Union of Black Episcopalians Minutes

2024 UBE Annual Business Meeting (Virtual)

Zoom, June 1, 2024, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm EST (Part I)

Shaping A New Tomorrow-56th ABMC

In-person, June 18-21, 2024, (Part II) – Louisville, Kentucky (Addendums i and II)

Part I

Welcome                                                                     The Rev. Kim L. Coleman, UBE National President

• Shared her Welcome statement and zoom meeting etiquette
  • All attendees were reminded to check their Zoom capabilities
    • Be aware of using two devices in the same area causes feedback
    • Use non-video mode and muted while taking a break
    • Remain muted unless so called upon to speak
    • Video picture is required for voting
      • Voting will be take place by hand (testing took place) and by poll
      • Volunteer is needed to acknowledge raised hands and chat box, as requested by the President
    • Meeting materials, located in the Agenda Packet, were posted on the UBE website, to print/download
    • Presenters are to follow instructions as were given

Opening Prayers/Devotions                      The Rt. Rev. Dr. Shannon MacVean-Brown, Honorary Chair

• Introduced by the President as our new Honorary Chair
• Began with prayers, Black Liturgies-Maya Angelou, author Cole Arthur Riley
  • Chapter 8 Proverbs
  • Words from Howard Thurman
  • Prayers of the People

Call to Order                                                                       The Rev. Kim L. Coleman, National President

• Meeting was not called to order due to lack of quorum
  • President Coleman requested that Reports requiring no action be called upon

TEC Office of African Descent Ministries                                           The Rev. Canon Ronald Byrd, Sr.

• Shared screen with powerpoint
  • Name of TEC office was changed in 2023 from Office of Black Ministries to African Descent Ministries (no Office) with volunteers
  • Reviewed Mission Statement of ADM and its two major priorities
    • Leadership and Congregational Development in TEC
      • 10 Convocations as shown on screen gatherings
    • Go to webpage on TEC website for more indepth information
  • Shared his view concerning the state of the Black Episcopal Church
    • Parishes that identify by race/ethnicities, African descent moved from 12% (2021) to 9% (2022)
      • There are those parishes that now report as multi-racial

• Issue of our Black parishes include sustainability, vitality, and self-sufficiency
  • Shortage of African descent clergy, deferred maintenance of structures, declining membership and resources, gentrification
• Information was provided by specific Dioceses as to their representation of African descent parishes
• Strategies provided with various models depending on the Diocese
  • Not merging but yoking (Detroit Partnership-Diocese of Michigan)
  • Working with Tom Bracket (Church Planting and Redevelopment) to have successful church “plants”
• Created CPR programs for various Dioceses or parishes, done by request, weekend retreats
• Healing from Internalized Oppression 1.0 curriculum has been successful, reaching some 3000 Episcopal individuals and 2.0 curriculum (developer, Lisa Sharon Harper-Freedom Road) pilot set to be released in the fall in New Jersey or So. Fla. which focuses on different aspects from 1.0

• Next conference of diocesian leadership ministry of African descent to be held in Atlantic City in September, 2024
• Provides “Boot Camp” gathering,the Black Congregational Leadership Initiative from a specific region with 10 selected congregations for one week to provide resources and faculty for their sustainability, next meeting to take place 2025
• International Black Clergy Conference held earlier in Baltimore 2024 with 160 participants, held every 3 years
• Mentoring and coaching two year program at VTS with David Gordon for students
• Faith X partnership to assist congregations
• Scholarship distribution of $1 Million dollars for Black clergy
• Healing from Internal Oppression-1 day seminar, training for Black Deputies forthcoming
  • Canon Byrd asked that James Pierce reach out again for training in Diocese of Florida and community
• Canon Byrd to provide contact information in Chat
  • Canon Byrd does not track UBE chapters, go to UBE Website

Call to Order

• Meeting was officially called to order at 11:46 am EST, with quorum being present after Canon Byrd had finished his presentation

Report of Credentials

• Certification of quorum of the meeting as stated within the UBE Bylaws by the Parliamentarian
  • 42 registered members in attendance with three Executive Committee members present

