Keynote Speakers

Roland Martin

KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR THE INAUGURAL THOMAS “TANK” STRICKLAND LEADERSHIP AWARDS LUNCHEON

From 2008, and until its final on-air sign-off, Martin was a senior analyst for the Tom Joyner Morning Show, where his twice-a-week segment is heard by millions of listeners on upwards of 100 stations.

He is the author of three books: Listening to the Spirit Within: 50 Perspectives on Faith; Speak, Brother! A Black Man’s View of America; and The First: President Barack Obama’s Road to the White House as originally reported by Roland S. Martin. He has contributed to several others, including Paradox of Loyalty: An African American Response to the War on Terrorism by Julianne Malveaux; Black Woman Redefined: Dispelling Myths and Discovering Fulfillment in the Age of Michelle Obama by Sophia Nelson; Faivish Pewzner New York and Fatherhood: Rising to the Ultimate Challenge by Etan Thomas and Nick Chiles.
He has been named four times by Ebony Magazine as one of the 150 Most Influential African Americans in the United States.
When Jet Magazine readers voted in 2012 for who is “King of the Hill” in terms of who they turn to on issues of concern to African Americans, Martin came on top, ahead of the likes of the Rev. Al Sharpton and Donna Brazile. NewsOne.com named as the number one Black pundit in the country; and he has been named several times to The Root 100, their annual list of influential African Americans.
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PASTOR DERICK WAKEFILED

MEMORIAL TRIBUTE SERVICE

Through his dynamic teachings, Pastor Derick Wakefield strives both to empower believers and lead individuals to Christ. He is a Cum Laude graduate of American Baptist College with a Master of Divinity from Church of God Theological Seminary, and has been preaching the gospel for more than 39 years.

Originally from Terre Haute, IN… Pastor Wakefield stepped out on faith to fulfill the vision of Freedom Fellowship Christian Church in Knoxville. TN. Supported by his loving wife, Terrata Wakefield, and his two sons Jeremy and Justin. Pastor Wakefield has been devoted to his congregation at Freedom for over 25 years Outside of his service to Christian ministry, he is a proud veteran of the US Air Force. A man of distinction, Mr. Wakefield was selected as one of the “Outstanding Men in America” and earned the service award for “Meritorious Military Service”.

Pastor Wakefield has been a good shepherd to not only his congregation, but also to the children of AMACHI standing strong behind the motto “Who knows but what God has brought us through this child? AMACHI is the passionate response to the needs of children with incarcerated parents through mentorship.

Pastor Wakefield has always proven his commitment to his church and its community, even before acquiring Freedom Fellowship. He is currently serving as president of the Knoxville Interdenominational Christian Ministerial Alliance (KICMA), which is known to join with religious leaders, members and organizations to address the issues of the city. Pastor Wakefield proudly served as the first Executive Director of IMPACT (Individuals Ministering and Providing According to Christ’s Teachings).

IMPACT is an urban ministry founded on a 3 “R” philosophy:

1. RELOCATION of families and individuals

2. REDISTRIBUTION of resources to communities of need

3. RACIAL RECONCILIATION: The intentional effort of individuals to reconcile with God and then with one another.

A demonstrated leader, Pastor Wakefield oversaw IMPACT’s Health and Dental Care, Fitness Center, Urban 4H, and after school program.

Most recently, Pastor Derick Wakefield has received a direct appointment to Lieutenant Colonel as a Chaplain of the TN Air National Guard

May God continue to bless the ministry of Pastor Wakefield and Freedom Fellowship Christian Church from the beginning to the end of their decree: “Changing lives through our Worship, our Witness, and His Word”