Willie Wilson (minister)

Reverend Willie F. Wilson was born in Newport News, Virginia. He graduated from Ohio University and received a Masters degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C.In 2002 he ran a write-in campaign for mayor of Washington against the incumbent Anthony Williams.

Biography

Reverend Willie F. Wilson is the pastor at Union Temple Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. He is also the author of three books: "The African American Wedding Manual", "Releasing the Power Within, The Genius of Jesus Revealed", and "How African Religion Changed the American Church." He was also involved in the Million Man March and its follow up the Million More Movement. Reverend Wilson is featured in the award winning documentary "The Preacher and the Poet". [cite web |url=http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/insideindies/shortsfest_2006/player.html?chosen=preacher |title=Independent Lens Online Shorts Festival: The Preacher and the Poet |format=video |work=Independent Television Service |publisher=The Corporation for Public Broadcasting ]

Controversy

On July 3, 2005, Williams delivered a sermon that caused anger among many in the gay and lesbian community. His public condemnations of lesbians and gays have been controversial, given that his church receives public funding for HIV/AIDS prevention and initial involvement in the Million movements by African American gay and lesbian activists.cite web| publisher=Washington Blade |title=Minister’s fiery anti-gay sermon riles activists| date=2005-07-15 |url=http://www.washblade.com/2005/7-15/news/localnews/minister.cfm |accessdate=2008-03-16]

Awards and accolades

* Installation as a sub chief by the Asankare-Breuto in Asankrangwa, West Ghana
* USA Today declared him one of the 10 most valuable people in 1986
* President's Service Award in 1997

References

External links

*Preamble to [http://www.africanconnections.com/LUMM_Pt_1_pre.html "Let Us Make Man"] - introduction of Hon. Minister Louis Farrakhan at Union Temple Baptist Church's "Men's Day", September 19, 1993. Courtesy of [http://www.africanconnections.com AFRICAN CONNECTIONS] .