HBCU Professional Abilities

Professional Abilities (the doing of ministry): The ministry of teaching is the most essential tool in the reconstruction of society. Instructing one’s brothers and sisters isn’t simply a mandate given by the Ascending Resurrected Christ, but a divine obligation to those who are fortunate to receive the gift of education. From the opportunity to serve as a Teaching Assist at Tennessee State University, I hope not only to sharpen my skills as a scholar and instructor but learn how to best serve in the space of an HBCU (Historically Black College and University). HBCU’s are the backbone of the African American experience. They are the few places within American society that nurtures and treasures the Black experience—impacting one’s ontological
Teaching at an HBCU is a sacred act. Contributing to the ministry of these institutions prepares one to partake in the elevation of those who have been historical marginalized. Teaching at an HBCU requires the skill of balancing academic rigor and ensuring every student meet a fundamental objective. These are tools I’m hoping to gain from this experience— learning that balance of being a scholar that presses his students to meet the demands of academic rigor, and a compassionate teacher that seeks to inspire his students to be scholarly and conscious human beings.
Cultivating Wholeness (the being of ministry): The “doing of ministry” and the “being of ministry” are inextricably linked. A professor cannot successfully perform his or her duties without being completely invested in the formation and success of their students. HBCU’s are nothing without the community of students that fill their halls. The experience of the HBCU is a circular process. The institution shapes the students, and the students define and reshape the institution. The motto of Tennessee State University is: Think, Work, Serve. Once a student of this institution, this motto called me to broader social action. This motto challenged me to wrestle with societal questions (think), act in addressing the needs of my brothers and sisters (work), and ultimately seek to create a society worthy of our better selves
K.T. Ewing, and her students through the fulfilment of these values—I’m actively participating in the inbreaking of G-d’s kingdom. W.E.B Dubois once said, “Being a student isn’t simply about gaining knowledge of scholarship, but rather gaining knowledge of one’s self.” I come to learn and serve in this space to further learn and discover my identity as a Black son of G-d. I return to Tennessee State University attempting to learn my path of resistance (my being of ministry) in a societal atmosphere that’s I desperate need of it.
Theological Reflection and Integration (the knowing of ministry): Ministry is a loosely defined term. A.W. Tozer once said, “It is not what a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or secular, it is why he does it.” This is at the heart of “knowing ministry.” Teaching is a sacred act. Destroying ignorance is a sacred mission entrusted to people of good will. The reason I decided to pursue this field education opportunity because Dr. Ewing understands this concept.
Dr. Ewing understands that her success as a scholar isn’t reduced to publications or accolades, but rather the success of her students and the advancements she gains within scholarship. By observing Dr. Ewing’s pedagogical style, I hope to encounter and grow within the sacred. In assisting Dr. Ewing in her mission, I hope come to a greater understanding of myself as child of the divine—assisting my younger siblings in their own