The BHC retreat, workshop, and work is a call, an invitation, to evolve as Henri Nouwen suggests, as “wounded healers.” We hope to be gift bearers of our healing and the healing of others. “We are all wounded healers, but our woundedness is in vain if we cannot find ways to become healers of our land….. We must love ourselves enough to take the necessary time to attend to our woundedness. Healing is God’s amazing gift to all. Let us begin our healing.”

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Mission

We exist as people of Black African heritage seeking to become aware of the harmful effects of racial trauma in the Black community and provide resources and healing practices which strengthen and sustain us mentally, spiritually, and physically.

Vision

As people of Black African heritage and also members of the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church, we work toward a future of learning and healing which is guided by the power and hope of the Holy Spirit so that we become gift bearers of our healing and the healing of others.

Learn about the BHC History here.

I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet, this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. (Lamentation 3:19-22)

BHC Working Group: Rev. Dr. Norval Brown, Rev. Harriette Cross, Diana Davis, Amania Drane, Leonard Jones, Rev. Innis Miller, and Eugene Williams of the Northern IL Conference; and Dr. Pamela Siobohn Moye of North Carolina Conference

BHC Retreat Alumni: Tracie Broadnax, Rev. Dr. Norval Brown, Lisa Butler, Rev. Harriette Cross, Rev. Dr. Jacques Conway, Rev. Andrea Davidson, Rev. Regina Davis-Bridges, Amania Drane, Lennox Iton, Leonard Jones, Rev. Luther Mason, Rev. D. Josiah Montgomery, Rev. Pamela Pirtle, Rev. Tennille Power, Rev. Allyson Talbert, Rev. Dr. Irene Taylor, and Eugene Williams.

Past Participating member and part of the Leadership Team: Walton Davis (deceased)