First Church of God - Black History ‘Black Tie’ Dinner The Chateau Banquet Hall 530 W. 61st Ave., Merrillville IN 46410 March 12, 2022 Theme: “Celebrating Black Leaders in Our Community” Mistress of Ceremony…………………….……………………………..………….….. Sis. Patricia Sims First Church of God Innovation………………………..…………………………………..….…. Senior Pastor Michael Dotson Washington Street Church of God Solo………………………….…...……………………Arlene Taylor (accompanied by artist Timberlake) Blessing of Food………………………………..………………..…………………..Pastor Troy Johnson Bethel Church of God ~ D I N N E R I S S E R V E D ~ (please visit our Vendors) Saxophonist………………………………..………………………………………………..Michael Carson Introduction of Speaker…………………………….……………. …………Sis. Shirley McClure-Hooks First Church of God The M E S S A G E……………………………..………….……………………... Bishop Tavis L Grant, II Greater First Baptist Church, East Chicago Mistress of Ceremony……………………………………….…………………………..Sis. Patricia Sims First Church of God Saxophonist……………………………………...………………...………………………..Michael Carson Remarks & Introduction……………………………………………….……..Senior Pastor Greg Frazier Sweet Pilgrim of Faith Baptist Church Celebration of Our Honorees………………………………………...……………Dea. Kimberly Norton First Church of God Benediction……………………………………………..…………………..…………….Rev. Ramona Fox First Church of God Please Support our Vendors
Bishop Tavis Lane Grant II is the Senior Pastor of the Greater First Baptist Church in East Chicago, Indiana. He has been pastoring for 27 years at the Greater First Church of the Northwest. Bishop Grant graduated from Benedictine University. He has also done extensive theological studies at Harvard, Rutgers, and Princeton Universities. Greater First Baptist Church where he has pastored for 27 years is a a unique community with a conscious intent to be culturally and socially Christ centered ministries. To his credit, the GFC Chorale (Music Ministry) released their first debut CD in 2005 and won the 2010 Midwest Regional Verizon “How Sweet The Sound” Gospel Choir Competition and was 1st Runner-Up for the National Contest. Bishop T. Lane Grant II is a member of the Joint College of African American Bishops. He served nationally prominent leaders such as Bishop Paul S. Morton, Bishop J. Delano Ellis Bishop Larry D. Trotter and Bishop Timothy Clark. Bishop Grant is the Founder and Presiding Prelate of the Antioch Network of Churches & Ministries. His ministry is known extensively around the world, ministering in the countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Namibia, Angola, Mexico, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Caribbean, Brazil, and Germany. In 2011, Bishop Grant was appointed by Reverend Jesse Jackson to be the National Field Director of Rainbow Push. Bishop Grant as one of the nations emerging civil rights activist who has focused on advocated for the disenfranchised, the down trodden, and the oppressed. He has made it his life’s work to advance the cause civil rights through his work at the Rainbow Push Coalition under the Reverend Jesse Jackson whom he considers a father and a mentor. The work of Bishop Grant has fed thousands, freed the innocent, rescued the lost, brought economic justice to those shut out, fought for racial & gender equality. He is the Founder and Presiding Prelate of the Antioch Network of Churches & Ministries. His ministry is known extensively around the world, ministering in the countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Namibia, Angola, Mexico, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Caribbean, Brazil, and Germany. You will often times hear Bishop say “Tough times don’t last, tough people do!” His life is a true testament “that a light sat on a hill cannot be hid”. BISHOP TAVIS LANE GRANT, II, GUEST SPEAKER
A recipient of a Master’s degree in Social Work from Indiana University and the daughter of a widow with four children myself being the oldest at the age of 11 years old was thrust into a priceless life class that I attribute to my now over 25 years of experience in social work. I have been married for 38 years and have five children and 7 grandchildren. My love for my family and service to others is in my blood. I am currently employed as the Director of Client Services at Sojourner Truth House in Gary, Indiana. In this role I oversee and Supervise the Gateway Permanent Supportive Housing Program, Case Management Department, Transitional Program Outreach Participants, Volunteer Services and Community Support. I am a selfmotivated leader who can model a strong work ethic and be a team-player. I serve as a liaison between many community organizations and service providers. I have developed numerous programs and conferences to meet the needs of homeless families, victims of domestic violence, single parents to name a few and have acquired training certification in Leadership, Mental