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News from AAMLC
AAMIA/AAMLC Statement in response to the injustice in Jena
In response to the injustice in Jena, Louisiana, the African American Ministers Leadership Council (AAMLC) and African American Ministers In Action (AAMIA) released the following statement:
Read the full statement.
African American Ministers Say Mark Foley Scandal Reveals Hypocrisy of Political and Religious Leaders Who Claim To Have a Monopoly on 'Values'
Read the full press release.
The New Face of Jim Crow: Voter Suppression in America
It is becoming much harder for many Americans to vote. The barriers range from unintentional to obvious to insidious, and they are proliferating across the nation. Racial minorities, students, the poor, and senior citizens are bearing the brunt of new rules and regulations that discourage and limit voting.
Read the press release | Read the report
Patriot Pastors' Electoral War Against the 'Hordes of Hell'
A new generation of Religious Right leaders is turning conservative churches into political machines for far-right Republican candidates with rhetoric that might make Pat Robertson blush. The new report by People For the American Way Foundation, NAACP, and the African American Ministers Leadership Council documents how high-level Republican officials in Ohio and elsewhere are embracing the self-proclaimed “Christocrats” and counting on a new wave of aggressive politics-from-the-pulpit to win elections.
Read the press release | Read the report
 Rev. McDonald |
Rev. Tim McDonald on Conservative Black Clergy
Rev. Tim McDonald appeared on NPR's All Things Considered to discuss right-wing efforts to recruit black clergy with "faith based" appeals and government handouts.
To listen to the story, click here.
To view a transcript of the story, click here.
Ministers Convene to Discuss African American Values
The Center for American Values in Public Life and the African American Ministers Leadership Council co-hosted two 3-hour roundtables on African Americans and progressive policy on April 6 and 7, 2006. These roundtables brought together a diverse group of academics, religious leaders, and political analysts whose work addresses the intersection of African American politics, culture, and religion.
The roundtables were conducted as part of the Center’s multi-stage, in-depth study of African Americans and the progressive movement, which is in turn part of a broader analysis of progressive values and the American public. Facilitators engaged participants in focused discussions designed to achieve three goals: to explore the moral and religious values underpinning issues of concern to African American communities; identify and deepen understanding of the key fault lines among African Americans; and to shape communication strategies and messaging on issues of importance to African American (e.g., the economy), and on issues being used by right-wing leaders as “wedges” to recruit African Americans away from the progressive movement (e.g., same-sex marriage and faith-based initiatives).
In partnership with PFAW Foundation’s African American Ministers Leadership Council, the Center has also published Out of the Boat and Into the Storm: A National Conversation with African American Ministers, a report based on previously-conducted focus groups and interviews among African American ministers from 17 states.
Voting Rights Action in Ohio
On Tuesday, April 4th People For the American Way, along with the Cleveland Chapter of SCLC and the City of Cleveland, sponsored a day of Voting Rights Act activities. The day began with a luncheon for 40 local African American clergy, election officials and civil rights leaders. This luncheon featured PFAW’s Director of Public Policy, Tanya Clay, who gave a thorough overview on the VRA including the history of the Voting Rights Act 1965, myths and misconceptions surrounding the Act, updates on the Act from the Hill and how clergy can get involved. PFAW Ohio African American Outreach Coordinator Shaun Tucker also spoke to the group about getting involved through AAMIA/AAMLC. After the luncheon, there was a march from the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections to Cuyahoga Community College. The march to raise awareness about the VRA featured over 100 marchers from groups such as: PFAW, SCLC, NAACP, The Greater Cleveland Voter Coalition, Congresswoman Tubbs Jones’ office, a local high school marching band and other area civil rights groups and residents. Later in the evening, there was a PFAW-sponsored town hall meeting held at Cuyahoga Community College. This event was attended by 75+ community members and had a panel that included PFAW’s Tanya Clay, CNN legal commentator and distinguished civil rights lawyer Avery Friedman, Cleveland area civil rights attorney James Hardiman, Cleveland Municipal Court judge and former Cleveland NAACP Executive Director Judge Pauline Tarver, and retired Cleveland Municipal Judge and former Cleveland NAACP Executive Director Judge Sara Harper.
Civil Rights Outreach: Ministers in Action in Our Community
AAMLC and AAMIA were actively engaged in the 54th Annual NAACP Southeast Region Civil Rights Advocacy Training Institute which took place in Charlotte, North Carolina, March 29 – April 2, 2006. This year's conference focused on “Closing the Gap” by training motivated and qualified individuals to overcome obstacles facing African Americans.
PFAW & PFAW Foundation were sponsors for this training, providing workshop facilitators and panelists on topics topics that included Election Protection, Faith and Values Messaging, and Emerging Leaders. AAMIA/AAMLC ministers were front and center with at this conference in their participation in a panel co-sponsored by PFAW/PFAWF titled, “Faith and Value Messaging: Surveying the Political Landscape.” AAMLC/AAMIA members Reverend Timothy MacDonald, Reverend Julius C. Hope, Reverend Joseph Darby, and Reverend Kenneth Samuel represented the program well with their insight and thoughtfulness.
