Defender News Network

Rev. William Cumby: Millennial ministers speak out in honor of Dr. King

DEFENDER NEWS NETWORK — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. began his socially conscious ministry at 26, an age we now consider a millennial.

Published

6 years ago

January 21, 2019

Oakland Post

By Defender News Service

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. began his socially conscious ministry at 26, an age we now consider a millennial. With that in mind, the Defender sought out four millennial members of the clergy to get their take on the big issues of the day, and how those issues impact how they do ministry.

Rev. William Cumby from the Fountain of Praise shares his thoughts.

Defender: What are the challenges unique to a young minister?

William Cumby: I believe that anyone who claims Jesus as their Lord and savior carries the distinction of a minister because our lives are a living testimony. However as someone who is young minister, I believe that the greatest challenge and opportunity is our perception. Because of the outstanding convenience of Social media, individuals in ministry are like fish in a 360-degree tank. Every move is seen and even if you are not saying what you are doing, there is a chance that someone else is saying what you are doing. Therefore the unique challenge is that we must not only remain visible on social media as a tool to share the gospel but also remain mindful of perception.

Defender: What are the opportunities unique to a young minister?

Cumby: There are many great opportunities for today’s young ministers. The advances in technology now allow individuals with enough drive to create a huge platform with just a few clicks. Podcasting, audiobooks, YouTube, InstaStories, and Video blogging allow you access to people around the world. Yet, that access is more than a platform to share it is also a portal to obtain knowledge from foremost theologians. Studying to teach is easier and the wealth of sources is immeasurable.

Defender: How do politics and social issues (police brutality, Black Lives Matter, immigration reform, #MeToo, LGBTQ issues, healthcare access, etc) frame and/or impact your approach to ministry?

Cumby: It is imperative that teachers include current events in their messages. The Bible teaches us that we are to be in the world and not of it and Jesus expresses, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). My point is that current events directly affect the way we live and as a minister we have a responsibility to remain relevant. Ministers share hope and help provide navigation in turbulent times.

Defender: What is the biggest (most important) political issue impacting the U.S. and/or members of your congregation?

Cumby: I serve as a youth pastor and although the youth I serve cannot vote, they are affected by who is chosen. I make a point to teach the youth I serve about the importance of being involved in elections. Knowing the candidates for them means knowing how will that elected official’s decisions affect their way of living. We just had a major overhaul of judges through the election process and a radical change to the mayor of Missouri City. That was a great opportunity to talk about change and possibility. We also discuss how to manage the decisions that we don’t prefer.

Defender: What are your thoughts and positions on the current president, his administration and his policies?

Cumby: He is the leader of The United States of America and we are taught to pray for our leaders. There are aspects of His leadership style and decisions that I do agree with but I would rather put my energy into working with the negatives to make better pictures than just complaining about what I don’t like. Our nation is built on the back of fighters, survivors, and believers. Together we will continue building the America that everyone calls great.

Defender: How big or small a role does your blackness (Black history, pride and heritage) and attacks upon your blackness (white supremacy/racism) have in your approach to ministry?

Cumby: Cultural awareness is extremely important and just the same is cultural sensitivity and inclusion. We cannot turn a blind eye to inequities nor fully reject opposing nationalities. America is a melting pot of cultures. We must carry as we climb. Sharing about injustice while becoming empathetic with those those that don’t look like us or believe what we believe benefits everyone.

Defender: For Rev. Dr. MLK Jr., a young minister who became a pastor at 26, fighting for civil rights and later economic equality were big drivers of his ministry. Is there one or two political or social or cultural issues that drive your ministry?

Cumby: I have two issues that I am very adamant about. The first of those addresses young men who are raised without a father in the home or a positive male influence. Young men need consistency and direction. Last year I helped produce an event called Manhood Camp. The camp was an overnight event that partnered churches and mentor programs in an effort to encourage young men from single parent homes. That event helped link over 150 boys to positive influences and gave them insight on changing a tire, anger management, physical fitness, why they should abstain from sex, and more!