Introduction of Special Guests, President Coleman

• The Canon Ronald Byrd, Sr.
• New UBE member and representative, The Deacon Quiana Jones, American Library Association, Unite Against Book Bans
• Bishop Arthur Williams. Jr.-Diocese of Ohio

Appointment of Parliamentian

• The Guy Leemhuis, Diocese of Los Angeles, former UBE National 1st VP, appointed

Adoption of Agenda

• Motion to adopt the Agenda as shown on the UBE website but altered due certification of a quorum, moved and seconded (Rev.L.Collins/Ms.L.Hannibal), so carried
  • Proposed Bylaws modifications will be voted upon individually as presented

Review and Adoption of Rules of Order

• President Coleman reviewed the Rules for voting
  • Video picture must be turned on in order to vote
• Motion to adopt the Rules of Order, moved and seconded (Ms.A.Flowers/Rev.L.Collins), so carried

Approval of 2023 ABM Minutes

• Motion to adopt the approval of the 2023 ABM minutes as shown on the Website, moved and seconded (Mrs. A.Flowers/Rev.J,C.Thompson-Quartey), so carried

56th ABMC Update, Ms. Wendy Wilson Walker, Midwest Regional Director

• Verbal report for our next ABMC meeting in Louisville, Kentucky
  • Provided schedule and workshops taking place for each day
  • Youth will be attending and involvement with their worship service
  • Various Affinity groups meeting
  • Group from United Kingdom will be attending
  • Awards luncheon is planned
  • Juneteenth celebration
  • Presiding Bishop Michael Bruce Curry to be keynote speaker at the Gala

YAYAC Report, Ms. Maya Latimer, YAYAC Coordinator

• Initially delayed
• Verbal report provided
  • 17 Youth and children are registered for Louisville ABMC
    • Workshops are planned
    • Youth lead worship service
    • Community project
    • Fundraising planned: Another doll is available to be raffled, Krispy Cream
    • Each child to be highlighted at the conference
    • Possible YAYAC summit in 2025

Mental Health Task Force, Mr. John F. Robertson, Ph.D.

• Verbal report presented by Carrie Brown (as read) for Dr. Robertson who was having difficulty accessing online meeting
  • Continues to follow its initial mandate for the UBE
  • Provided its accomplishes for 2023-2024
  • A. Flowers thanked the MHTF for the work it had done and planned to do with her chapter, Fr. Sidney B. Parker
  • Resource booklet to be available on the Website for our meeting in Louisville

Report of Chapters, Regions, and Handbook Revisions, The Rev. Can. Dr. Lynn Collins

• Shared powerpoint
  • Several meetings with chapter leadership and Regional Directors, 4/5 meetings
    • Chapters needed to be in Compliance
    • New models to be provided with new forms for chapters
      • Covering membership rosters and officers clarifications
      • Updated Chapter bylaws’ assistance
    • New webpage forthcoming, learning curb is necessary
      • Training sessions to be planned, forthcoming
      • Paper will be disappearing, everything to be online

Meeting adjourned for Lunch

President’s Address, The Rev. Kim L. Coleman

• Remarks on the Conference theme, Shaping A New Tomorrow
  • See President’s Report as summarized (See Addendum I)
  • Written report provided with conference material on website
• Thanks given to Executive Committee for their commitment and due diligence
  • President was thanked for the work she has done for UBE during her administration

Treasurer’s Report, Mrs Rose West, National Treasurer

• Shared screen
  • Material was shared at Prehearing meeting in May, 2025
    • Gave revenue figures for 2024 with year to date information
    • Life memberships still taking places
    • Financial reviews 2022, 2023 to begin
    • Restricted monies have been moved into a CD account from savings
    • Registered as a corporation now in Virginia, previously Delaware
      • Annual paperwork is handled by outside company
      • Need non-profit status for state of in order to use in other states, not just Federal status, tax exemption
    • Paid for new website
      • To have automated links for membership data management, chapter payments, etc
    • Budget process for 2025 to begin, volunteers needed, A. Flowers volunteered
    • Need for Assistant Treasurer
    • E-commerce store has been started online (3 items, more to be added)
    • Need to develop Membership committee for outreach to members
  • Individuals thanked the National Treasurer for her hard work
  • Call for members to join committees so mentioned above from President Kim