In Katrina's Wake: April 22 Election in New Orleans a Major Civil Rights Issue
After destroying businesses and jobs, separating families and claiming thousands of lives, Hurricane Katrina is still wreaking havoc on New Orleans. Katrina survivors have scattered throughout all 50 states and even Puerto Rico, and hundreds of thousands have been unable to return home. Now, seven months after the hurricane, the storm is not over. Katrina is about to claim her survivors’ right to vote – as if she hadn’t already taken enough from them. This is a major civil rights issue that has not received nearly the media attention it deserves.
Read more.
Our Mission
The African American Ministers Leadership Council celebrates the historical role of the Black Church as a place of refuge and a source of strength in the midst of oppression. We believe that our churches are called to be centers of caring and action, and that religious leaders are called to lead by example. We respond to the call by giving pastors and lay leaders tools and access to mutual support for strengthening congregational and community participation in civic life.
AAMLC is working to build the beloved community by helping religious leaders empower communities through nonpartisan voter registration and civic participation programs, and by building public support and political momentum for stronger public schools.
Our Leadership
Founder: Rev. Timothy McDonald III
The Rev. Timothy McDonald has been an influential leader on People For the American Way Foundation’s Board of Directors since 1995. In 1997, he was a founder of the African American Ministers Leadership Council and is a driving force behind its vision and expansion. McDonald serves as pastor of First Iconium Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia and is President of Concerned Black Clergy, an ecumenical organization of Black and White clergy and lay persons working on behalf of the poor.
McDonald is deeply rooted in struggles for civil rights, economic and social justice and political empowerment in the African American community in Georgia—and is a major national spokesperson across the country. He previously served as Special Assistant for Community Concerns for Mayor Maynard Jackson. As National Director of Operation Breadbasket and Special Projects for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference from 1983-1989, McDonald spearheaded projects around drugs, economic empowerment, South Africa, Central America, the Middle East, homelessness, the death penalty, and AIDS. He also served as full-time Assistant Pastor of the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta (Dr. Martin Luther King’s church).
Among his numerous awards and achievements Rev. McDonald was named Outstanding Role Model by Youth Initiative Project, Inc., was honored by United Negro College Fund and American Cancer Society for exceptional volunteerism, and was named Humanitarian of the Year by the Citizen Coalition for Growth. In addition to PFAW Foundation, McDonald serves on the boards of directors of Atlanta Recovery Center, Concerned Black Clergy, FEMA United Way, Christian Council of Atlanta, Clergy and Laity Concerned, Sane/Freeze, Alternative Life Paths, and Georgia Public Assistance Coalition. He received a B.A. from Berry College in Rome, GA, holds a Master of Divinity from Emory University, and has completed some work towards a Doctor of Ministry from Emory University.
Chair: Rev. Dr. Rolen Lewis Womack, Jr.
The Reverend Dr. Rolen Lewis Womack, Jr. is the founding pastor of Milwaukee’s Progressive Baptist Church, which was organized October 26, 1988. While fulfilling his role as pastor/teacher/prophet, he completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, as a member of a prominent group of preachers who became the first Wyatt Tee Walker Scholars. Dr. Womack is a native of Houston, Texas, a History and Political Science graduate of Texas Southern University and earned his Masters of Divinity degree at Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Lombard, Illinois. In his position as the senior pastor, Dr. Womack has worked to define the ministry at Progressive in terms of social justice activism and community advocacy. This model for ministry is rooted in a strong liberation theology context, and features an Afrocentric frame of reference. This ministry includes a Youth Ministry, Music and Stage Ministry, Discipleship, Men’s Fellowship, Women’s Fellowship, WINGS HIV AIDS ministry, and Custodial and Fiscal Ministries.
Sharon J. Lettman, Director of National Programs and Outreach
In June 2006, Sharon J. Lettman was named the Vice President for External Affairs for People For the American Way Foundation in Washington, DC. She serves also as the Director of National Programs and Outreach, overseeing the leadership development programs of the institution.
Sharon’s career began as the Executive Director of the Florida Student Association—the statewide advocacy organization for the 11 universities in the Florida State University System—where she was the chief administrator and senior lobbyist. She then pursued her entrepreneurial passion and established P&P Communications, Inc.--a Florida-based public affairs group founded in 1993 specializing in communications, public and community relations, political strategy and event management. Sharon has established herself as a public relations and political strategist nationwide.
In 2000, she was the chief administrator of the March on Tallahassee--which was the largest, organized, state capital demonstration in the history of the state of Florida. The march was in response to Florida Governor Jeb Bush’s attempt to end affirmative action by an executive order. Weeks following this event, then State Senator Kendrick Meek (now Congressman Meek) and then State Representative Anthony "Tony" Hill (now Senator Hill)--who were the principals behind the march--created a movement known as "Arrive with Five" and had Ms. Lettman organize and administer the largest get-out-to-vote effort in Florida’s history during the 2000 election.
