By Taki S. Raton
Dr. Ray Hagins
Dr. Ray Hagins, Chief Elder and Spiritual Leader of The Afrikan Village and Cultural Center in St. Louis, will be the featured speaker Saturday, April 28, 2012 at the Brotherhood of Firefighters Hall, 7717 West Good Hope Rd. beginning at 6 p.m.
In the anticipation of a fairly large turnout, event sponsors – Pursenality, AfrikanSpeak.com, and the Milwaukee Chapter of the National Black United Front (NBUF) will open doors at 5 p.m.
The DVD’s and Internet lectures of Dr. Hagins are included in the collection of scholars, educators, lecturers, thinkers and stakeholders committed to the healing, growth, cultivation, achievement, and advancement of the Black community. To include this writer, multiple thousands of African Americans around the country over decades have consistently drunk at his deep well of historical, cultural and spiritual wisdom. Milwaukee is indeed fortunate to be availed of this opportunity to bear witness to his ethno-cultural historical insights and thoughtful analysis during these challenging times.
Dr. Hagins has completed studies in such academic institutions as Montclair State University, Northeastern Bible College, Lighthouse Christian College, and Trinity Theological Seminary.
Hagins has served as Visiting Professor at Rutgers University, William Paterson State University and Indiana/Purdue University at Indianapolis.
He is president & CEO of Black Liberation Radio (wblr. com), President of the Missouri Chapter of Black Cops Against Police Brutality, and Dean of The Institute For Spiritual & Cultural Awareness.
His membership includes The Association of Black Psychologist, the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the 1st Masonic District of the State of Missouri, and the Black Pilots of America. He has a devoted interest in the research of African Philosophical Anthropology, writing and music compositions, audio and video production, and flying. According to his website, Dr. Hagins’ mission is “to aid men, women and children in improving their quality of life by increasing their spirituality and God-consciousness resulting in self-awareness, self-reliance, self-worth, effectiveness and productivity.” He is an advocate for developing strong communities“through healthy, productive families” and has a committed concentration towards addressing marriage and family issues. He says:
“I believe that the society of tomorrow will be built on the families of today. Unfortunately, the support systems traditionally provided by the extended family, churches and neighborhoods have weakened or disappeared for many of the members of our communities.”
He further maintains that “it is imperative that we invest in family enhancement and development if we are to survive the negative forces that have been strategically designed to eliminate the Black family unit.”
Hagins contends that it is the responsibility of the Black community to “make a close and intense examination of the psycho-historical context of contemporary issues which impact on various inter-and intro-personal behavior patterns” among Black people.
As founder and President of the Black Liberation Radio Online Network, his focus is to “encourage personal growth and development through a proper perspective of Afrikan spirituality, self-awareness, education and enlightenment.”
A web descriptor note further discloses that Black Liberation Radio promotes “the resurrection and empowerment of Afrikan people through knowledge of the truth about their ancient spiritual and cultural heritage.”
This scholar reveals that the goal of Black Liberation Radio is to assist African Americans to “examine our inner self, and to identify and dispel those characteristics that are foreign to us and inhibits our spiritual and personal growth and empowerment.”
Dr. Hagins has traveled extensively ministering and lecturing at churches, conventions, seminars, workshops, colleges and universities. His informative, dynamic and solution oriented presentations have earned him to be recognized as one of the most distinguished expositors of our time.
This event is free. Food and refreshments will be available. There will be special appearance by host Leander Burks, NBUF’s Oshi Adelabu, Shelly Davis, and Bobby Drake. For vendor information, please call (414) 551-5096.