Alfred Street Baptist Church’s Pastor, Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, to Receive the 2016 NAACP Chairman’s Image Award on Friday, February 5

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Feb. 1, 2016 - PRLog -- Alfred Street Baptist Church, one of the oldest, largest and most prominent African American congregations in Alexandria, Virginia is proud to announce that their gifted and anointed pastor, the esteemed Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, a biblical scholar and arguably one of the greatest orators of our generation, will receive the 2016 NAACP Chairman’s Image Award. Dr. Wesley is a much sought-after preacher and featured keynote speaker for various churches and leadership programs and the dynamic pastor of the historic Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, whose history dates back more than 200 years. Under the helm of this powerful visionary, teacher and social justice leader, Alfred Street Baptist Church is the first and only faith-based organization to date to donate $1 million to the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC).

Not afraid to tackle social and political issues, Dr. Wesley has led community protest marches against the New York grand jury’s decision not to indict in the death of Eric Gardner. His sermon, “When the Verdict Hurts,” was acknowledged in Time magazine’s July 29, 2013 cover story “After Trayvon” as one of the best sermons preached in the United States following the “not guilty” verdict in State of Florida v. George Zimmerman. Three of Dr. Wesley’s sermons, “When the Verdict Hurts,” “A Rizpah Response,” (along with the black hoodie he donned while preaching this sermon), and “Tell Your Own Story,” will all be archived in the NMAAHC’s faith-based collection.

“I am so very humbled and grateful for this honor and recognition; however, I know that this award is a true testament to all of the members, volunteers, staff and leadership who work hard every day to achieve excellence at Alfred Street Baptist Church. This recognition by the NAACP’s Chairman of the National Board of Directors allows me the opportunity to highlight all of the social justice initiatives and community outreach that we are doing at Alfred Street Baptist Church. I’m extremely proud to lead a congregation that is so blessed to be in a position to make an impact on the lives of others as well as to be an agent of change,” said Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley.

The Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors, Roslyn M. Brock, will present the prestigious Chairman’s Award to individuals and organizations who have used their distinct platforms to be agents of change. The other recipients are Brittany “Bree” Newsome; Justice League NYC; Concerned Student 1950 Collective at the University of Missouri, Columbia; The University of Mississippi NAACP College Chapter; Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III; Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley; Rev. Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant; and Jussie Smollett. The presentation will take place during the 47^th NAACP Image Awards, broadcast live on Friday, February 5 (9:00 p.m. ET/PT tape-delayed) on TV One, the civil rights organization announced today.

The NAACP Image Awards celebrates the accomplishment of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors. The multi-cultural show is one of the most respected events of its kind and is well attended by many of the top names in the entertainment industry. Winners will be voted upon by NAACP members and announced when the envelopes are opened on Thursday, February 4 during the Awards Ceremony for non-televised categories. The remaining categories will be announced LIVE on stage during the two-hour star-studded TV One telecast on Friday, February 5 (9:00 p.m. ET/PT tape-delayed). The telecast will also include a one-hour pre-show airing LIVE from the red carpet (8:00 p.m. ET/PT tape-delayed).

###

The 47^th NAACP Image Awards is sponsored by AMC, AT&T, Bank of America, Comcast, Chrysler/UAW, FedEx, Ford Motor Company, Hyundai Motors America, The Walt Disney Company, and Wells Fargo.

For all information and latest news, please visit the official NAACP Image Awards website at http://www.naacpimageawards.net.

Alfred Street Baptist Church Image Award Social Media

ASBC Social Hashtags:  #HJWImage16, #imageawards, #asbc16, #HJWImage16

FB: /AlfredStreetBaptistChurch/ | Twitter: @AlfredStreetBC

NAACP IMAGE Social Media

FB: /naacpimageaward | Twitter: @naacpimageaward | Social Hashtag: #NAACPImageAwards

About Alfred Street Baptist Church:
Established in 1803, Alfred Street Baptist Church is home to the oldest, largest and most prominent African American congregation in Alexandria, VA. It has served as a prominent religious, educational, and cultural institution in the Northern Virginia community. Currently under the esteemed leadership of Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, Alfred Street Baptist Church has over 7,000 members with services every Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 7:15 a.m., 10 a.m. and 12 p.m./Noon. Visit www.alfredstreet.org for more information.