PROGRESSIVE NATIONAL BAPTIST CONVENTION, INC. ANNUAL SESSION CHICAGO MAWH.TV

mawhproductions
Jul 23
8 min read

Updated: Jul 27

Rev. Dr. David R. Peoples, President

Dr. Margaret M. Peoples, First Lady and the entire PNBC family.

As we reflect on the 2025 PNBC 64th Annual Session, our hearts are filled with joy, gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose. This historic gathering—hosted in the vibrant city of Chicago—was a powerful testament to our unity, mission, and faith.

Over 2,000 delegates gathered for a week filled with worship, empowerment, and prophetic voices that stirred our spirits and charged our hearts for the work ahead.

We were blessed to hear transformative messages from some of the most anointed and insightful voices of our time.

A truly unforgettable highlight was witnessing Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.—civil rights icon and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition—receive the PNBC President’s Award, presented by our very own Rev. Dr. David Peoples. His presence reminded us of the sacred legacy we are called to uphold.

From our past presidents and elected officials to every volunteer, worship leader, delegate, and ministry partner—thank you. Your contributions made this session a resounding success. And if we missed mentioning anyone by name, please know: you are seen, you are valued, and PNBC is stronger because of you.

As we return to our communities, may we go forth with fire in our hearts and the mission of PNBC etched in our spirits—ready to teach, reach, and transform.

Thank you, and may God continue to bless this great convention.

Photo by Landon Brooks MAWH PRODUCTIONS

Pictures will be uploaded daily

As we gather this week, may you be informed and inspired. May you reconnect with old friends and forge new, lasting relationships. May you be moved to deepen your involvement in the social justice work that defines our calling. Above all, may you continue to be proud to be Progressive.

May God’s richest blessings rest upon each of you. My wife and I thank you sincerely for the honor of serving you.

“It’s Time to Empower.”

Because of Calvary,

Rev. Dr. David R. Peoples, President

Dr. Margaret M. Peoples

A Message from MAWH Productions:

We at MAWH Productions are honored to partner with the Progressive National Baptist Convention for this historic 64th Annual Session. Under the creative direction of Landon Brooks, it is our joy to capture and uplift the vibrant spirit of this gathering through photography, videography, and media storytelling.

MAWH Productions is committed to excellence in visual media, and we are excited about the relationships we’re building with PNBC churches, ministries, and leaders across the nation. As we move forward, we look forward to future collaborations on conferences, anniversaries, worship events, and church milestones — offering professional media services that reflect the power and purpose of your ministry.

We are especially proud to have provided media support for several artists and speakers during this session — a true testament to the trust placed in MAWH Productions. It is a historic moment for us to serve at such a pivotal gathering in the life of the church.

To learn more or to book MAWH Productions for your next event, please visit:

🌐 www.mawhproductions.com

📧 contact@mawhproductions.com

📞 (256-759-0377)

📱 Follow us on social media @MAWHProductions

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve — and remember, the best is yet to come.

A Divine Moment in Chicago: Rev. Jesse Jackson Honored at the 64th PNBC Annual Session

The atmosphere inside the Progressive National Baptist Convention’s 64th Annual Session shifted the moment Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. entered the room. What began as a historic gathering quickly became a sacred moment, as attendees rose to their feet in reverence — not just for a man, but for a movement.

His presence moved the people. Some wept. Others stood silently in awe. All understood they were witnessing history — not written in pages, but embodied in a man who has lived the struggle and carried the torch for over seven decades.

Born in Greenville, South Carolina, and ordained by the late Rev. Clay Evans, Rev. Jackson is a global figure — a civil rights activist, Baptist minister, founder of Operation PUSH and the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, and one of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s most trusted lieutenants during the height of the Civil Rights Movement.

Over the last forty years, he has fought for justice, equality, and peace, advocating for the marginalized, the silenced, and the forgotten. Whether organizing boycotts, leading voter registration drives, or negotiating on the global stage, his mission has remained unwavering: to speak truth to power and call America to its better self.

And now, in the city of Chicago — the home base of his work and ministry — Rev. Jackson stood before a new generation of prophetic leaders, including PNBC President Rev. Dr. David Peoples, who embraced him as a brother, a father, and a living witness.

“The Progressive National Baptist Convention has always stood at the intersection of the pulpit and protest,” Dr. Peoples declared.

“And today, as we honor Rev. Jackson, we are reminded that our work is not finished. We must continue to speak truth to power, to lift up the marginalized, and to keep faith at the center of our movement.”

Rev. Jackson’s presence was more than ceremonial — it was transformational. It reignited the room with purpose and reminded the entire PNBC family of why this work matters, especially for people of color and communities on the margins.

His life’s story — from desegregating public spaces in South Carolina to receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom — is woven into the fabric of America’s ongoing fight for justice. He has stood with Nelson Mandela in South Africa, been appointed as a U.S. Special Envoy to promote democracy in Africa, and educated countless through speeches, lectures, and advocacy around the world.

And yet, on this day, his presence in a room full of pastors, youth, elders, and church leaders felt deeply personal. It was a homecoming, a passing of the mantle, and a prophetic reminder that we are not done yet.

As PNBC continues to push forward — in the streets and in the sanctuary — we carry with us the legacy of giants like Rev. Jackson. Not just their memory, but their mission.

