From the Desk of MUI

2024 Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference

By: Yvette Armstead, Doctor of Ministry Student

“When Legacy Meets the Future.” What a wonderful theme for the 2024 Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, held in Chicago at the Palmer House Hotel. The hotel went through renovations to capture the essence of the old to bring its legacy into the future. The conference represented a passing of the torch from one generation to the next. Looking back to understand our history and the struggles of those who have gone before us to leave a legacy for the younger generations to stand on and to be proud to know the rich, life-giving path that they took for us to be able to have the liberties that are taken for granted. To be able to sit at the table with those who have fought for justice and who have left an impact on history whether known by history books or not. The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, where legacy meets the future, charged us to never stop believing in the power of our voices, in the strength of our resilience, in the beauty of our culture, and in the depth of our spirituality.
 

We gather in this hallowed space,
In the heart of Chicago, our home,
To honor the legacy of our ancestors,
To celebrate the triumphs of our present,
And to envision a future filled with promise.

As theologians and thinkers,
We delve into the depths of our faith,
Seeking wisdom and understanding,
Drawing inspiration from the Divine.

We reflect on the struggles of the past,
The pain and the injustice endured,
Yet we find hope in the resilience,
The unwavering spirit that carries us forward.

For we are the descendants of a legacy,
A heritage of strength and perseverance,
Passed down through generations,
A flame that burns brightly within us.

In this conference, we pass the torch,
Guiding the next generation,
Empowering them to take their place,
To continue the fight for justice and equality.

We remember those who came before,
The theologians who paved the way,
Their words and teachings echoing,
Guiding us on this sacred journey.

So let us embrace this moment,
Where legacy meets the future,
And let our voices resound,
In harmony and unity.

The Rev. Yvette A. Armstead 

For in the words of Samuel DeWitt Proctor,
We are called to never stop believing,
To keep striving for a better world,
Where all are equal and all are free.

Third Annual MUI Black History Month Luncheon

By: Ashley Johnson, Associate Director for Student Services

I was truly moved by the guest speaker, Dr. Paul D. Spradley, during MUI’s Third Annual Black History Month Luncheon. I appreciated Dr. Spradley’s vulnerability, transparency and honesty of his own experiences. He was engaging by including the audience in table conversation on how racism impacts ministering. He highlighted Micah 6:8 and how we are called to live justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God. How can you truly minister to Black people if you are not walking humbly with God? It will be evident whether you do or not by the way you serve and engage us. Similarly, John 13:35 was emphasized. Dr. Spradley shared 3 steps to minister to Black people:

• Acknowledge and amplify
• Believe us
• Challenge bad behavior

I am grateful that I attended this luncheon and I am grateful for MUI hosting the luncheon!