The other platform I drive is literacy and continued education. There is power in knowledge. Knowledge is something that no one can take from you. The marriage of literacy and continued learning yields a lifetime of successes. The Fountain of Praise has a fantastic summer reading program for kids and a unique college program that connects recent high school graduates with current high school students for a realistic snapshot of college through college tours, seminars, and college prep classes.

Defender: How do you balance commitment to your ministry with your marriage (relationships)?

Cumby: My family is my first ministry and my motivation. Although my career is demanding I have to make time for what matters. I intentionally schedule time to be home, I take pride in making breakfast and dropping my kids off to school, and I look for moments when I know my wife could use a break just to get away. It takes work to keep a fire going. If the flames have turned to embers, then its time to shake things up by working with what’s still hot. Then, you have to do the little things to build it up again and throw in a big log (special event) occasionally to really make the fire intense.

Defender: If a parent, how do you balance commitment to your ministry with parenting?

Cumby: I have three children, my wife is an elementary school principal for HISD, and I am a youth pastor. Most of my church and outside activities include children. When there are events or engagements that take me out of town, my wife and I do daily face time calls with the kids. Plus, the occasional airport gift helps a lot. An additionally advantage of serving in youth ministry and having children is that I have a live-in audience and individuals to feed me material for messages. My children are very important and as often as I can, I like to do individual outings with them so that each one knows their significance in my life. My Pastor taught me to ask myself when accepting opportunities away from home, “How much does it cost to be away?” This is how I determine what I will and won’t do for work.

Defender: With society in general becoming less religious (less committed to a particular denomination; less committed to one specific church home; etc.), how does this impact your ministry?

Cumby: I see it as an opportunity to get creative. It is vanity to think that people are going to show up to see you just because you opened the doors and turned the lights on. The pulpit is portable. The message of the Gospel is love and my definition of Love makes it an action word. We must love out loud by serving people where they are. Going to games with my students, providing breakfast for teachers, participating in prison outreach programs, mission trips, community programs in schools all of that is ministry and all of it is impactful. If I show you how I live and do it without selfish intention then it isn’t difficult to show you where I worship.

Defender: How do you respond to the criticisms many millennials voice about religion in general, and the Christian church in particular? (i.e. it is anti-intellectual; often treats women like second class citizens; ignores or downplays culture and social issues, etc.)

Cumby: A lot of people have been hurt through experiences they have had at a church. But, the church didn’t hurt them; the people at that location hurt them. Rightly, we hold pastors and people who serve in ministry to a very high standard. However, I believe that the perceived standard is greater than the expectations that many accusers have for themselves. Here is the point. We are the church, the building is where we serve, and the preacher is the vessel God uses to lead, edify, educate and inspire at that location. Our greatest relationship should be with Jesus because through Him we can serve in the correct capacity at the divine destination He chooses. Additionally, churches are moving from the traditions that are off-putting to many millennials. The more commonly relaxed atmosphere, the enhanced worship experience with multi-generational as well as multi-cultural music, and the incorporation of visually appealing aesthetics in nontraditional locations has drawn a new wave of churchgoers. These items aren’t trends it’s a paradigm shift in the church going experience. Our competition is not other churches or athletic programs, it is apathy. We have to get the heart of the millennial before we can get their committed attendance.

This article originally appeared in the Defender News Network.

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Philadelphia honors Patti LaBelle with a street – but spells her name wrong

DEFENDER NEWS NETWORK — Philadelphia honored singer Patti LaBelle with her very own street earlier this week. Unfortunately, the signs didn’t get her name right. The city’s Streets Department didn’t capitalize the “b″ in the legendary soul singer’s last name on the signs that were put up before Tuesday’s ceremony on Broad Street. A stretch between Locust and Spruce streets was renamed “Patti LaBelle Way” in honor of the Philadelphia native.