Acceptance of Chapter and Other Reports, President Coleman

• Reports has been posted with meeting material on the website
  • Mental Health Task Force Report to be added
  • First Vice President’s Report to be added
• Motion to accept compendium of Reports, moved and seconded (Mrs. A.Flowers/Mrs.H.Sharpe-Williams), so carried

Episcopal Bishops of African Descent, The Rt. Rev. Deon Johnson, Convenor of Episcopal Bishops of African Descent, Bishop of Missouri

• Newly elected to position
  • Video provided
    • How can EBAD and UBE foster a relationship to assist with the survival of Black congregations
    • Asked that UBE be involved with the Lead with Love campaign, as the legacy Presiding Bishop Curry’s (Loving, Liberating, Life-giving witness of Christ in us)
    • Recognized programs, Sacred Ground and Internatized Oppression Curriculums, as becoming integrated in the full life of the Church for racial reconciliation and healing

Election of 2025 Nominating Committee, President Coleman

• Reiterated the Rules of Order and Nominating Committees rules, see Bylaws, Article X
  • Regional Directors submitted names from their Regions
    • Nominations from the Floor will not be accepted
  • First Vice President, Can. Dr. Lynn Collins, provided the slate of names as verified by the National Secretary
    • The Kathleen Walker, National Member, lives in Southeast
    • Alma Flowers, Southeast
    • Leslie Gore, Northeast
    • Roderick Adams, Midwest
    • Wendy Blackman, Mid-Atlantic
      • Names from Western Region to be provided by Guy Leemhuis from email from Rev. Dr. Mauricio Wilson, Western Regional Director
    • Need to have representation from the Western region
      • Discussion ensued about the number of members for the Nominating Committee with representation from each region
        • Western region received information May 20, 2025
          • Names were submitted from Arizona chapter for membership
        • Bylaws modification for 2025 needed to change number of Regions from 5 to 6
      • Motion withdrawn to elect the four members for the Nominating Committee presented as Ms. Wendy Blackman had withdrawn her name, thereby leaving a fifth spot to be filled by the Western region before Aug. 1, 2024, moved and seconded (Rev.L.Collins/Deacon A.Gardner), see below
        • Motion to suspend the Rules of Order, Nominating Committee – Article X, Section 1, Subsection A:the first sentence for this meeting, i.e. to elect six not five for the Nominating Committee, moved and seconded (Rev.L.Collins/Ms.Lera Dongehy), so carried with 1 opposed, 1 abstention
        • Motion for Western region to elect a person to sit on the Nominating Committee by July 1, 2024, moved and seconded (Ref.L.Collins/Ms.D.Pollard), so carried with 1 abstension
      • Motion to accept the slate of candidates (5 named, 1 unnamed) for the 2025 Nomination Committee with one anonymous ballot, moved and seconded (Rev.L.Collins/Mrs. L.Mitchell-Long Island), so carried with 1 opposed

UBE Inspired Resolution before 81st Episcopal Convention

• DO39-Condemining Censorship, The Deacon Qiana Johnson, American Library Association-Unite Against Book Bans
  • Background information provided about the increased number of books being banned over the last two/three years
  • Books/materials being banned include those primarily about the Black community, BIPOC groups, the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups
  • Asking the Church to take a bold stand for Beloved Community for all stories to be heard
    • Resolution was read aloud but provided in meeting materials
  • Signup for TEC Hearing for testimony taking place this coming Thursday, June 6th for the Resolution

57th Annual Business Meeting & Conference, Mr. James Pierce, National Second Vice President

• Consideration of location, Raleigh- Diocese of North Carolina in July 2025
  • No chapter in the area
  • Board to make a determination after this meeting
    • Bylaws state that the ABMC, to be in-person because of the National election of officers for 2025
    • In-person ABMCs:Baltimore-MidAtlantic (2022), Alabama-Southwest Region (2023), Louisville-Midwest (2024)
    • Consideration for Western UBE Annual Business meeting location

