The 106th annual session of the National Baptist Congress will be held in Detroit, Michigan, June 10-15, at COBO Hall. The theme for this year is “Peace and Prosperity in Difficult Times.” The event, which is one of the largest religious conferences in the country, features activities for all ages and nationally recognized speakers and performers.
The National Baptist Congress is a traveling school of Christian education and leadership skills that reaches thousands of people across the country. Founded in 1906 by Reverend Richard Henry Boyd, each year the Congress visits key cities to spread the word and fellowship. The Congress has previously held sessions in Charlotte, North Carolina; Houston, Texas; and Nashville, Tennessee; and it has featured Reverend Al Sharpton, Mary Mary, Tramaine Hawkins and many more. The Congress has expanded to include a Youth Congress targeting children, teens, and young adults ages 4-24 and provides tailored workshops and events.
The National Baptist Congress is sponsored by R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation, which has been a beacon of excellence in the printing, publishing, and global distribution of hymnals, curriculum, and church supplies, as well as religious, family, educational, and historical books. The company specializes in the development of contemporary Christian education materials for churches and individuals, which provide positive family imagery and nurturing values. In addition, R. H. Boyd provides commercial printing needs. The company was founded in 1896 in Nashville, Tennessee, by Dr. Richard Henry Boyd, and it has seen four generations of leadership and progress from the Boyd family. For more information about the company, please visit www.rhboydpublishing.com.
The entertainment options available to attendees include:
Sunday (June 10, 6 p.m.): Detroit Princess Sunset Gospel Cruise with Vickie Winans.
Tuesday (June 11, 9 a.m.): Installation Ceremony for R.H. Boyd in the Ring of Genealogy at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Press Conference to follow.
Tuesday (June 12, 7 p.m.): Musical with Karen Clark Sheard, Kierra Sheard, and Detroit National Baptist Congress – Detroit Mass Choir.
Tuesday–Thursday (June 12-14, 10 p.m.): Late Night Services by Rev. Dr. Tellis J. Chapman, Rev. Dr. James C. Perkins, and Rev. Dr. Wayne E. Croft.
Wednesday (June 13, 7:30 p.m.): Praise & Laughs Concert and Comedy Show at the Ambassador Ballroom (Marriott Renaissance Center) featuring Jessica Reedy, Derrick Starks, Zebulon Ellis, and Tirrell McCoy.
Wednesday–Friday (June 13-15, 12 p.m.): First Lady’s Fashion Show at COBO
Thursday (June 14, 10:00 a.m.): Dr. DeForest Soaries, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, New Jersey, is the keynote speaker. Dr. Soaries and his congregation were featured on CNN’s Black in America documentary. He is a former Secretary of State for New Jersey.
Thursday (June 14, 7:30 p.m.): J.A.M. Mixer (Jesus and Me) at the Ambassador Ballroom (Marriott Renaissance Center). The event features fellowship, a Christian DJ, a special guest appearance from 21:03, and more.
Thursday—Friday (June 14-15, 1:30-4:30 p.m.): Youth Summit for ages 15-21. The theme is “Roadmap: Gaining Direction in Difficult Times” and will feature guest speakers John Gray and 21:03, as well as a panel discussion. Registration is required.
Friday (June 15, 10:00 a.m.): Dr. E. Wayne Gaddis, Senior Pastor of Greater True Light Baptist Church in Los Angeles, California, is the keynote speaker. Dr. Gaddis is president of the California State Baptist Convention.