Published

5 years ago

August 19, 2019

Defender News Service

Patti LaBelle (Photo by: The Heart Truth | Wiki Commons)

By Defender News Service

Philadelphia honored singer Patti LaBelle with her very own street earlier this week. Unfortunately, the signs didn’t get her name right.

The city’s Streets Department didn’t capitalize the “b″ in the legendary soul singer’s last name on the signs that were put up before Tuesday’s ceremony on Broad Street. A stretch between Locust and Spruce streets was renamed “Patti LaBelle Way” in honor of the Philadelphia native.

City spokeswoman Deana Gamble tells The Philadelphia Inquirer the city is aware of the error and plans to install signs with the correct capitalization next week.

A sign that LaBelle autographed and held during the ceremony had the correct spelling.

She thanked all the fans who came out to the ceremony and reminisced about her parents walking down that very stretch of Broad Street.

This article originally appeared in the Defender News Network.

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Lee Daniels to briefly resurrect his cancelled ‘Star’ drama series

DEFENDER NEWS NETWORK — Following news that the Fox Network cancelled the music drama Star after three seasons, comes word from producer Lee Daniels that the series will be making a comeback as a televised movie.

Published

5 years ago

August 19, 2019

Defender News Service

By Defender News Service

Following news that the Fox Network cancelled the music drama Star after three seasons, comes word from producer Lee Daniels that the series will be making a comeback as a televised movie.

“The bad news is that ‘Star’ is not getting picked up for series,” Daniels says in an Instagram video post recently, which he captioned “Get ready for a two-hour gag!!”

In the clip, he calls the circumstances surrounding the cancellation “too long of a story to cry about.”

“The good news is: we’re doing a movie of the week to wrap things up for you all,” he says.

As was previously announced, fans were rocked by the news of the Empire spin-off getting the ax, especially seeing as how the season three finale ended on a jaw-dropping cliffhanger. The last episode aired Wednesday (May 8), just two days before the cancellation announcement.

At the time, Daniels said he was attempting to shop the series to other networks, but his efforts proved fruitless, as noted by TheWrap. Now the Oscar nominee vows to “make something real special for you to scream about with all of our cast members, even the dead ones.”

Daniels did not say when or on which network the two-hour Star movie will air, although it’s being assumed that the tele-film will be on Fox, which is also wrapping up Daniels’ Empire musical drama series next year. Reps for the network have not yet responded to requests for comment about Star’s resurgence.

The Atlanta-based Star follows the journey of three young women who form a musical group and navigate the ruthless business on their way to success. The cast features Jude Demorest, Ryan Destiny. Brittany O’Grady, Queen Latifah and Benjamin Bratt.

The sitcom averaged 3.5 million viewers for Season 3, compared to Season 2’s 4.1 mill, and hit a series low as recently as May 1, according to TVLine.

This article originally appeared in the Defender News Network.

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With conflicting budget estimates, will Texas teachers get the pay raises they anticipated?

DEFENDER NEWS NETWORK — When state lawmakers passed their landmark $11.6 billion school finance law in late May, school employees were eager to see how mandatory raises would affect their paychecks. A month later, they’re scratching their heads, struggling to decipher complicated changes and conflicting financial estimates that might not net teachers as much money as they expected.

Published

5 years ago

July 19, 2019

Defender News Service

By Defender News Service

When state lawmakers passed their landmark $11.6 billion school finance law in late May, school employees were eager to see how mandatory raises would affect their paychecks.

A month later, they’re scratching their heads, struggling to decipher complicated changes and conflicting financial estimates that might not net teachers as much money as they expected.

Before lawmakers voted nearly unanimously to approve House Bill 3, which drastically overhauled Texas’ outdated school funding system, they received estimates from the state on how much additional money each of their school districts would likely receive over the next two years. But the estimates came with a warning: They could change significantly once the calculations were performed using local data.

