ORLANDO, Fla. (BP) – Voices sang in Creole French, “Se yon privilèj, pou mwen adore w, Papa w fidèl, Papa w fidèl,” as the National Haitian Fellowship Worship Ensemble led Southern Baptist African diaspora fellowships in collective praise. “What a privilege to worship you, faithful God, faithful God,” they sang the English translation.
The Black Collective George Liele Missions Banquet, held June 8 in the Orange County Convention Center, marked the first time the various fellowships representing the African diaspora worshiped in unison in advance of the SBC Annual Meeting, bringing together hundreds of African American, Caribbean, Ethiopian, Haitian, Ghanaian, Nigerian, Sudanese and other Southern Baptists from the African Diaspora.
Keny Felix, president of the SBC National Haitian Fellowship, expressed appreciation for the diversity of those in attendance.
“We gather to recognize that our distinctions are part of the wisdom and the artistry of God. The Haitian, the African American, the Caribbean, the African, the Afro-Latino, and all friends who are gathered here tonight,” said Felix, senior pastor of Bethel Evangelical Baptist Church in Miami. “Every expression of the Black diaspora brings something sacred, something necessary, something God fashioned in the body.
“We are not less valuable because we are different,” Felix said. “No, we are more complete because God joined us together in Christ.”
Felix recognized the many unique histories, languages, cultures, songs and struggles worshippers represented, but said their greatest identity is in Jesus Christ.
“As the SBC Black Collective, we are called to preach the Gospel with our words, embody it through our love, and defend its witness through our pursuit of love, compassion and justice,” Felix said. “We stand together because Christ has joined us together. We advocate because love requires action. And we serve because God has made us in His image, has called us to honor the dignity of every person He has created.”
Felix joined Greg Perkins, whose term was ending as president of the National African American Fellowship, in addressing banquet attendees.
Perkins charged pastors to keep leading, learning, believing, and loving, as he turned over leadership of NAAF to incoming president Jerome Coleman, lead pastor of Crestmont First Baptist Church of Willow Grove, Pa.
The banquet capped a series of weekend events NAAF held in advance of the 2026 SBC Annual Meeting, including an annual worship service, and the annual business meeting. A panel discussion on immigration was held during the Black Collective banquet.
NAAF business meeting
NAAF elected a new slate of officers at its 2026 annual business meeting June 8 at 3 p.m. in the convention center.
Joining Coleman as president are vice president Steven Beckham, senior pastor, First Community Antioch Baptist Church, Lutcher, La.; treasurer David Cox Sr., senior pastor of Temple of Faith Baptist Church in Detroit; secretary James Fisher, pastor of Saint Paul Baptist Church, Greensboro, N.C.; historian Dwight McKissic, senior pastor, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Arlington, Texas; and parliamentarian Torion Bridges, pastor of The Commonwealth of Faith Church, Redford Township, Mich.
Regional directors are Horacio Hall, East Region, lead pastor of Faithway Community Fellowship, Virginia Beach, Va.; Reginald Fletcher, Central Region, pastor of Living Word Baptist Church, Indianapolis, Ind.; West Region, Kenneth Curry, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, Yorba Linda, Calif.; Southwest Region, Kevin Moss, pastor of Antioch Fellowship Baptist Church in Spencer, Okla.; South Region, Tyrone Barnette, pastor of Peace Baptist Church in Decatur, Ga.
NAAF’s Ministers’ Wives Fellowship, which also met June 8 in Orlando, elected officers, NAAF announced. They are Pam Mitchell, leader; Robin Burns, co-leader; and Peggy Alexander, treasurer.
Awards
NAAF recognized three denominational leaders and pastors with special awards during the Black Collective dinner.
Quintell Hill, International Mission Board African American church mobilization strategist, was honored with the Trailblazer Award, recognizing visionary leadership, pioneering spirit and enduring impact in advancing God’s kingdom and inspiring future generations.
Patrick Coats, East regional catalyst with the Florida Baptist Convention, was honored with the Faithful Leader Award, recognizing steadfast leadership, faithful service, and unwavering commitment to Christ, his pastorate and missions.
Haitian fellowship leader Felix was honored with the Dwight McKissic Champion of Justice Award, recognizing courageous advocacy, prophetic witness and steadfast pursuit of biblical justice, reconciliation and human dignity.
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