Henderson Wins “Inspire” Award
Lee University School of Theology & Ministry alumna Fayth Henderson recently received the Inspire Award from the New York City Black Women’s Political Club (NYCBWPC).
Henderson received the Inspire Award for her work with leaders of different religious affinities across New York City. She currently works with Mayor Eric Adams as the senior program manager of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships.
“I am truly honored and humbled to receive this award from my peers and sisters in the struggle toward equity for black women,” said Henderson.
Henderson graduated from Lee with a degree in youth ministry and a minor in counseling in 2007. “I credit Lee professors Dr. William Effler and Mitchell Baker for the ways they inspired me and took care of me while a student at Lee,” said Henderson.
“Fayth was a hard-working academic who added much to the classroom environment,” said Effler. “More significantly, her work in the inner-city nonprofit sector is what is most inspiring. Fayth Henderson is not a ‘flash in the pan’ for today but will be a catalyst in years to come as she continues to advance faith-based initiatives in some of New York’s most challenging situations.”
Since graduating from Lee, Henderson has worked with faith leaders and members of clergy, particularly in reducing gun violence in communities. She has worked with The Godsquad, an organization with the sole purpose of eliminating gun violence using clergy-based models and practices. She has also worked with Clergy for Safe Cities, a coalition from across the U.S. and internationally established to support clergy-based gun violence prevention initiatives and implement a collective, comprehensive, community initiative to decrease the involvement of young people in gangs, crimes, and gun violence.
“Someone once said, ‘Aspire to inspire before we expire,’” said Henderson. “That’s my life’s goal and mission.”
Henderson has also been recognized in WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) team New York Liberty’s #ShineLoudSunday for her work with The GodSquad.
The NYCBWPC is an organization that advances the causes of Black women throughout the five Boroughs of New York City. It encourages greater participation of Black women in all phases of the political process while pursuing and supporting causes and issues or persons who advance the socio-economic and political position of Black women and other disenfranchised groups.
For more information about NYCBWPC, visit nycbwpc.com.
