Culp Legacy Sneaker Ball Banquet honors former African American Fellowship president

On Sunday evening, Nov. 16, the Culp Legacy Sneaker Ball Banquet took place at Abilene Convention Center. The banquet is one of several held in conjunction with the opening of the 2025 Texas Baptists Annual Meeting.

Members of the African American Fellowship of Texas (AAFTX), along with Texas Baptists ministry staff and churches, gathered together for a time of worship, teaching and celebration of honoring Kenneth Jackson, pastor of New Light Baptist Church in Lubbock and former AAFTX President, for his “faithful leadership and service” and “dedicated partnership with Texas Baptists in the office of African American Ministries.”

Roy Cotton, director of the Texas Baptists Ambassador Program, welcomed attendees, and Ira Antoine, director of Bivocational Ministry at Texas Baptists, presented a check on behalf of the AAFTX to Arnold Manase Mollel, the president and the chairman of the Baptists’ Church of Tanzania. 

The worship team from First Progressive Baptist Church in Lubbock kicked off the banquet in worship. 

Julio Guarneri, executive director of Texas Baptists, expressed his gratitude for AAFTX and Jackson. 

“The kingdom of God is a kingdom of beauty and diversity, and Texas Baptists is richer because of our African American churches. So we want to say ‘Thank you’ to you for the work that you do,” said Guarneri. “I also want to express my appreciation for Dr. Kenneth Jackson, who is our honoree tonight… He is a champion and ambassador for us, and I know that God has used him. It is so good to honor those who deserve honor.”

Following Guarneri, others gave special remarks, thanking Jackson for his ministry and mentorship in their lives. 

Referencing 2 Timothy 4:21, Delvin Atchison, senior pastor of Westside Baptist Church in Lewisville and AAFTX President, thanked Jackson for the impact he has made in the life of the AAF. 

“It is interesting that Paul, at the close of his life, lists the names of people who do not make history, but they do make his story… Pastor Jackson, we're here tonight, and we can honestly say we don't know what history will say about you, but none of our stories would be complete without your story,” said Atchison. 

Jackson “represents a blessed man” 

H.K. Thomas, pastor of New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Plainview, then shared a message on Psalm 1:1-3. He shared that he believes this scripture describes Jackson.

He told attendees that, “life is full of choices and… in this text, we have two choices: good or evil.” 

“Ungodliness is always progressive in nature… [but you must] live like you belong to God,” said Thomas. 

Thomas said, “a blessed person takes pleasure in God's law.” 

“It's a privilege to be able to be obedient to the word of God,” said Thomas. “When we get into the word, and the word gets into us, meditating on God's word will give us a closer walk with the Lord.”

Thomas explained that “the tree represents a blessed man” and it was “planted on purpose” to “produce and bring forth its fruit in its season.” He encouraged Jackson with this. 

“[Jackson], I believe that you're just seeing the fruits of your labor,” said Thomas. “Keep on for what you do here… because you just made Texas Baptist and the brothers a little bit better.” 

Jackson honored for “faithful leadership and service”  

To conclude the banquet, Texas Baptists African American Ministries Director Carlos Francis presented Jackson with an award to honor him, “in recognition of [his] faithful leadership and service.”

“We thank you all. Words are just inadequate to express our appreciation for all the kindness, the kind words and the opportunities [you’ve provided] for us,” said Jackson. 

Atchison dismissed the banquet in prayer and the doxology. 

To learn more about African American Ministries and how it can be a resource for you and your church, visit txb.org/aam.