Fort Wayne UNITED
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Mayor Tom Henry recently announced that he will partner with a number of African American pastors to launch a new group called the Ubuntu Collaborative.
Ubuntu means “I am because we are,” and the hope of the newly developed group is to reignite the rich history of advocacy and collective impact that was present in the generations of unified African American pastors that came before. Also, the goal is to further engage and serve the African American community by uniting the strengths, talents and passions of all of the pastors who will be a part of the Ubuntu Collaborative.
The following was issued by the City:
Mayor Henry will host quarterly meetings with the pastors with the intent of combining the collective wisdom and diverse resources of the pastors along with the resources of the City of Fort Wayne to effectively address the various needs and challenges that exist within our community.
Other leaders who attended with a desire to partner include Fire Chief Eric Lahey, Allen County Prosecutor Michael McAlexander, Allen County Juvenile Judge Andrea Trevino, Councilwoman Michelle Chambers, Councilwoman Sharon Tucker, Adams Township Trustee Denita Washington, Boys and Girls Clubs Executive Director Joe Jordan, Community Foundation President & CEO Brad Little, Fort Wayne UNITED Chairman Iric Headley and Surak Enterprises Founder Chuck Surack.
The Ubuntu Collaborative will focus on:
LEADERSHIP – Mentorship and Development
COLLABORATION – Strengthening and Securing Assets
CONNECTION – Build Disciples
FAMILY – Marriage and Parenting
ECONOMIC – Finances and Development
PASTORAL SUPPORT – Support and Collaboration Between Pastors
MINISTRY ADMINISTRATION – Operational Support
“As we embark on this journey of collaboration, it is our aim to model unity, love, and compassion to the community,” said Pastor Payton. “We believe that by working together, along with Mayor Henry, we can become a catalyst for positive change, leaving a lasting legacy of transformed lives and thriving neighborhoods.”
“Since I took office, I’ve strived to do everything I could to make our community more inclusive,” said Mayor Henry. “That’s why starting Fort Wayne UNITED to help the black men and boys in Fort Wayne gain respect and value was so important. And it continues to be a critical component of our learning and leading in the most equitable ways. But, as I’ve said, Fort Wayne UNITED, United Front, and all of the programs under the Fort Wayne UNITED umbrella, are parts of a unique journey to becoming a community where everyone is treated equally and has a chance to reach their full potential. My partnership with the newly formed Ubuntu Collaborative is just another layer that I believe will have a lasting and meaningful impact because we’re combining our strengths and working together.”
Leaders of Ubuntu Collaborative:
Pastor Anthony Payton – Come as You Are Community Church
Pastor David Spearman – Kingdom First
Pastor Anthony Pettus – Greater Progressive Baptist Church
Pastor Robert Bell – True Love Baptist Church
Denny Howard – LIVStyles/Vitality Care Institute
Heath Lisenby – Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Iric Headley – Fort Wayne UNITED and Surack Enterprises
David Nicole – Headwinds Consulting
