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While he didn’t attend a historically Black college or university (HBCU), the Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, is dedicated to uplifting the value and power of HBCUs nationwide.
An annual tradition, Alfred Street has hosted HBCU Sunday since 1999, drawing congregants to don college gear and fraternity and sorority paraphernalia, as the church honors the legacy of HBCUs. This year, Wesley, sporting a Kappa Alpha Psi sweater during the Sunday, Feb. 9 service, topped off the yearly celebration with a $100,000 gift to American Baptist College in Nashville.
”I am really proud to be part of a church that recognizes the critical value of our historically Black colleges and universities,” said Wesley, a graduate of Duke University, before presenting a poster-size check to Dr. Forrest E. Harris, president of American Baptist College.
This is not the first time Alfred Street has presented such a large amount. In 2019, Wesley presented then-Howard University President Wayne A.I. Frederick with a $100,000 check to pay off outstanding dues for 34 students.
This year’s donation to American Baptist College continues that mission of supporting HBCUs and their students.
“I want to thank your pastor Howard-John Wesley, a dear, intimate brother to many of us across the country because he demonstrates the kind of Black heritage and faith that keeps our hope alive,” said Harris, who preached during the 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. services. “He is a tremendous preacher, as you know, but he is a tremendous, generous giver to Black life and freedom and to our HBCUs.”
After the exciting moment at Alfred Street during the 8 a.m. service, Wesley left Alexandria and drove 12 miles into the District where he preached during the 11 a.m. service at Howard University’s Andrew Rankin Chapel.
With President Donald Trump’s executive orders, attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and threats of mass deportations, Wesley noted that many are questioning their futures.
“We don’t serve a weak or a wimpy God, no matter what happens God understands,” said Wesley. “Many of us say ‘I’m tied,’ not tired but ‘tied.’ When you are tied, God will give you strength.”
Source: Published without changes from Washington Informer Newspaper