“We are not just gathering,” Dr. Peoples reminded us,

“We are marching forward. Together.” PHOTO BY LANDON Brooks MAWH PRODUCTIONS

Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III Delivers Prophetic Word at 2025 PNBC 64th Annual Session in Chicago

CHICAGO, IL — In a moment that will be etched into the legacy of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, The Reverend Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III delivered a soul-stirring and transformative message during the 64th Annual Session of PNBC, held in Chicago in July 2025. Known as a prophetic pastor, passionate leader, and tireless advocate for justice, Dr. Haynes’ appearance at the convention served as both a spiritual revival and a social call to action for the thousands in attendance.

A Voice of Power and Purpose

During the evening session on Monday, July 21, Dr. Haynes brought a message that merged deep biblical conviction with urgent social commentary. His prophetic voice resonated across the packed ballroom as he called attendees to reclaim the mantle of liberation theology, reminding them that faith without justice is incomplete.

“You cannot truly worship God while ignoring the cries of the oppressed,” Dr. Haynes proclaimed, echoing themes of liberation, economic equity, and moral accountability.

His words ignited a standing ovation and stirred conversation throughout the remainder of the convention. For many attendees, it was a wake-up call—one that re-centered the mission of PNBC as not just a denominational body, but as a movement rooted in spiritual transformation and social justice.

Legacy and Leadership

Dr. Haynes is no stranger to leadership on a national stage. He was appointed by Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. as the President and CEO of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in 2023—a role he accepted with reverence but later stepped down from in 2024 to continue pursuing liberation work on his own terms.

His commitment to justice has earned him induction into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame, inclusion on Ebony Magazine’s Power 100, and the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame. His scholarly pursuits include a Doctor of Ministry, authorship of two books (Healing Our Broken Village and Soul Fitness), and unwavering involvement in organizations such as the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference and National Action Network.

A Lasting Impact on PNBC 2025

With over 2,000 delegates in attendance, the PNBC Annual Session featured many notable moments—Rev. Jesse Jackson receiving the President’s Award, Jekalyn Carr leading the youth in a Holy Spirit encounter, and messages from influential voices like Rev. Marissa Farrow, Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, and Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III.

Yet Dr. Haynes’ message stood out as a spiritual lightning rod—charging the atmosphere with urgency, boldness, and clarity. Delegates left not just inspired, but equipped, with a renewed sense of purpose.

In the words of one attendee: “Dr. Haynes didn’t just preach—he peeled back the curtain on injustice and dared us to act in faith.”

Photo by Landon Brooks MAWH PRODUCTIONS

Heaven Touched Earth Tonight

Jekalyn Carr took the atmosphere even higher during tonight’s Youth Worship Experience. Her unmatched voice echoed through the sanctuary — not just as sound, but as spirit and power.

She didn’t just sing — she ministered. Every note carried anointing. Every lyric ignited faith. Hearts were stirred, tears were shed, and lives were lifted.

What we witnessed tonight was more than a concert… it was a divine encounter.

Thank you, Jekalyn, for allowing God to use you in such a powerful way. The room will never be the same — and neither will we. 🔥✨

#JekalynCarr #PNBC64 #WorshipEncounter #NextGenPraise #HeavenOnEarth #FaithIgnited #PowerInPraise #YouthOnFire

Lady Merdean — A Bridge Between Generations in Gospel Music and Ministry

Lady Merdean stands as a pioneering figure in gospel music and ministry—a true bridge between generations, blending tradition with vision. Within the Progressive National Baptist Convention (PNBC), her leadership is both foundational and dynamic.

As Chief of Protocol for PNBC, Lady Merdean plays a critical role in shaping the flow, content, and order of the convention’s programs. Her excellence in coordination ensures that every aspect—from worship to international performing talent—is thoughtfully curated and spiritually impactful. Her presence behind the scenes is a masterclass in excellence and grace.

Having served for many years as Music Coordinator, Lady Merdean has not only helped craft the sound of PNBC but also cultivated a platform for diverse, anointed voices to be heard on the national stage. She is instrumental in bringing world-class gospel talent to PNBC gatherings, helping to maintain the integrity, power, and cultural relevance of the music ministry across generations.

Her influence, however, stretches far beyond PNBC. Appointed by the board of the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) as the original liaison for the Youth and Young Adult Division, Lady Merdean worked tirelessly to create a vibrant space for young voices to emerge, be mentored, and thrive. She has long championed the next generation, building bridges and opening doors within the gospel community.

In addition to her national and organizational leadership, Lady Merdean serves as co-host of the Bobby Jones Gospel Show—the longest-running gospel program on cable television. Through this platform, she has graced countless stages and screens, touching lives across the globe through music and ministry.

When MAWH Productions asked her about the importance of investing in the youth, Lady Merdean responded with wisdom and a deep sense of purpose:

“They’re at the childbearing age — not just naturally, but spiritually. They’re carrying fresh ideas, fresh energy, and a fresh sound. They are the bridge to the future of the Gospel Music Workshop of America.”

From PNBC to GMWA to television, Lady Merdean’s legacy is one of service, vision, and love for the gospel. She continues to be a powerful force—uplifting voices, organizing excellence, and ensuring that gospel music remains a living, breathing movement across generations.

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