Black Ministries Program Honors Graduates

The Black Ministries Program at Hartford Seminary honored six dedicated graduates, along with their families and friends, on May 16, 2019, at the program’s annual banquet.

Established in 1982, the Black Ministries Program is a national model for building the leadership, training, and preaching skills of laity and clergy in the urban church. Graduates have completed a challenging two-year program with courses on topics such as preaching, ethics, theology, and church administration.

Geraldine Patterson, Class President, welcomed the graduates and their friends and families to the banquet. Nadege Lys, a BMP student, served as Mistress of Ceremony, and Class Chaplain Tenell Rhodes gave the Invocation and Blessing of the Food, as well as a Scripture reading.

The Rev. Althea Walker, head of Alumni Communications for BMP, gave greetings and introduced the head table, which included Hartford Seminary President Joel N. Lohr.

Following a musical selection by Yvonne Mack and a special reflection by BMP graduate Gymnetta Fludd, those assembled paused for a moment of silence to reflect on youth and school shootings and attacks on houses of worship in our country.

Bishop Dr. Benjamin K. Watts, who directs BMP, introduced the main speaker, the Rev. Lisa Clayton, who gave a rousing speech. Closing remarks were delivered by Tre Brown, class Vice President. Bishop Watts gave the Benediction.

The 2019 graduates are: Lee (Tre) R.E. Brown, Ruth A. Bush, Gymnetta Fludd, Geraldine Patterson, Tenell Rhodes, and Coronica Richardson.

Congratulations to all!