Black churches have been at the forefront of critical and meaningful democratic reform. Yet, despite their central role, these historic houses of worship face myriad challenges and threats. Whether in use as active churches or repurposed as educational and community spaces, the collective work is to advance long-term and sustainable strategies that strengthen the stewardship capacity, asset management, interpretation, and fundraising activities for historic Black churches nationwide. In honor of Black History Month, join us as acclaimed historian, educator, and AACHAF Advisor, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. unpacks the legacy work of stewarding historic Black churches alongside four Action Fund partners representing sacred sites across the country.

Moderator: Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., National Advisory Council, African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund Panelists: Theodore Debro, Chair, Board of Trustees, 16th Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama Valerie McDonald, journalist and member, Second Baptist Church, Los Angeles, California Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield, Presiding Bishop, 13th Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church, St. James A.M.E. Church, Mayfield, Kentucky Dr. Noelle Trent, President & CEO, Museum of African American History, Boston and Nantucket, Massachusetts This conversation is a rebroadcast from the 2023 Cultural Preservation Leadership Summit, a national convening hosted by the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund and the Ford Foundation.

Additional conversations from the Summit will be shared with the public throughout 2024.  To sign up for the webinar mailing list and to learn more about our virtual offerings visit: https://savingplaces.org/upcoming-webinars