April 2026 Congratulatory Announcements
*Announcement of acceptance of Rev. Samuel L. Green, Jr., PhD, proposal for this year's Emerging Scholars Research Consortium
Rev. Samuel L. Green, Jr. PhD, is a strategist, faith leader, and scholar-practitioner whose work is centered on helping leaders and institutions move from vision to meaningful, sustainable impact. With more than 20 years of experience across the church, public education, and community engagement, he is known for designing experiences and systems that strengthen leadership, foster alignment, and inspire transformation. As Chief Strategy & Engagement Officer for the First Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, he works alongside episcopal leadership to shape vision and guide initiatives that serve hundreds of congregations. His leadership is grounded in the belief that spiritual formation and strategic clarity must work together to produce lasting change.
A graduate of the University of Florida and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Rev. Green completed his Ph.D. in Global Leadership and Change at Pepperdine University, where his research explores leadership through an Afrocentric lens of the Colored Conventions. His work bridges history, faith, and strategy to address contemporary challenges in leadership, equity, and institutional sustainability. Recognized as a 2026 University of Florida 40 Under 40 honoree, he is a member of the Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., the International Society for Quantitative Ethnography, Society for Collegiate Leaders, the International Leadership Association, the Religious Conference Management Association, and the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals. With a growing focus on global leadership and emerging nations, Rev. Green is committed to equipping leaders to navigate complexity, build strong institutions, and lead with purpose in a changing world.
*Congratulations to the Reverend Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine vice president of the AME Church's Judicial Council and senior pastor of Big Bethel on being recognized as one of Atlanta's most influential religious figures
Each year, Atlanta Magazine recognizes the city's 500 most influential citizens, based on profession or category. The 2026 list of Religion Leaders includes nine interfaith figures. Dr. Augustine was the only AME minister. The list is available here: https://www.atlantamagazine.com/news-culture-articles/2026-atlanta-500-religion-nonprofits-advocacy/#religion
In successfully rebranding Big Bethel, with its time-honored moniker, "The City Hall of Sweet Auburn," after President Trump demanded city leaders diamante DEI programs at the Atlanta Airport, under the threat of withholding federal funds, Dr. Augustine hosted all of Atlanta's living former mayors, along with Mrs. Valerie Jackson, the widow of former Mayor Maynard Jackson, and the city's current mayor, the Honorable Andre Dickens, to publically dismiss Trump's demands. Similarly, after an FBI raid seized more than 700-ballot boxes that evidenced the votes of Fulton County citizens, and as the state Board of Elections publically considered taking over administration of Fulton County Elections, Dr. Augustine and other faith leaders convened a press conference that received widespread local, state-wide, and national coverage, wherein they rejected Trump's authoritarian tactics and demanded democracy in Georgia.
Since Dr. Augustine's May 2025 appointment, Big Bethel has been repeatedly featured in the news, while hosting dignitaries that include U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, and Marc Morial, president & CEO of the National Urban League. During the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history, Dr. Augustine also partnered with the Magnolia Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, to reestablish a long dormant feeding ministry at Big Bethel, while also receiving approximately $20,000.00 in donations, from external sources, to renovate the former Big Bethel Federal Credit Union area into a community resource center.
An education advocate and inaugural faculty member at the Hampton University School of Religion, Dr. Augustine earned a BA at Howard University; JD, at Tulane University; MDiv. at United Theological Seminary; and DMin at Duke University. He also recently completed classes, and successfully passed comprehensive exams, as a PhD candidate, in Higher Education Administration, at The University of Alabama. He and his wife, Michelle Burks-Augustine, are the proud parents of two graduating seniors: Mason, from Jackson State University; and Jillian, from American University.
Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine
Senior Pastor, Big Bethel AME Church
220 Auburn Avenue, NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
www.jayaugustine.com
jayaugustine9@gmail.com
@jayaugustine9
"From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded."
Luke 12:48 (NRSV)
*DuPage AME Church Congratulates Pastor Rev. Dr. Conitras M. Houston Dickens Recipient of Doctor of Ministry Degree
A true woman of God, the Reverend Conitras M. Houston Dickens strives for excellence in ministry through the Word of God, the Work of God, and the Will of God. She sincerely loves God and God’s people; therefore, she professes boldly the words of 1 Corinthians 2:9 “…no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him”!