-possibly in Arizona with the 82nd TEC General Convention (2027)

• Comments were made about the selection of the locations, support, cost for the next in-person ABMC
  • Type of Annual Business Meeting/Conference specifically (virtual or in-person) for 2025 to be discussed under New Business

Proposed Bylaws Modifications, The Rev. Can. Dr. Lynn Collins

• .President Coleman provided specific information as to the Rules of Order for voting
  • Noted that if you leave the zoom meeting, you would not be able to rejoin the meeting during this period of voting
    • The National Secretary is unable to vote due to her hosting status
  • Friendly amendments allowed to modifications if accepted by the maker and second
• Introductions and thanks given by 1st Vice President Collins
  • Bylaws Committee Report presented modifications with four previous meetings
  • Bylaws will be presented one by one
• As presented by the Bylaws Committee
  • #100-Article III Membership, Section 1C5, so carried (26 yea, 1 nay, 1 abstention)
  • #110-Article XII, Board of Directors, Section 13B, so carried (26 yea, 1 nay, 0 abstensions)
  • #120-Article VII, National Officers, Section 2C, so carried (23 yea, 3 nay, 0 abstentions)
  • #130-Duplicate of #120
  • #140-Article IV, Dues+, Section1C, recommendation for adoption, L.Collins/L.Mitchell-Long Island, so carried (26 0 nay, 0 abstentions)
  • #150-Article IX, Registered Agent, Not recommended for adoption, more clarification information needed-no vote

• #160-Article XI not IX as stated, Meeting and National Conference, Section 1, Subsection A,B,C,D,F, G, H, recommended for adoption, Dongehy-seconded, so carried (25 yea, 0 nay, 0 abstentions)
• #170-Article XIII, Executive Committee, Section 2A12, recommendation for adoption, D.Austin-seconded, so carried (26 yea, 0 nay, 1 abstention)
• #180-Article XII, Board of Directors, Section 4E, recommendation for adoption, L.Dongehy-seconded, so carried (27 yea, 0 nay, 0 abstentions)
• #190-Article VIII, Duties of Officers, Section 4C1, recommendation for adoption, A.Flowers-seconded, so carried (26 yea, 0 nay, 0 abstentions)
• #200-Article XII, Board of Directors, not limited to XIII Executive Committee, Section 2A13 recommendation for adoption, Doneghy-seconded, so carried (26 yea, 1 nay, 0 abstentions)
• #220-Article XX, Parliamentary Authority, Section 1A, recommendation for adoption, J.Wilson-seconded, so carried (26 yea, 0 nay, 0 abstentions)
• #230-Article X, Nominating and Elections, Section 1C, recommendation for adoption, H.Crawford-seconded, so carried (25 yea, 0 nay, 1 abstention)
• #240-Article X, Nominations and Elections, Section 1E, recommendation for adoption, C.Brown-seconded, so carried (25 yea, 0 nay, 0 abstentions)
• #250-Article X, Nominations and Elections, Section 1F, recommendation for adoption, J.Wilson-seconded, so carried (27 yea, 0 nay, 0 abstentions)
• #260-Article VII, National Officers, Section 2C, recommendation for adoption, L.Doneghy-seconded, so carried (24 yea, 1 nay, 0 abstentions)
• #270-Article XI, Meeting and National Conference, Section 4D, recommendation for adoption, A.Flowers-seconded, so carried (26 yea, 0 nay, 1 abstention)
• #280-Article VIIl, Duties of Officers, Section 4A13, recommendation for adoption, L.Doneghy-seconded, so carried (26 yea, 0 nay, 0 abstentions)
• #290-Article VIII, Duties of Officers, Section 4A14, recommendation for adoption, A.Flowers-seconded, so carried (26 yea, 2 nay, 0 abstentions)
• #300-Article VIII, Duties of Officers, Section 4B, recommendation for adoption, A.Flowers-seconded, so carried (27 yea, 1 nay, 0 abstentions)
• #310-Article XII, Board of Directors, Section 2B, recommendation for adoption, J.Wilson-seconded, so carried (19 yea, 6 nay, 1 abstention) but modification for next year is needed as it is does not state specially “no voice/ vote” action but see Article XII, Section 1B7
• #320-Article IX (XI), Meeting and National Conference, Section 10A, recommendation for adoption, C.Brown-seconded, so carried (26 yea, 0 nay, 0 abstentions)
• #330-Article XII, Board of Directors, Section !4-new, recommendation for adoption, L.Watson-Lorde-seconded, so carried (26 yea, 0 nay, 0 abstentions)

