Christian leaders, cultural critics, justice advocates, students, and everyday people of faith within the African diaspora convened last weekend at the Transformative Global Leadership Conference at Scarritt Bennett Center. 

Four high-impact institutions in the change leadership arena–Africa University, American Baptist College, Scarritt Bennett and Vanderbilt Divinity School Kelly Miller Smith Institute on Black Church Studies–came together to deliver this conference as a dynamic platform for engaging in advocacy, social justice, global leadership, and collaborative partnerships. The impressive roster of diverse speakers and hybrid workshops included artistic expression, Blackness in the Bible, systemic inequalities, environmental justice, embracing cultural diversity, and more. 

“We are overjoyed to be a part of a diasporic event that has evolved from Africa University’s 2021 Good Friday conversation, Walking While Black, which drew important and enlightening parallels between the intersection of Blackness and authority for Simon of Cyrene, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor,”  said Mr. James H. Salley, president and chief executive officer of Africa University, Inc. 

“Together, our institutions aim to bring knowledge and understanding, provide resources and international perspectives to explore and enhance the capacity of Africans and the African diaspora to continue to drive much-needed change,” said Salley. “We are excited about continuing the cross bearing of justice, freedom, diversity, and multinational collaboration around the world.” 

Rev. Sondrea Tolbert, the executive director of Scarritt Bennett Center explained, “We are excited to champion this conference as it directly aligns with the mission of Scarritt Bennett and comes during the time of our centennial celebration of impact in Nashville. Attendees are empowered to enact meaningful change in their communities and beyond by engaging in the robust program of topics, issues, and solutions, rooted in the unparalleled experiences of people within the African diaspora.”

Dr. Forrest E. Harris, president of American Baptist College and director of the Kelly Miller Smith Institute on Black Church Studies and Vanderbilt Divinity School describes the global conference as, “a unique opportunity for individuals and higher education institutions devoted to social justice and transformative leadership to come together, share insights, and chart a course towards positive change.” 

Adding to the global impact, Rev. Peter Mageto, vice chancellor of Africa University shared, “As a renowned pan-African university  committed to advancing knowledge, promoting cultural understanding, and empowering future generations of leaders across the African continent and beyond, Africa University is proud to co-lead and participate virtually and in-person.”