By Amsterdam News
Located in Harlem and long known for faith-based advocacy and an enduring history, the Abyssinian Baptist Church held a two-day event during Black History Month to highlight the transformative legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the Divine Nine fraternities and sororities.
“For over two centuries, the Abyssinian Baptist Church has advocated for progress, justice and uplift,” said Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Johnson, senior pastor of the church and an alumnus of Morehouse College. “The Divine Nine and our nation’s HBCUs have stood in that same spirit, speaking truth to power, proudly uplifting Black communities across the nation, and fostering camaraderie and community for Black and other marginalized people — both in college and in the world. We were especially honored to welcome Dr. David A. Thomas, president of Morehouse College, who reflected on the ways in which HBCUs inspire faith, education, and innovation for future generations.”
Founded in 1808, the Abyssinian Baptist Church is now led by Johnson, 68, who continues a legacy of leadership held by luminaries including the late Rev. Dr. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. and Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III. The celebration served as a unifying tribute to Black history while demonstrating how the pursuit of education and faith remain vital components of Abyssinian’s mission.
Abyssinian hosted its HBCU panel discussion, which was sponsored by Faith and Education, Jack & Jill of America, and the United Federation of Teachers, on Feb. 22. The program aimed to give prospective students, parents, and community members a meaningful understanding of the experiences offered at HBCUs, such as standards of academic excellence, cultural traditions, and lasting bonds that form on HBCU campuses. The next day featured the 3rd Annual HBCU/Divine 9 Emphasis Sunday.
During the service, Johnson, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., took a roll call of Black Greek letter fraternities and sororities. Every Divine Nine organization was represented in the sanctuary, where many people wore HBCU paraphernalia to show their pride: Morehouse College, Spelman College, Howard University, Hampton University, Delaware State University, Morgan State, and Florida A&M University, to name a few. Alumni, family, and friends came together to underscore their commitment to community service, advocacy, unity, and academic achievement.
Thomas, the 12th president of Morehouse College, addressed worshippers during the Sunday service. He holds a Ph.D. in organizational behavior studies and a master of philosophy in organizational bBehavior, both from Yale University, and a master of organizational psychology from Columbia University and a bachelor of administrative sciences degree from Yale College. Thomas, an author of several books and periodicals, will retire from Morehouse in June.
“To be in the pulpit at Abyssinian is over the top,” said Thomas. “It is a crowning moment of my presidency at Morehouse College to be here, especially, as Rev. Johnson said, since I am retiring.” After reflecting on the days when he and his wife lived in Harlem, Thomas described the special connection between Abyssinian Baptist Church and Morehouse College before focusing on higher education.
“I would argue that the history of HBCUs and the Black church are inextricably linked,” said Thomas. “You cannot argue the value that Historically Black Colleges and Universities have created in this nation. Without them and the Black church, there would be no Black middle class. Eighty percent of Black veterinarians — thank you, Tuskegee — come from HBCUs; 50% of Black doctors and lawyers have HBCU backgrounds; 24% of all Bachelor degrees in STEM are held by HBCU graduates.”
Thomas added that Morehouse “just did a study that showed there are only 4,800 Black men in top-tier liberal arts undergraduate programs in the country today, and 2,500 of them are (enrolled) at Morehouse College. We are educating over 80% of the Black men who will earn degrees at top-tier schools, and those top-tier schools are direct feeders to top-tier job opportunities [and] graduate schools, and that will determine who will be in leadership roles in our society. I am sure that there’s a similar story for places like Howard and North Carolina A&T.”
In his closing remarks, Thomas said, “I often get asked how is it that HBCU graduates go into (jobs at) predominantly white organizations and do so well — they outperform even those who go to historically white institutions (for college). It’s because being in that environment, where every month is Black History Month, where you are surrounded by the diversity of Black people, builds a depth of confidence and a sense of who you are that will not be shaken by the stones and arrows that the world will throw at you.”