Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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W. Franklyn Richardson

Mount Vernon,WA

Summary

First and foremost, a Pastor, in the broadest sense of the term. My life's work stems from my commitment to the biblical mandate of what it means to be a pastor. I believe in being a voice for the voiceless, feeding those who are hungry, providing shelter for those who are homeless, challenging systems that are unjust and unfair, and seeking justice for the marginalized and victimized. I have a proven track record of driving community engagement through impactful ministries. Expertise in organizational development and social justice advocacy, creating lasting change for underserved populations. Dynamic Senior Pastor with expertise in community engagement and strategic planning. Proven ability to lead impactful initiatives that enhance community well-being and drive social justice.

Work History

Senior Pastor

Grace Baptist Church
Mount Vernon, NY
  • As pastor of Grace Baptist Church in the City of Mount Vernon, New York, I have led the growth of the congregation to a weekly attendance of more than 4,000 people in three locations.
  • Built a ministry that focuses on six primary community-focused pillars: 1) children and youth development, 2) educational enrichment, 3) health awareness and prevention, 4) housing and community development, 5) music, arts, and culture, and 6) workforce development. These six pillars comprise more than 80 ministries, programs, and services that currently impact more than 10,000 people annually
  • Over 3,000 individuals in the City of Mount Vernon benefit from the 800 units of affordable housing that Grace Baptist Church has constructed through its community development corporation

Chairman

Conference of National Black Churches (CNBC)
  • CNBC, an interdenominational religious-advocacy organization, is comprised of the eight largest historically Black denominations in America, representing more than 65,000 churches and over 20 million individuals - 70% of African American Christians in the United States. With a focus on addressing racism in America. Promotes ecumenism through CNBC and work with clergy, faith-based organizations, and other institutions to improve the quality of life for African Americans and other underserved populations through programs and advocacy.

Chairman

National Action Network
  • The National Action Network is one of the leading civil rights organizations in the country. Working alongside Reverend Al Sharpton, we fight for causes of justice, equality, and opportunity for all people, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, citizenship, criminal record, economic status, gender, gender expression, or sexuality.
  • Under my leadership, the National Action Network serves as the vehicle for the collective voice of the Black church to fight social injustice. Whether it is criminal justice issues, police brutality, or voting rights, the National Action Network stands on the vanguard of social justice in America, to be a champion for those who otherwise would have no voice.

Chairman

Virginia Union University Board of Trustees
Richmond, VA
  • I have proud to serve as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for my alma mater, Virginia Union University. Working together with my fellow trustees and the VUU President & CEO, the university has become one of the highest regarded Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the country, as it houses the preeminent seminary for preachers of color, the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology. I was recently honored by the Board with the launch of the W. Franklyn Richardson Graduate Center in New York City. The Center positions VUU as the first HBCU to establish a permanent educational presence in New York State, opening unprecedented doors for graduate education, workforce development, and community impact in one of the world's most dynamic cities. With a focus on student success, academic excellence, community partnerships, and financial viability, VUU will continue to lead upwards toward institutional prominence.

Board Member

Comcast

Former Board Member

PepsiCo

Education

Undergraduate Degree

Virginia Union University

Divinity Degree

Yale University Divinity School

Doctorate of Ministry as a Wyatt Tee Walker Fellow

United Theological Seminary
Dayton, OH

Skills

  • A distinguished Pastor, leader, and national advocate for economic and social justice

Timeline

Senior Pastor

Grace Baptist Church

Chairman

Conference of National Black Churches (CNBC)

Chairman

National Action Network

Chairman

Virginia Union University Board of Trustees

Board Member

Comcast

Former Board Member

PepsiCo

Undergraduate Degree

Virginia Union University

Divinity Degree

Yale University Divinity School

Doctorate of Ministry as a Wyatt Tee Walker Fellow

United Theological Seminary

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