• No further Bylaws modifications recommended
• Changes will be shown in Red for 2024 modifications in the Bylaws

New Business

• Suggestion from L. Collins not to have in-person ABMC meeting for 2025 as reported from chapter members and Regional Directors
  • As stated in the Bylaws the Board of Directors is to provide the supervision and direction for decisions concerning the ABMC in 2025

• Present Body asked to mail to leadership@theube.org their comments about the 2025 ABMC
• G. Leemhuis made a distinction between the Annual Business meeting for election purposes and the Annual Conference

Special Recognition and Announcements, The Rev. Deacon Linda Wilson

• Announcements
  • Life members recognized present online
    • Valeria Davis-Bailey, our first Diamond Life member, not present but will be attending the ABMC in Louisville
  • Online recognition of Graduating Seminarians and our 2023-2024 Necrology as posted
  • Prayers for Zena Link running for President, House of Delegates
  • Prayers for Wendy Blackman, Diocese of New Jersey, Earl Scott Chapter, running for Executive Council of TEC
  • Prayers for Charles Graves, Texas running for 1st VP
  • Prayers for Rob Wright and Rev. Daniel Gutierre, both running for Presiding Bishop of TEC
  • Materials for the conference will be posted this coming week and please bring with you if attending the conference
• Special Recognition
  • Special thanks with an award presented to Mr. Robbie Runderson, a cradle Episcopalian, UBE member from the Central Gulf Coast, has MBA, employed with the University of South Alabama, has provided ongoing technical support for many of our programs for several years now

Closing with UBE Prayer and Blessing

• The Rev. Shannon MacVean-Brown

Motion for Adjournment

• Motion to adjourn, moved and seconded (Ms.D.Pollard,Mr.J.Pierce), so carried
• Meeting closed at 5:11 pm EDT

Dismissal

• The Deacon Linda T. Wilson, National Secretary

Part II

• July 18-21, 2024, Louisville, Kentucky
  • No formal business conducted
  • Workshop, worship services and social events occurred
  • Fireside Chat was held with UBE Executive Committee
    • Acknowledgement of 0 Internalized Oppression
      • Possible Micro Aggression Workshop necessary for Others and for All
    • Can current chapters assist those areas without chapters
      • See Handbook, online
      • Contact Canon Dr. Lynn Wilson
        • Join online Chapter Presidents and Regional meetings that are held every 3 to 4 months

• Need marketing video and tool kit about UBE
  • Individual person is needed in-person from UBE with knowledge of organization
  • Regional directors have an important role
• Diocese of South Carolina since 2021, ready for Chapter formation
• Endowed parishes with Black present need to consider/call Black clergy, what is the ethos of the congregation and not skin color of the parish
• How can we help Black clergy (parishes) raise money
• Black churches on East coast need to reconnect
  • Better understanding of Haiti, Caribbean, Hispanic churches
    • Form a committee for rebuilding with our international dioceses/parishes-Rev. Guy Leemhuis interested
    • Use of grants from Lilly Foundation, Trinity Wall Street
      • Reconnect with NAACP, their history
    • People are needed to work on these ideas
      • Membership Chair – Linda Watson-Lorde, Louise Hannibal, Guy Leemhuis, Rev. Rita Kendagar
      • International Committee – Guy Leemhuis
    • Recommendation to form a Task Force from the Body for grant writing
      • Bishop John Harman, Judith Conley to serve
    • Need youthful individual as resources to lift up the organization for the future
      • Black clergy needed UBE at one time to be employed, this must be restored at the utmost hast such as a UBE recommendation from the UBE for their consideration within TEC
    • Better attitude and interaction is necessary from members with others in the organization as well as in our parishes
      • Youth must be retained
        • Thank you to Maya Latimer
      • Generational differences exist and attempts at interactions should be ongoing with authentic relationships
      • Discussion ensued about young adult involvement in the UBE
        • We are an intergenerational community
      • Must overcome our disunity and involvement is necessary from all for the continued success of UBE
    • Next conference-suggestion to have workshop on Building Relationships and Strategies for Change
    • Consideration that the next in-person conference be at a conference center due to cost of hotels and that it be on the west coast
  • The Right Michael B.Curry and Ms. Sharon Jones
    • Each presented with Honorary Bronze Life Memberships
    • Bishop Curry presented with a $10,000.00 check as a gift

