Fuller Seminary’s Pannell Center to Honor MLK’s Legacy With Focus on Women Leaders

The William E. Pannell Center for Black Church Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary will host a three-day celebration honoring Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy while spotlighting women’s leadership in social change.

The event, titled “Daughters of the Dream: Women Pushing for Change in Today’s Context,” scheduled for January 22-24,2025, brings together prominent female religious leaders, activists, and community organizers for a series of discussions, worship, and calls to action.

According to the program announcement, “Women have always been at the heart of social change—let’s amplify their voices and recognize their contributions.” The center states the celebration will “not only reflect on the historical achievements of women who have fought for justice and equality but also cast a light on the contemporary heroines who continue to lead the charge in various spheres of society.”

Rev. Dr. Damali Najuma Smith, Assistant Director of Community and Public Engagement at University of Southern California’s Center for Religion and Civic Culture, will deliver the keynote address at the chapel service (10:00-11:00 a.m.). Smith, who holds degrees from Pepperdine University, Southern California School of Ministry, Woodbury University, and United Theological Seminary, brings nearly three decades of ministry experience and leads programming for the Cecil Murray Center for Community Engagement.

A panel discussion titled “Women on the Frontline of Change” (12:00-1:00 p.m.) features distinguished leaders including Mayra Macedo-Nolan, Executive Director of Clergy Community Coalition and Chair of the Christian Community Development Association; Jewel Patterson, Director of Organizing and Programs at Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement and 2020 “30 Under 30” honoree; and Rev. Janna Louie, Chief of Staff at Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, who brings international preaching experience across Asia and Africa.

The second day features an intergenerational conversation (12:00-1:00 p.m.) between Pastor Jean Burch, Senior Pastor of Community Bible Church of Greater Pasadena for 25 years and President of Community Bible Community Development Corporation, and Khristi Lauren Adams, author of multiple books including “Womanish Theology” and 2024 Princeton Seminary Alumni Service Awardee.

The celebration concludes with an MLK worship night (6:30-9:00 p.m.), featuring reflective worship services, music, readings, and a communal call to action for community engagement.

The program aligns with the Pannell Center’s mission to build and empower Black Christian leaders through kingdom work, cultural enrichment, and academic rigor. Registration is currently open at fuller.edu/mlk. The center has already announced dates for its 2026 MLKJ Celebration, scheduled for January 21-23, 2026.