Register to join LSTC as we celebrate the achievements of Black Americans throughout history, we are mindful of the troubling waters ahead. For African American in these United States, in the words of the Black Poet Langston Hughes, “Life aint been no crystal stair.” However, we can find hope in the African American hymnal; “We’ve Come This Far by Faith,” where the lyrics jubilantly declare “Don’t Be Discouraged With Troubles In Your Life. He’ll Bear Your Burdens. And Move All Discord And Strife.” Hence, as we prepare for these troubling times, the theme for this year’s celebration reflects the hope in our history: “This Far by Faith: Assessing the Past as we Move to the Future.”

This year we celebrate how far we have come by faith, confident that God will “Move all discord and strife” as we move to the future. LSTC’s Black History Month will begin with a Celebratory service of Praise and Worship , led by Rev. Dr. Maisha Handy, President of McCormick Theological Seminary and former Pastor at Rize Community Church in Atlanta, Ga. The Opening worship will be followed by a light reception in the Grand Hallway on the 4th floor.

Rev. Dr. Maisha Handy

A Chicago native, Rev. Dr. Maisha I. Handy is an administrator, academician, pastor, and activist committed to education, justice, and liberation. She began her higher education journey at Lincoln University (MO), receiving a Bachelor of Science in Criminology/Criminal Justice (1989). After relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, she received the Master of Divinity degree with honors from Candler School of Theology, Emory University (1994) and the Ph.D. degree in Religion (Theology & Personality) from Emory University (2002).

Prior to coming to McCormick, Dr. Handy served as the Interim President and Professor of Religion and Education at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta, Georgia, where she had been employed for 24 years. In July 2024, Dr. Handy was named President of McCormick Theological Seminary as the institution’s first African American president and second female leader. She is also the founding pastor of Rize Community Church in Atlanta, Ga., where she has served for 11 years.

For questions related to this event, please contact Marvis Hardy, Marvis.hardy@lstc.edu