History
The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference (SDPC) was incorporated in September 17, 2003 with the hope and faith that the organization would focus on what was proclaimed in the fourth chapter of Luke, to set captives free and to give liberty to those who are oppressed. It is what was envisioned by the three founders and theological giants, Dr. Iva E. Carruthers, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III and Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. who met, prayed and talked about giving birth to a particular “something” that could speak to the needs of those who were thirsty for sound biblical knowledge and committed social advocacy. Four of their colleagues then joined the discussion. And that conversation, the spark of an idea, became what is now the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, a national network that serves thousands of pastors, lay leaders and the next generation of those working for social justice.
It is with this divine calling that the Samuel DeWitt Proctor entered the public square. And it is with prayerful dedication and purpose that we work to change the socio-political landscape for those in need as we continue our fervent quest and biblical directive to do justice. The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference network, has been challenging communities and churches, hearts and minds of clergy and lay leaders, seminarians and thought leaders. From its inception, the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference adopted an organizational vision to affirm that there is no separation between the anointing of the Spirit of the Lord and the social justice aspects which that same spirit calls us to carry out day-by-day in the communities in which we live and serve.
Through the power of prophetic preaching, informed teaching and true social activism, clergy and lay work together, with, through and on behalf of those most vulnerable and marginalized in the world.
We are making a difference!
Rev. Dr. Samuel DeWitt Proctor
Some pastors have given up on filling the shoes of Amos, Micah, Isaiah, or Jeremiah…God bless those pastors who stand tall and who, in love, tell the truth. They are the watchmen in the tower, the sentinels at the gate who can save us from total pollution. – Dr. Samuel DeWitt Proctor (1921-1997)
The late Rev. Dr. Samuel DeWitt Proctor was Pastor Emeritus of the Abyssinian Baptist Church of New York City and Professor Emeritus at Rutgers University.
Dr. Proctor was president of Virginia Union University, Richmond, and North Carolina A&T State University. He held administrative positions with the Peace Corps in Nigeria and Washington, D.C., and the National Council of Churches.
Dr. Proctor also served on the governing boards of the United Negro College Fund, National Urban League, and the Overseer’s Visiting Committee for the Divinity School at Harvard University. He was Pastor-In-Residence for the Institute for Child Advocacy at Children’s Defense Fund/Haley Farm. He was awarded honorary Doctorate degrees from more than 50 colleges and universities around the world. Dr. Proctor was a prolific writer and preacher, authoring, We Have This Ministry, How Shall They Hear, and Sermons from the Black Pulpit, among many others.
Founders
Dr. Iva E. Carruthers
General Secretary, SDPC, Inc.
Chicago, IL
Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III
Senior Pastor, Friendship West Baptist Church, Dallas, TX
President, Rainbow Push Coalition, Chicago, IL
Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr.
Pastor Emeritus
Trinity United Church of Christ
Chicago, IL
Hope in Action
Justice and Equity
Human Rights for All
The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Inc. (SDPC) represents a cross section of progressive African American faith leaders and their congregations in the United States. Founded in 2003 as a 501(c)(3) organization, the SDPC was called into being to continue the rich legacy of the faith community’s engagement in issues of human rights and social justice. The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference is a recognized Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) of the United Nations.
The mission of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference (SDPC) is to nurture, sustain, and mobilize the African American faith community in collaboration with civic, corporate, and philanthropic leaders to address critical needs of human rights and social justice within local, national, and global communities. SDPC seeks to strengthen the individual and collective capacity of thought leaders and activists in the church, academy, and community through education, advocacy, and activism.
Through partnerships and collaborations with others from the academic, business, policy and not for profit communities, the skills, talents and resources of SDPC supporters are maximized by sharing information and models of successful outreach strategies.
About Our Logo
The statue of the Haitian unnamed maroon memorializes the 
sacrifices, lives and the faith of African people. It is this symbol of faith and liberation – a call to action with the Word of God – that has been adopted as the logo of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Inc.