Ahead of the upcoming school year, districts are now redoing those calculations themselves — and some are coming up short. That could pose a problem for teachers, nurses, counselors and librarians, since under HB 3, school districts are supposed to use a portion of the new money on those employees’ raises and benefits. (School boards must approve their budgets by either a June 30 or an Aug. 31 deadline.)

Georgetown ISD, for example, is projecting $5.9 million in new money in the upcoming school year, much less than the $10.3 million state estimate. And it will shell out about $9 million in recapture payments, which the state takes from wealthier districts to subsidize poorer ones — not the $3.5 million the state estimated in May.

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, a large suburban district in the Houston area, should’ve expected $30 million more in the upcoming school year, according to the state estimates. But school board members approved a budget in late June that projected just $14 million more, according to Karen Smith, the district’s chief financial officer.

To remain competitive as employers, both districts are going beyond the state’s requirement to use 30% of the new money to increase salaries and benefits. Georgetown ISD is including $3,000 raises for teachers, counselors, librarians and nurses with more than five years of experience. Cypress-Fairbanks ISD approved a budget millions of dollars in the red that includes $25.4 million in raises for classroom teachers, librarians, counselors and nurses and $10.8 million in raises for all other employees.

Teacher pay raises quickly became a bipartisan rallying cry during the 2019 legislative session that finished up in May. But instead of the statewide $5,000 raise many teachers advocated for from the get-go, lawmakers approved a set of guidelines for salary bumps that would end up leaving the dollar amounts largely up to district leaders.

There is not yet an official statewide summary on what compensation packages look like across school districts, but eventually districts will be required to report that information to the Legislature. Meanwhile, the state has been providing guidance on how to interpret the new law through videos and PowerPoint presentations.

Without an across-the-board pay raise mandate from the state, teachers and other school employees have been looking left and right at neighboring school districts to judge how they’re going to fare. Some report having heard nothing from their school districts so far this summer, as they anxiously monitor the news from across the state.

Sunnyvale ISD Superintendent Doug Williams found that the state’s calculation for how much more his tiny school district would receive was pretty accurate: just under $600,000. But school districts in the vicinity, which include large, urban Dallas ISD, are getting millions more, meaning they’ll be required to offer bigger raises.

To stay competitive, Sunnyvale ISD’s school board approved larger pay raises than required by law, ranging from $1,800 for beginning teachers to $2,700 for the most experienced. “We have been blessed to be able to attract and retain great teachers,” Williams said. “We just want to make sure we are able to continue.”

In some school districts, local teachers’ unions and associations are butting heads with administrators as they advocate for higher raises and larger employer contributions to health insurance. After adopting a budget with 5% raises, Laredo ISD’s officials told frustrated teachers they are waiting for more guidance from the state before they consider raising salaries further.

In Houston ISD, the teachers union successfully threatened a no-confidence vote against the superintendent if trustees didn’t pass a budget with pay raises by later this month, arguing the delay would make them less competitive for hiring. After a contentious meeting, the board ultimately approved a deficit budget containing raises of 3.5% to 8%, depending on school employees’ experience levels. The budget also increased the minimum wage for school employees by $2 an hour.

For third grade writing teacher Huyenchau Vu, who watched the Legislature’s initial proposal for $5,000 raises dissolve, a 3.5% raise means a boost of less than $2,000 a year and less than $100 per paycheck. “It goes back into paying for everything, not necessarily into a savings account,” said Vu, who just finished teaching summer school at Houston ISD and will start her third year teaching in August.

She and her colleagues have been taking notes about the higher starting salaries and raises for Houston-area districts such as Aldine ISD and Alief ISD, but not necessarily because they’re trying to jump ship. While Vu would appreciate more money, she is also worried about the sustainability of the Legislature’s funding increase and is glad Houston ISD appears to be more “realistic” in its budgeting decisions than its neighbors.

“They’re paying their teachers a lot more knowing it’s just over the next two years that we’re receiving money from the state of Texas to put into these teacher salaries,” she said. “After that, no one’s sure what’s going to happen.”

This article originally appeared in the Defender News Network.