Dallas Pastor Delivers Rousing Speech

Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III speaks to NNPA members during Thursday morning's Press & the Pulpit Breakfast. (Photo by Thelma Sardin)
Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III speaks to NNPA members during Thursday morning's Press & the Pulpit Breakfast. (Photo by Thelma Sardin)

by Thelma Sardin

The first full day of activities at the 2011 National Newspaper Publishers Associations (NNPA) Annual Convention began with a fiery speech from Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III. Haynes, senior pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas, TX delivered his message at the Press & the Pulpit Breakfast on Thursday morning. He is a renowned author, radio show host and has also appeared on CNN.

The breakfasts theme centered on the relationship between the Black press and the Black church. According to Haynes, the two bodies have a critical connection. We are the vehicle to get from where we are, to where we need to go. The press tells our story and the pulpit ought to mobilize our people to victory, said Haynes.

Danny Bakewell, Sr. outgoing NNPA Chairman praised Haynes during his introduction.

Dr. Freddy Haynes is a warrior. He is a man who recognizes the importance of the calling he has received, said Bakewell.

He added that Haynes Dallas church is one of the most significant institutions in America. The NNPA chairman also stated that Haynes not only teachers the gospel but also educates people on how to promote economic development in our community.

During his thirty minute speech, Haynes discussed the current plight of many Black communities. He said that many are going through dark times. He discussed how the lack of social services in some Black neighborhoods depletes the living conditions of residents. Haynes added that a proliferation of auto title loans and check cashing stores in Black communities diminish economic growth.

Haynes also contended that the Black press and Black church have a central role in the history of the United States.

You cannot have America without the press and the pulpit from the African American standpoint, he said.

In addition, the pastor made references to the first Black newspaper, Freedoms Journal which was published in 1827. He discussed how the paper was the organ for the abolition of slavery and he used the example of Freedoms Journal to demonstrate how the Black press has always been a platform for the advancement of African Americans.

Moreover, Haynes discussed how the Black press allows African Americans to have a platform on several issues that affect their communities.

We are the voice of the voiceless, said Haynes. We ought to rise up and make sure that this nation hears our story because the bottom line is if we dont tell our story, the sad reality is our story will be told for us.

Haynes concluded that the Black press and the Black church are among the only entities that provide support for African Americans.

We when come together, we are the only two independent institutions our community has, Haynes said.

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