While he didn’t attend a historically Black college or university (HBCU), the Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, is dedicated to uplifting the value and power of HBCUs nationwide.
An annual tradition, Alfred Street has hosted HBCU Sunday since 1999, drawing congregants to don college gear and fraternity and sorority paraphernalia, as the church honors the legacy of HBCUs. This year, Wesley, sporting a Kappa Alpha Psi sweater during the Sunday, Feb. 9 service, topped off the yearly celebration with a $100,000 gift to American Baptist College in Nashville.
”I am really proud to be part of a church that recognizes the critical value of our historically Black colleges and universities,” said Wesley, a graduate of Duke University, before presenting a poster-size check to Dr. Forrest E. Harris, president of American Baptist College.
This is not the first time Alfred Street has presented such a large amount. In 2019, Wesley presented then-Howard University President Wayne A.I. Frederick with a $100,000 check to pay off outstanding dues for 34 students.
This year’s donation to American Baptist College continues that mission of supporting HBCUs and their students.
“I want to thank your pastor Howard-John Wesley, a dear, intimate brother to many of us across the country because he demonstrates the kind of Black heritage and faith that keeps our hope alive,” said Harris, who preached during the 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. services. “He is a tremendous preacher, as you know, but he is a tremendous, generous giver to Black life and freedom and to our HBCUs.”
After the exciting moment at Alfred Street during the 8 a.m. service, Wesley left Alexandria and drove 12 miles into the District where he preached during the 11 a.m. service at Howard University’s Andrew Rankin Chapel.
With President Donald Trump’s executive orders, attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and threats of mass deportations, Wesley noted that many are questioning their futures.
“God’s got ways that you can’t begin to understand,” said Wesley, who told a story about an old cab driver who got him to Dulles International from Reagan National Airport even though he was late and feared missing his flight.
“We don’t serve a weak or a wimpy God, no matter what happens God understands,” said Wesley. “Many of us say ‘I’m tied,’ not tired but ‘tied.’ When you are tied, God will give you strength.”
At one time in my life I would have opposed these things in church. As I studied and learned more about Jesus, I realized that He wants the whole man. Someone has to teach, not with words but with actions. Thank you, Pastor Wesley for not being greedy of filthy lucre, but willingly, openly, and faithfully sharing with others. Thank you Alfred Street for willingly following his lead. Praying God’s continued blessings upon you.