Renown Jamaican Bishop Launches The Black Church Means Business Conference Campaign For Economic Literacy

November 4th – Under the banner “claiming our talents,” world-renowned Jamaican-born spiritual leader Bishop Noel Jones moved a crowd of over 2,000 people to utilize their ability to financially own of their communities, at the Black Church Means Business Heal the Land Revival at Brooklyn’s Calvary Cathedral of Praise this past Tuesday.

A uniquely captivating orator, Jones, twin brother of actress, singer, and fashion icon Grace Jones, vigorously asserted that Blacks in America are well endowed with talent and intellectual resources, but continue to struggle as a community due to economic illiteracy. He underscored the church’s leadership role in empowering the Black community to financial independence.

Following an interpretive dance routine by the St. Paul Community Baptist Church Male Dancers and stirring renditions of “I Will Bless the Lord,” and “There is a Name” by famed gospel singer Byron Cage, Jones’s “Parable of Talents” sermon served as a springboard for launching the Black Church Means Business’ message of reflecting a strong spiritual foundation in business ownership, socio-political strength and the overall credibility of an empowered and progressive community.

“Empowerment means to give back,” Bishop Jones stated. “Churches are in a prime position to help clean up credit scores, incubate businesses and to provide assistance pertaining to self-empowerment.”

Rising from humble beginnings, Jones has gained a tremendous notoriety with his uniquely captivating oratorical style of preaching as an international conference speaker. Under his leadership as pastor of the City of Refuge Church in Los Angeles , the church’s membership has grown from 3,300 to over 15,000, including notable figures such as famous broadcaster Tavis Smiley, who traveled from Washington, DC to Los Angeles every weekend to attend worship services. Jones’ intellectual, relevant and powerful scriptural approach to ministry has strengthened the faith of people across the globe.

Piloted by Executive Chair and fellow Jamaican Rev. Dennis Dillon, CEO of the New York Christian Times newspaper who was recently named as one of the NY 25 most influential Black leaders in religion, politics and civil rights by the New York Daily News, the Black Church Means Business 2006 Conference will be held at the newly renovated Brooklyn Museum on December 11th and 12th. Representing a citywide coalition of Black churches, major corporations, small businesses, and financial and civic institutions this annual two-day interactive conference provides information and guidance on starting and developing profitable businesses, franchising, real estate development, entering global markets, and a wealth of other areas. Featured presenters include George Fraser, Author, “Success Runs in Our Race;” Adolfo Carrion, Bronx Borough President; Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Senior Pastor, St. Paul Community Church; Ed Goldberg, Senior Vice President, Macy’s and many more committed to attend.

Recently, BCMB entered into a partnership with retail giant Macy’s to present the Fashion Fusion Trade Show, a segment of the conference highlighting the business of fashion – from design to the store racks. Another addition to the 2006 conference is the Food and Grocery Forum, a collaborative effort between BCMB and leading grocery wholesalers to address the lack of Black food retailers, suppliers, and distributors. Award winning Turner Construction has also signed on as an active participant of the Real Estate and Equitable Development Forum.

The Black Church Means Business Conference will be held on December 11 th and 12th at the Brooklyn Museum . For registration and exhibitor information, contact Faye Braz, conference coordinator, at 718-638-6397.