Conference Stirs Oklahoma Faith Community

Information by State  Print version   J.C. Watts, former US Representative from Oklahoma, is a major architect of the Faith-Based and Community Initiative More than 200 convened at Langston University

It was a time to come and "reason together" at Langston University's Building Communities with Faith Conference. More than 200 met in Oklahoma City recently to share practical experiences and learn how to work toward more effective partnerships with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The conference was the vision of Langston University President, Dr. Ernest L. Holloway. Dr. Holloway believes institutions of higher education, and especially historically black universities such as Langston, must be involved in improving the human condition, both inside and outside the classroom.

The conference attendees were treated to insights from J.C. Watts, former US Representative from Oklahoma and a major architect of the Faith-Based and Community Initiative. Shelley Henderson, Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison, also has Oklahoma roots and spoke of President Bush's commitment to the initiative. Cheryl Appline, Program Manager of HUD's Center for Faith-Based & Community Initiatives in Washington, represented the agency.

It is hoped the conference is only the beginning of collaborations with and among the faith community in Oklahoma. Langston University is currently assessing feedback from the attendees to determine the best ways to build on the conference momentum during 2004.

Find out more about HUD's Faith-Based and Community Initiative, or call Phyllis Turner, Faith-Based Initiative Coordinator at Langston University (405) 962-1625 or Bill Tolbert, Faith-Based Liaison at the HUD Oklahoma City Field Office (405) 553-7461.