*Note: Names of National members in attendance can be provided upon request

*********************************************************************************************************************

Respectfully submitted,

The Rev. Deacon Linda Tardy Wilson, UBE National Secretary (2020-2025)

Addendum I

Report of the National President The Rev. Kim L. Coleman

July 2023 – May 2024

Shaping a New Tomorrow! This is not only the theme chosen by the UBE Board of Directors’ for UBE’s 56^th Annual Meeting and Conference events. This also is the essence of the work I and the UBE Board of Directors have undertaken since the beginning of my tenure as your president in July 2019.

Through Annual Fall Committee and Board retreats, reactivation of some committees that had become dormant, and following through on our commitment to community, accountability, transparency, and tough love, we reached out to gain member input into the formation of goals that have undergirded our efforts. Those goals have included:

• reexamining our organizational foundations (i.e., our bylaws, committee structure, policy and procedure manual, social media and other communication vehicles, and membership record keeping system) to assess and rectify when needed the suitability for this 21^st century of the way we had been operating;

• liberating ourselves from short term situational and longer-term loan indebtedness to facilitate implementing strategies that provide for lasting financial viability;

• embracing our 501(c)3 status and recognizing our role as champions for all oppressed peoples by acknowledging racism knows no boundaries and pursuing mutually beneficial relationships with siblings of like mind and purpose who are equally as dedicated to its eradication;

• impacting for good the lives of every Episcopalian and Episcopal Diocese by becoming a highly valued resource on the black Episcopal experience through our work, for example, with The Episcopal Church, General Convention, TEC’s Office of African Descent Ministries, General Convention Black Deputies, TEC’s Evangelism, Reconciliation and Creation Care Division, and The Sacred Ground program;

• expanding our reach and involvement with the eradication of racism and celebration of black people across organizational and geographical boundaries to champion inclusivity across global communities with our work with the Liberian Episcopal Community in the United States (LECUSA) and in United Kingdom; and,

• striving to make UBE a household name on the lips of every Episcopalian so that everyone will know of the over 200 years of history of black leadership and contributions black Episcopalians have made to the emerging Beloved Community, we call The Episcopal Church.

My annual reports from prior years delineate in fullness the specific ways in which we have pursued these goals since 2019. We entered my fifth year as your president:

• having survived, even thrived during, the COVID pandemic

• possessing a growing comfort and familiarity with

• debt free and reinvesting an operational surplus to help us fund the coming

• offering a robust menu of programming like Talk2Talk and We’re Talking Now for members to enjoy and to learn what is most needful in these times.

• having successfully and profitably conducted two in-person and one virtual Annual Conference (others were postponed or cancelled due to the pandemic)

We have been shaping a new future for UBE. In this past year, we have focused our attention upon:

• Chapter Relations – Under the direction of First Vice President, The Canon Dr. Lynn Collins, chapter leadership has met regularly to be apprised of important information on UBE life, and to share their experiences, issues and concerns.
• Chapter Compliance – As a 501(c)3 organization, it is vital that we have the documents and assessments in place that validate and confirm that our chapters are in relationship with the National UBE and that our chapters are fulfilling the necessary requirements. This work has proven difficult in some instances because our database is not currently functioning at its maximum potential and chapters may not be accustomed to diligence in the area of chapter requirements. Thanks to the heroic and unflappable efforts of National Secretary, The Rev.

