This group started with three individuals discussing theological books in 2016 in the State of New York by telephone: Dr. Johnny Turner, Dr. Allen Paul Weaver Jr., and Dr. Richard Douglass. At this point, we were testing the waters during the organizational phase. The first book we began reading was Go Preach: Marks’ Kingdom Message and the Black Church by Brian K. Blount. We began “The Kingdom of God as boundary crossing, a reminder of the past from High John De Conquer. Emphasis was placed on Mark’s Kingdom Message
There was a prolonged inactivity due to different work schedules. Later in the fall of 2018, joined by Dr. James H. Evans Jr., we developed a focus and purpose for going forward. The second book we discussed was The Cross and the Lynching Tree by James H. Cone. We connected to the book’s theme that suffering and degradation are a continuous part of the Black Community. Later, it was decided to select a name for the groupThe name chosen was Baobab. The tree grows in South Africa and Australia and lives a long time. It is Africa’s Iconic Tree of life. Phonically, it is pronounced as ba·o·bab. Baobab means to return to wholeness, rejuvenation, and celebration. The bark of the tree is medicinal. The council was incorporated in 2020 by the State of New York. Our passion is to continue to discuss books, articles, and topics to identify issues in the community and abroad. The group has grown by adding selected individuals to strengthen and add value to our dialogue.
The third book discussed by the council was Lynched: The Power of Memory in A Culture of Terror by Angela D. Sims. The book focused on those who knew and heard about lynching. Emphasis was placed on how lynching or a culture of lynching shapes an understanding of justice and faith in God.
The fourth book the council examined was White Too Long by Robert P. Jones. In this book, Jones argues that white Christians must be honest about the unsettling truths concerning racism. White Too Long, coupled with The Cross and the Lynching Tree and Lynched: The Power of Memory in a Culture of Terror, arrested our attention to state the views on the “blend of historical accounting, soul searching reflection, and analysis of white supremacy in America. White supremacy was and still is a war against Blacks and other minorities. On September 21, 2021, the council had its first webinar hosted by Colgate Rochester,NY Crozer Divinity School. The topic was Forming Leaders to Serve a Post-Pandemic Church.
The Baobab Council is a group of pastors/ministers and theological academicians who are concerned about the spiritual, social, and emotional state of the Black Church. We have various topics, articles, and issues that benefit the Black Churches. This group’s loquacious attitude was to initiate discussions around this segregated core of racism. Other Suggested Books for Reading were Black Religion, Black Radicalism by Gayraud S. Wilmore, and Sisters in the Wilderness by Delores S. Williams. Council members met monthly virtually throughout the Nation to encourage other pastors and churches to act regarding negative issues. The council shared these discussions hoping the other pastors would share the ideologies with their congregants.
Our Mission
Our mission is to meet periodically to discuss essential matters of liberation and conduct theological activities to strengthen churches and the faith community.
Our Purpose
The purpose of the Baobab Council is threefold: (1) To discuss different theological books, issues, biblical passages, magazines, or articles. (2) To keep abreast of issues that ministers and laity face in the church and society, (3) To encourage personal growth, theological reflection, and stimulation by networking with churches for beneficial discussions.
Our Founders
Our Team
