Discussion: Praise, Protest & The Black Church In North Texas
KERA hosted a special virtual event on February 26, 2021, in conjunction with the two-part PBS series The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song. Moderator Bob Ray Sanders — former KERA TV and Fort Worth Star-Telegram journalist — led a stimulating discussion on the importance of the Black church in North Texas. He was joined by guests Dr. Evelyn Parker, Dr. Michael Waters and Pastor William T. Glynn.
Watch our conversation:
About the panelists
MODERATOR
▸ Bob Ray Sanders – Former Associate Editor and Senior Columnist, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, former reporter for KERA TV: A 1969 graduate of North Texas State University, Sanders is past president of the Press Club of Fort Worth. He is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, the National Association of Black Journalists and the Dallas/Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists. He currently serves on the advisory board of Community Hospice of Texas, the AIDS Outreach Center in Fort Worth and Goodwill Industries.
PANELISTS
▸ Dr. Evelyn L. Parker – Susanna Wesley Centennial Professor of Practical Theology, Southern Methodist University: A leader in Christian education and practical theology, currently the liaison between Perkins and the Dallas Soul Rep Theatre Company’s Do No Harm production.
▸ Dr. Michael W. Waters – Founder and Lead Pastor of Abundant Life African Methodist Episcopal Church: As a pastor, professor, award-winning author, activist, and social commentator, Waters’ words of hope and empowerment inspire national and international audiences.
▸ Pastor William T. Glynn – Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church – Fort Worth: He was licensed in 1975 and ordained in 1977 by the Mount Horeb Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. In 1980, Reverend Glynn was called to Pastor the Saint Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. He remained there for ten (10) years. In 1991, he was called to Pastor the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas where he currently serves (25 years).
More Resources
▸ An oratorical contest for students, local news coverage, clips from the Black Church series — explore the whole KERA collection of Black Church features.
▸ Learn more about U.S. racial justice and Black history with our collection of PBS documentaries and programs.
▸ PBS also has a collection of resources to help parents discuss race and racism with children.