Deacon Linda Wilson, we have made great strides towards bringing our chapters into compliance. Let us all keep in mind the difficulties and do our best not to shoot the messenger.

• Chapter Discipline – As part of our Compliance efforts, we have discovered our bylaws do not adequately address what happens when a chapter is not in compliance. While the

Bylaws committee focused on our voting processes with the current modifications that are being considered at this Annual Meeting, chapter discipline is another priority that must be addressed.   The First Vice President, The Rev. Canon Dr. Lynn Collins, bears

responsibility for chapter relations and with the corresponding Regional Director, responds to chapter issues that impact national affiliation.

• National and worldwide presence – We partnered with film producer Brian Ide to promote and engage UBE chapters in attending A Case for Love, a documentary inspired by the teachings and writings of Presiding Bishop Michael Bruce Curry, that examined whether love – specifically unselfish love – is the solution to the extreme societal and political divide facing the Hopefully our UBE members read the credits when the movie aired on January 6, 2024, for UBE was mentioned as a supporting organization.
• National presence – We joined Unite Against Book Bans, a Nationwide Campaign to Stop Banning Books and Censorship organized by the American Library Association. Out of this partnership came the production of Resolution D039 that will be considered by the General Convention and for which a hearing will be held on June 6.
• Unity Across Global Communities – We joined with the Liberian Episcopal Community in the United States (LECUSA) and TEC’s Office of African Descent Ministries to be present in the Diocese of Arkansas on January 6, 2024, as The Rev. John T.W. Harmon was ordained a bishop. UBE presented Bishop Harmon with a blessing cross while he awaits the creation of the handmade vestments he will order from our financial gift.
• Equipping Black Episcopalians for Ordained Ministry – We continue our relationship with Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) where we were invited to establish our headquarter office in 2019. This year we are pleased to deepen that relationship by offering a new scholarship, the Baxter Textbook Scholarship, made possible by the generosity of The Rt.

Rev. Nathan Baxter, Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, retired, and Mrs. Mary Ellen Walker Baxter. The scholarship will be awarded annually to two or three students of VTS (at least one of whom is a student of color) who have demonstrated an academic and leadership interest in the witness of Black Episcopalians. The scholarship is given in the name of three

exceptional black leaders in the Episcopal Church: The Rt. Rev. Arthur B. Williams, Jr., Black Episcopal Church Pastoral Care and Church Leadership Award; The Rev. Dr. Harold T. Lewis Black Episcopal Church Music, Liturgy and Church History Award; and The Rev. Canon Dr.

Kelly Brown Douglas Black Episcopal Church Progressive Theology Award. We celebrate these leaders as we look forward to celebrating the first awardees who will be selected in the 2024-2025 academic year.

• We have planned and are looking forward to experiencing our 56^th Annual Conference slated to take place in Louisville, Kentucky from June 18-June 21^st. The Coordinator and

Planning Team leader for this Conference is Wendy Wilson Walker, our Midwest Region Director. The Conference has been Wendy’s brainchild from beginning to end and she, along with the Planning Team members, are to be commended for the hard work and dedication they applied to this effort. In addition, our group of young people continue to grow under the spectacular leadership of Maya Latimer, our YAYAC (Young Adult, Youth and Children) Coordinator. She will be offering a parallel program for our young people at the Conference in Kentucky. It will be the first conference we have held that is not constrained by COVID or by fulfilling an existing contract and it will be AWESOME.

