Sankofa Institute for African American Pastoral Leadership

04/05/2026

Have a blessed Resurrection Sunday

02/17/2026

Today, the Sankofa Institute holds the family and friends of the Reverend Jesse Jackson in prayer. We want to honor Reverend Jackson, whose life's work has touched so many through his unwavering commitment to civil rights, his dedication to uplifting marginalized communities, and his devotion to the ministry. Reverend Jackson's work in the church was just as impactful, rooted in compassion, service, and a belief that faith must move us toward action. May his contributions continue to inspire us to stand up for what is right, to care for one another, and to build the kind of world he tirelessly worked toward. 🙏🏿

01/16/2026

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas! May this season of Christ’s birth bring peace, love, and blessings to you and your loved ones. ✨

This icon is named “The Nativity with Scenes” and created by Fr. Clyde Rausch, OMI.

11/11/2025

On this Veteran's Day, the Sankofa Institute would like to honor the African American soldiers who have proudly served in the armed forces, especially the Buffalo Soldiers and the Tuskegee Airmen. God bless you and thank you for your service 🇺🇸

10/01/2025

**Registration is now open**
This collaboration with the Redemptorists Order and the School Sisters of Notre Dame explores the richness of US Black Catholic History at the intersection of Black Catholic global faith and culture.

The Sankofa Institute, in collaboration with the Redemptorist Formation House, invites you to celebrate Black Catholic History Month.

09/24/2025

With great sadness, the Sankofa Institute must announce the passing of one of our founder members, Reverend Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Sr. Dr. Smith was a visionary and one of the most influential African American pastors. To the Sankofa Institute Council of Elders, Dr. Smith has been a faithful pastor, teacher, mentor, and model for life, integrating spirituality, scholarship, preaching, teaching, and pastoring with his commitment to ministry in African American communities.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. - 2 Timothy 4:7-8

The Allen Temple Baptist Church Family invites you to join us as we honor the extraordinary life, ministry, and legacy of our beloved Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Sr.

🕊️ An Evening of Worship & Witness: Honoring the Life of Rev. Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Sr.
🗓️ Thursday, October 9, 2025 | ⏰ 6:00 PM
(Lying in Repose: 2–5 PM)
📍 Allen Temple Baptist Church | 8501 International Blvd, Oakland, CA
🎥 Livestream: YouTube, Facebook, Allen-Temple.org

🕊️ Celebration of Life
🗓️Friday, October 10, 2025 | ⏰ 11:00 AM
📍 Allen Temple Baptist Church | 8501 International Blvd, Oakland, CA
🎥 Livestream: YouTube, Facebook, Allen-Temple.org

Resolutions and condolences may be sent via email to [email protected]

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Center for Truth, Racial Healing, and Restorative Justice at Berkeley School of Theology (bst.edu/give-now - note “TRHRJ” in the comments box).

Let us gather in gratitude for a life lived faithfully and courageously in service to God’s people.

08/18/2025

Congratulations to Sankofa Council of Elder, Dr. Rhodora Beaton

We congratulate Dr. Rhodora Beaton, director of the Master of Arts in Theology program, for being appointed as the new Louis G. Vance Chair of Systematic Theology.

This transition follows the naming of Fr. Ken Hannon, OMI, as Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology. We thank Fr. Ken for his many years of dedicated service, especially his contributions to theological scholarship and his leadership in shaping the annual Vance Lecture series.

As Chair holder, Dr. Beaton will continue her work in Systematic Theology and help guide the future of the Vance Lecture, honoring the legacy of this important academic initiative.

07/17/2025

It is with a heavy heart that the Sankofa Institute must announce the loss of a valuable member, and dear friend, of the Sankofa Council of Elders. Dr. Rose Marden was not only a very instrumental member of the Sankofa Institute and its mission, but she was a great friend to the Sankofa Council and to the Sankofa Scholars. We extend our deep condolences to the Marden family, friends, and to the Oblate School of Theology community. Grant her eternal rest, O Lord, and may the perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. 🙏🏿

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Dr. Rose Marden, an associate professor of pastoral theology and director of the Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry program.

Dr. Marden began her journey at OST when she initially enrolled for a theology course, and through her passion and love for learning, she later achieved a Master of Arts in Theology and a Master of Divinity degree. She continued her studies at Catholic University of America and received a Doctor of Ministry degree.

In 2005, Dr. Marden became the associate academic dean at OST, and shortly after acquiring her new role, she gathered the community to pray for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, which had struck New Orleans at the start of the semester. Reaching beyond the scope of the degree programs, she soon became the associate dean for Continuing Education and established a vibrant program by recruiting local and national talent. She was also a member of the Sankofa Council of Elders for the Sankofa Institute for African American Pastoral Leadership.

For over 50 years, Dr. Marden dedicated her life’s work to teaching evangelization, faith formation, and pastoral ministry. She will forever be remembered for her generosity and grace in the way she served the people of God. 🕊️

06/15/2025

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord - Joshua 24:15