Reflections on the 9th Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference

By: Sheila A. Reed

On February 6 to 9^th, 2012, I attended the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference (SDPC) at the Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago.  Convening for the 9^th year, SDPC seeks to develop, strengthen and activate clergy and lay leadership in the faith community, particularly the African American faith community.  I was both honored and delighted to be in attendance with many prophetic and creative church, community leaders and activists in the social justice arena.

There were a host of powerful and prolific preachers, plenary speakers and session facilitators who spoke truth and empowerment in hopes of inspiring us to carry the  mantle for the least, the lost and the left out.  Additionally, each day ended with awe-inspiring preaching and a spirit-filled worship experience.   Lastly, an honoree dinner “Beautiful are the Feet” was hosted for those who have sacrificed, toiled and lifted their voices, vowing never to concede in the name of justice.

I attended the seminarian session with Emile M. Townes and several workshops such as : Back to Black, For Such a Time as this: Activating the Moral Agenda in Public Policy with Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III and Catch the Fire: Preaching To Empower Faithful Action with Rev. Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, Sr.  All workshops and sessions were  informative and emotive, causing me to dig a little bit deeper, become more intentional and “think outside the box” regarding service, transformation, possibilities and how I can make a difference in individuals and communities, irrespective of challenges, limitations and arduous tasks.

Although the entire conference was enriching and empowering, the most impactful and profound aspect was the plenary session featuring Susan D. Taylor, Editor Emeritus of Essence Magazine and founder of National Cares Mentoring.  She gave the attendees a provocative challenge that “The Village is on Fire” and what are we going to do about it.  She stressed the real work is after the conference.  Even though discourse is good, we need more loyal and stanch transformative, committed action to revolutionize our communities.    

Again this year, the “Intergenerational Dialogue” was a very emotional and healing group discussion where valuable life lessons, knowledge and wisdom were imparted.  Our group facilitator was Rev. Dr. Teresa L. Fry Brown, a seasoned teacher, preacher and theologian.

The SDPC inspired me to have the faith and hope that collectively and individually we can loose the shackles and make a curative difference.  The conference scripture articulates it best, “For the Kingdom of God depends not on talk but on power.” 1 Corinthians 4:20 (NIV)