The history, future and legacy of American Baptist College

In the 1960s, students from American Baptist College, like John Lewis and Bernard Lafayette, served on the front line of the Nashville sit-ins and Freedom Rides.

But the legacy and impact of this small HBCU in Nashville often gets overlooked. Now, as ABC celebrates its 100th anniversary, we look at the college’s role in training generations of activists. How has it changed in the decades since the Civil Rights movement? And how can religion and theology be used to advance social justice causes in an increasingly secular world?

This episode was produced by Emily Siner.

GUESTS

Dr. Forrest Harris, President of American Baptist College
Dr. Phyllis Qualls, Communications director, American Baptist College
Aaron Ford, Student government president, American Baptist College
Rev. Dr. James Douglas Clay, Alum of ABC and pastor at New Visions Baptist Church

FURTHER READING AND LISTENING

• Earlier this year, the Tennessean published a piece by Dr. Forrest Harris, President of American Baptist College advocating for the support of Black colleges and universities like ABC.