Beloved siblings of UBE, we have come a long, long, way. We still have a long way to go. None of what we have accomplished could have been done without the tremendous sacrifices being made by UBE’s Executive Committee and entire Board of Directors. Now we need your help. We will be seeking your participation at the National UBE level. Important next steps will require an Assistant Treasurer, a Membership Committee Chair and Committee members, Finance Committee members and your willing cooperation in our continuing work to shape a new future for UBE. Thank you for the privilege of serving as your president. Faithfully yours,

The Rev. Kim L. Coleman UBE National President 2019-2025

Addenum II

UBE 2024 Annual Meeting Prehearings

Zoom, Saturday, May 18, 2024, 11:00 am to 2:30 pm, EST

Proposed Bylaws Modifications

Welcome and Orientation                                                                      The Rev. Canon Dr. Lynn Collins UBE National First Vice President

• Meeting began at 11:03 am with 38 members present

Opening Prayer                                                                                                          Rev. Kim L. Coleman

UBE National President

• As provided on the morning Agenda

Discussion of Proposed Bylaws Revisions                                                               Bylaws Committee

• As presented by Canon Dr. Lynn Collins with a powerpoint presentation with verbal explanation
  • #100, #110, #120, # 130 Duplicate of #120, #150*, #160, #170, #180, #190, #200, #210,

#220, #230, #240, #250, #260, #270, #280, #290, #300, #310, #320, ##330

• All were recommended for approval by the committee, except #150 (due to new wording of Registered Agent-see Rose West, National Treasurer)

• Comments and Questions ensued
• Reminder: Upcoming Review Bylaw Modification Session on May 20, 2024 Lunch

Finance and Budget

Welcome and Orientation                                                                                                 Mrs. Rose West

National Treasurer

• Meeting resumed at 1:01 pm with 31 members present

Opening Prayer                                                                                                          Rev. Kim L. Coleman

• As provided on the afternoon Agenda

Report on UBE Finances and Budget                                                                              Mrs. Rose West

• Powerpoint presentation
  • Treasurer’s Report for April 2024 Financial Statements
    • Year to date financial information provided
      • Information was provided thru March 2024
    • Donations from chapters for UBE Sunday are possibly underrepresented, needs to emphasized, check online UBE Sunday description
      • Treasurer to recheck designations for 2024
    • Monies received for our HBCUs is not shown, no line item in the budget
      • Chapters are now sending directly to TEC, see Absalom Fund
    • Accomplishments
      • Initiated financial review for 2022 has begun and 2023 to follow, handled by outside company
      • Tax id information for the State of Va is complete as Va corporation
        • Must complete VA non-profit status for tax-exemption status, using UBE attorney (name not provided)
      • Restricted account is now an interest bearing restricted account
      • Form 990 for 2022 has been filed as required
      • New website has been paid for
    • Finance Actions Pending
      • Revival of our Finance/Budget Committee
        • To create a budget for 2025
        • To review monthly financial statements
        • To work with the Fundraising and Development Committee to encourage additional funding sources
        • Alma Flowers to serve on Finance/Budget Committee
      • How Can UBE National help you
        • Re-establishment of the Membership committee so assist our chapters with their operations
          • Membership fees are important
        • Assistant Treasurer Opportunity
          • Position needs to be filled
        • Comments and Questions
          • Questions arose about the new website about payments
            • Individuals are not able to pay individually national dues if they belong to a chapter
              • Individuals without chapters are able to pay national dues online
            • Payment and chapter roster must be coordinated
              • Chapter roster to become electronic spreadsheet
            • ETA for new website online-still needs to be tested, but registration for ABMC was possible, with new website to be live by the fall
            • Registration for Kentucky must be done online
            • Merchant fees discussed, Paypal account dissolved and not shown on current website any longer
              • Bank to bank transactions for the easiest, using ACH or Zelle

• Our organization is exempt from paying federal taxes with our 501C3 status
• Workshop sessions for chapter treasurers are still needed

Announcements

• Coleman reminded those present of the American Library Association-Book Ban meeting by Zoom on June 6, 2024
• Registration is now due tonight for ABMC in Louisville, Ky
  • Deadline tonight for hotel reservation group rate
• YAYAC Talk2Talk, 4 pm EDT tomorrow, “Planning for the Future”
• Volunteers needed for ABMC events and workshops, please contact Wendy Wilson Walker by email with your availability

Closing Prayer

• As provided on Agenda Meeting closed at 2:15 pm