Pastor “C,” as she is affectionately called, is partnered in marriage and ministry to the Reverend Akil Dickens. They are the proud parents of their son, Caleb, and daughter Cania. Pastor “C” is the devoted daughter of Bonita Houston and Harold Houston, Jr., beloved sister of Brian and Harold III, and loving aunt of Jade.
An ordained Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Pastor “C” was trained for ministry in the Atlanta-North Georgia Conference of the Sixth Episcopal District (state of Georgia). She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interpersonal & Organizational Communications with a minor in Spanish from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Pastor “C” then pursued her theological education at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology where she earned a Master of Divinity Degree with special concentration in Homiletics. During her time at Candler, Pastor “C” continued to strive towards excellence by being among only six students to be admitted into the Master of Divinity Thesis Program.
Pastor “C” is grateful for the opportunities that she has been given to serve the Lord’s people. After humbly serving as the Youth Pastor and Assistant Pastor of St. John A.M.E. Church in Fairburn, GA for five years, Pastor “C” served with zeal and fervor as the first female and youngest pastor at each of the churches she was privileged to serve. Pastor “C” has positively impacted and experienced growth within the congregations of Saint Luke A.M.E. Church-Athens, GA, Greater Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church-Columbus, GA, and Trinity A.M.E. Church-Atlanta, GA. Each of these congregations worked with Pastor “C” to complete substantial renovations. Additionally, at Trinity, Pastor C served as the Board Chair of the Early Learning Center where she aided in increasing the Quality-Rated status of the Center while also implementing technological advances and much more.
In October of 2021, Bishop John Franklin White appointed Pastor “C” as the first female and third Senior Pastor of DuPage African Methodist Episcopal Church in Lisle, IL. Pastor “C” and the DuPage family are excited to have this opportunity to expand the Kingdom of God together, both virtually and physically. Additionally, she serves as the Board Chair of the REACH Food Pantry and The Harambee Initiative, Inc., both 501c3 organizations founded from within the ministry’s passion to serve the greater needs of DuPage County.
Outside of her service to her local congregation, Pastor “C” is the Founder and Director of Gabriel’s House, Incorporated—a non-profit youth center instilling values of self-worth through performing arts, life skills training, and academic enrichment. She is the Finance Chair of the Fourth Episcopal District of the AME Church, an At-large member of the AME Church General Board, and a respected servant leader across the country. Pastor “C” is also a 2019 graduate of Leadership Georgia—the state’s oldest and most successful leadership organization. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Pastor “C” is truly passionate about the work of God has sent her to do—not only at DuPage, but also around the entire world. For this reason, Pastor “C” continues to travel preaching and teaching the Good News while mentoring and encouraging Christians of all ages within the United States and abroad.
Beyond all the technical information, the Reverend Conitras M. Houston Dickens loves the Lord. Since childhood, she has always pursued a walk with Christ. Pastor “C” is known for the following quote: “Since God is a God of excellence, God’s children SHALL excel!”
*Congratulations to Cory Anderson on being elected to the House Advisory Board as a rising senior
Congratulations to Cory Anderson on being elected to the House Advisory Board as a rising senior—an achievement that reflects both exceptional leadership and deep commitment to the Bishop Hartley community.
At Bishop Hartley, the House System is a cornerstone of student life, designed to foster leadership, mentorship, service, and school spirit. Rooted in tradition and built to develop the whole person, the system connects students across grade levels, encourages healthy competition, and empowers student leaders to help shape the culture and future of the school. Serving on the House Advisory Board is one of the highest student leadership distinctions, entrusted to those who exemplify integrity, initiative, and a passion for uplifting others. Cory’s selection speaks volumes about the respect earned among peers and faculty alike. This role carries real influence—helping guide House activities, strengthen community bonds, and ensure the values of Bishop Hartley are lived out every day.
We are incredibly proud and look forward to the lasting impact ahead!
Judge Derek H. Anderson, Secretary
Judicial Council AME Church
derek.anderson@aol.com
The Clergy Family Information Center extends congratulations as you praise God for the Joy of these significant milestones.
God Bless!
Ora L. Easley