In 2002, Sharon was the campaign manager for the Florida Coalition to Reduce Class Size. This statewide ballot initiative had an uphill battle with the Governor of the state solidly against it. The 53 percent victory was one of the toughest battles she has had to-date. She currently serves as the political action committee (PAC) chair of the Coalition to Reduce Class Size.
For the 2004 election cycle, she served as the national field director for the Election Protection Project of People For the America Way Foundation. She led the Election Protection field strategy, which was executed in 17 states with a total of 56 field offices and 25,000 volunteers nationwide.
Lettman’s greatest victory was serving as the campaign manager for a 23-year old superstar in Tallahassee, City Commissioner Andrew D. Gillum. On February 25, 2003, the city of Tallahassee elected its youngest commissioner--a college student at Florida A&M University (FAMU)--in a city-wide election with a 57 percent upset. He was re-elected for a four-year term on August 31, 2004, with 72 percent of the vote, and was subsequently elected by his fellow commissioners to serve as the Mayor Pro Tem.
Personally, she is a motivational speaker and talent scout for young leadership. She donates countless hours to collegiate leadership development in her community, statewide and nationally. She gained most of her experience and focus through her Pan-Hellenic affiliation as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, formerly serving as the National Second Vice President and the national collegiate spokesperson (1990-92). She also served as the Florida Social Action Chairperson and spearheaded Delta Days at the State Capitol from 1995-1999. She is a life member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the FAMU National Alumni Association, and the NAACP.
Sharon’s passion is championing the upward mobility of African Americans and young people, and the power gained from being independently wealthy---spiritually and economically.
Nikki R. Hadder, Administrative Manager
Nikki has extensive corporate management skills through her former career in franchise management. She managed 120 employees of various ethnic backgrounds and generated approximately eight million dollars in revenue in 2004. She received a dual degree in Communication Studies and English Writing from Florida State University in 2000. Nikki has worked in community activism for most of her life, beginning in youth with the NAACP. While at Florida State University (FSU), she was an integral component in the revitalization of the FSU College Chapter of the NAACP. The pinnacle of Nikki's social action at FSU was her organization of the Tallahassee youth component of the March on Tallahassee on March 7, 2000 to protest Governor Jeb Bush's One Florida Initiative. As the chapter president, she led her chapter to receive the 2000 Collegiate Chapter of the Year at the NAACP 91st National Convention. Nikki also served on several committees at FSU designed to build a community of inclusion for all students amid social unrest, most notably as the Student Co-Chair of the university's Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration.
Joi R. Orr, Program Associate
Joi R. Orr is the Program Associate for the African American Religious Affairs Department. Concurrently, she is a student at Howard University School of Divinity.
Joi attended the University of Maryland, graduating in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy and a Minor in Comparative Religions. During her undergraduate career she held positions in her college chapter NAACP and Student Judiciary Board. Joi is an Americorp alumna, recently completing a Year of Service with Good Shepherd Services. As a volunteer, Joi worked full-time as an activity specialist in Red Hook Brooklyn, N.Y. at the PS 27 After-School Program.
Dennis E. Nelson, Outreach Coordinator
A recent graduate of Dickinson College in May, 2007, Dennis received dual Bachelors of Arts in Policy Management and Religion. Finding early interest in leadership development, Dennis joined the Tavis Smiley Youth 2 Leaders program his freshman year of high school. Throughout his college career, Dennis has had quality internship experiences, including the Assembly Democratic Office in the State House of New Jersey, in his local District 3 Legislative Office in NJ, and here at People For the American Way Foundation in 2006. While in college, Dennis was a member of the Dickinson Volunteer Network, the African American Society, Dickinson Christian Fellowship and a two-sport athlete in football and track.
Victory Through Voting
Victory Through Voting, formerly known as Sanctified 7, is a non-partisan voter registration and education program designed to register and turn out African American voters.
Launched in 2006 in conjunction with People For the American Way Foundation’s AAMLC, Victory Through Voting’s strategy utilizes the existing structure of the church and the prominence of church leaders in the larger community.
Victory Through Voting’s primary outreach is through ministers and community leaders who can mobilize the people in their communities. The program provides the framework and support to assist leaders in making the link between faith and civic participation and the need for congregants to be active in the process.
The program will help show people of faith how to engage their communities through the power of voting. In registering and encouraging thousands of people to vote, participants will grow and strengthen their communities in ways that will positively affect their lives and those of their neighbors.
The purpose of the project is not to tell people for whom to vote. When we say “Victory Through Voting” we are not talking about “victory” in terms of a particular candidate. Instead we mean the “victory” that the entire African American community will achieve and realize when they are empowered through voting and involved in the electoral process.
Click here for a one-page information sheet on Victory Through Voting