Health First Aid, Crisis and Conflict Resolution. I am a Social Security Administration SOAR Certified administer. I have assisted in research assessments on community issues such as housing, AIDS, and the needs of the elderly. I have also completed research on women in prison. I developed empowerment and skill-building programs for the elderly with the Gary Housing Authority and served on the Committee for Community Empowerment Coalition of Gary in conjunction with the Sherriff’s Department. I have volunteered with educational programs and various prison ministries including Another Chance Transitional Program and the Moving Forward 2 as an instructor for incarcerated women at Kimbrough Work Release. I have knowledge and experience serving the homeless, elderly, aging and disabled adult populations. I have prior years of experience working exclusively in case management and planning of services related to children and family services, assessing risk and safety issues in the community with the Department of Child Services. My professional memberships include Co-Founder and the Executive Director of the Midwest Division of Women Organizing Women Inc. serving our community in evangelistic outreach, women support and mentoring youth who are at risk or underserved. I have been a member of Indiana University Alumni since 2007. Past memberships include the National Association of Social Workers, Institute of Innovative Leadership and National Alliance for Mental Illness. I have several years of experience collaborating with boards, department heads, and community agency executive directors. I am currently working on my dissertation and will be receiving a Doctorate degree in Christian Counseling in July of 2022. On February 9.1998 I asked the question “What’s next? And the answer was Go ye therefore and I went.” I believe that I was called to go into all the world and spread the good news of Jesus to the least of these about the true and risen Savior. I view each day as a day of opportunity to help someone see Christ through my actions. I am advocate for social justice for everyone and at Sojourner Truth House and I have consistently been committed to its patrons. PAMELA KEY, HONOREE
Aaliyah Stewart was born for a great purpose, with great gifts, with great clarity about her gifts and a determination that gets stronger with time. When Aaliyah speaks, people of all ages take the time to listen. Aaliyah is a captivating, purpose driven Motivational Speaker whose life story resonates with audiences of all ages. At the age of 21 years old, she has delivered speeches for more than 10,000 people. She speaks with compassion and conviction. She lives with dedication to action. She uses her voice as a mentor to promote peace. As a result of hearing Aaliyah speak, people return to their communities as empowered leaders. Aaliyah is available to travel locally, nationally, and globally for speaking engagements. She speaks on topics including community service; entrepreneurship; mentoring; violence prevention; domestic violence awareness; the importance of pursuing your dreams; living by faith and making good decisions. Aaliyah has been using her voice for change to share the good news about plans for the Hope Center. It is a community youth center being opened to provide a safe haven for children. AALIYAH STEWART, HONOREE
To God Be All The Glory! For HE is good! I would like to thank everyone that support the vision of Late Pastor Jacquelyn Drago Hunter. Tonight because of God and everyone here a Senior Graduate will have a chance of a scholarship. I especially want to thank the fundraising TEAM at FCOG for 5 months of letting God be first. When we put Him first everything we touch will be blessed. Thank you to our leaders in our community tonight. You truly are servants that our Lord speaks about, blessings to you all. As this night comes to a close, remember we all can make a difference in a child’s life by showing love and speaking about the goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ. HE is the only way. Much love to you all see next year. Deacon Kimberly Norton Chairwoman I would also like to thank First Church of God Congregation, all Churches and businesses that supported us this night. Pastor Hunter would truly be proud of you. FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE TRUSTEE BOARD Kimberly Norton Orville Norton Rochelle Clay Kahlil Clay Alyne Dawson-Washington Peggy Hill Shirley McClure-Hooks Oscar King Willie Robinson-Thomas Shelby Wilson GUEST SPEAKER Bishop Tavis Lane Grant, II HONOREES ENTERTAINMENT Pamela Key Michael Carson Aaliyah Steward Arlene Taylor Pastor Anthony Williams Artist Timberlake BLACK OWNED BUSINESS Beautiful Handbags & Purses Luxury Candles and Bath Products Billie R. Hardy, A Lil Soy, Salt, & Sugar LaDonna Myers, “MaryKay”