Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School will host its first annual African-American Ministry Emphasis Month in conjunction with Black History Month beginning Feb. 4. 

The emphasis will bring to campus African-American alumni and friends who are engaged in ministry to share with the Beeson and greater Samford- and Birmingham-community during chapel on Tuesdays and to meet with divinity students at special events being planned. 

“We are excited to inaugurate an annual African-American Ministry Emphasis Month in conjunction with Black History Month in February,” said Beeson Dean Douglas Sweeney. “Of course, we will feature African Americans at other times as well, but during February we’ll celebrate in a very special way what God is doing in and through black churches in America, especially those connected to Beeson and Samford.” 

The emphasis will include the following public events on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. in Hodges Chapel: 

Feb. 4: Rev. Dr. Ronald Sterling, pastor of Saint John AME Church, Birmingham, and lecturer in Pastoral Studies and director of Student Services at Beeson Divinity

Feb. 18: Rev. Cokiesha Bailey Robinson, founder of Cross Spring Ministries, Dallas

Feb. 25: Rev. Dr. Charlie Dates, senior pastor of Progressive Baptist Church, Chicago