke racial barriers in the US and abroad in the late 19th century and entertained Kings and Queens in Europe. At the same time, they raised money in support of their beloved school.

In 1999, the Fisk Jubilee Singers were featured in Jubilee Singers: Sacrifice and Glory, a PBS award-winning television documentary series, produced by WGBH/Boston.

In July 2007, the Fisk Jubilee Singers went on a sacred journey to Ghana at the invitation of the U.S. Embassy. It was a history making event, as the ensemble traveled to Ghana for the first time and joined in the celebration of the nation’s Golden Jubilee, the 50th independence anniversary.

In 2008, the Fisk Jubilee Singers were selected as a recipient of the 2008 National Medal of Arts, the nation’s highest honor for artists and patrons of the arts. The award was presented by President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush, during a ceremony at the White House.

The Fisk Jubilee Singers continue the tradition of singing the Negro spiritual around the world. This allows the ensemble to share this rich culture globally, while preserving this unique music.

November 1, 2023November 14, 2023 By Kyle

Bebe Winans

BeBe Winans is a four-time Grammy award winning gospel and R&B singer, songwriter, producer, arranger of music, radio host, actor and entrepreneur. Hailing from the first family of gospel music, Benjamin “Bebe” Winans began his career as a background singer for The Winans (his four older brothers). He soon joined forces with his sister Cece and released a string of highly successful albums, including 1991’s Different Lifestyles, which won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album. In 1995, BeBe and Cece both decided to pursue solo careers, although a reunion album is currently in the works.