Black churches pitch in to aid Norfolk State



The Associated Press

Aug 21, 2006 9:16 AM


NORFOLK, Va. - Black church support was critical to Norfolk State University's founding. Now the churches are pitching in again.


Five black congregations in Portsmouth and Norfolk have pledged a total of $232,500 to the publicly funded university over the next five years, aiding in a $15 million capital campaign at the historically black university.

"We think their role is critical for the success of the campaign," said Phillip D. Adams, associate vice president for development at Norfolk State.

The participating churches in Norfolk are First Baptist Church on East Berkley Avenue and Second Calvary Baptist Church and First Baptist Church on East Bute Street. Third Baptist Church and Grove Baptist Church are in Portsmouth.

Local black pastors helped organize the school in 1935 as the Norfolk branch of Virginia Union University, a Richmond institution with Baptist connections.

According to a school lore, black congregations raised scholarships for the first students, clergy taught biblical literature courses, and faculty spoke to black congregations at Sunday services to promote the school.

In the 1940s, the school became independent and publicly supported - typically something that spells an end to any church ties. Representatives at nearby Old Dominion University and The College of William and Mary said they don't target the faith community for financial support.

But some in area black churches see aiding the campuses that educate their youth as a duty.

"I doubt if you'd find many families in the black community who didn't have relatives who attended Norfolk State and are doing better because they got that education," said the Rev. Joe B. Fleming of Third Baptist Church.

Third Baptist has made a five-year pledge of $32,500 to Norfolk State.

"We have to be about transforming the world," said Fleming, who's interest in aiding Norfolk State was sharpened this spring by the General Assembly's refusal to approve proposed funding for the university's library.

Like others, he said his congregants feel the school doesn't always get a fair piece of the state financial pie.

"They want to see NSU funded at the same level as other institutions in this area," he said.


Information from: The Virginian-Pilot,

The Associated Press

Didn't hear about this...I'm very proud to say I've attended one of those churches tho for the last 18.5 years...CapricornSuave's been there about 12 or 13 I think.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ProducinPirate,

Great news .

Quote
"But some in area black churches see aiding the campuses that educate their youth as a duty".

quote:

Originally posted by THE DREAMER:
Great news .

Quote
"But some in area black churches see aiding the campuses that educate their youth as a duty".

HBCU'S would benefit greatly if our people supported them in the manner that they support churches.

quote:

Originally posted by spartanhead:

quote:

Originally posted by THE DREAMER:
Great news .

Quote
"But some in area black churches see aiding the campuses that educate their youth as a duty".

HBCU'S would benefit greatly if our people supported them in the manner that they support churches.

Well stated.