Drum Major for Justice
A Certificate in Public Theology
Dr. King said, “It may well be that we will have to repent in this generation, not merely for the vitriolic words and the violent actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence and indifference of the good people who sit around and say ‘wait on time’."
The purpose of The Drum Major for Justice Certificate in Public Theology is to equip pastors, lay people, activists, and others to find their voice in collaboration and organized action with others.
The 5-month certificate program explores the common roots of racial oppression and resistance movements (e.g., the Black Church, Black and Womanist Theology, Liberation Theology, Indigenous Peoples’ Theology), in order to mobilize churches and communities to pursue racial justice and societal transformation.
Course Schedule
This course will be offered in two cohorts in 2023:
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The Juneteenth Cohort starts June 16, 2023.
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Registration Deadline: June 1, 2023
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Juneteenth Cohort Graduation Ceremony - November 19, 2023
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The MLK Cohort starts January 19, 2024.
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Registration Deadline: December 22, 2023
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MLK Cohort Graduation Ceremony - June 16, 2024
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DMFJ Alumni Share Their Journey after Earning their DMFJ Certificate!
Course Plan
Where other educational programs describe their participants as "students," JCSTS has adopted the language of "Learning Partners" for those pursuing a competency-based learning experience with JCSTS. The DMFJ Certificate in Public Theology is a cohort-based, facilitated, learning experience comprised of a Cohort Facilitator and Learning Partners:
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5-month Course of Studies
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A Cohort of up to twelve Learning Partners meets together weekly
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1 Cohort Facilitator guides the conversations of the cohort
Course Facilitation
Rev. Dr. Amantha Barbee is Lead Cohort Facilitator for the Drum Major for Justice Cohort program. Rev. Dr. Deb Mullen and Rick Ufford-Chase are JCSTS Curriculum Team Leads. For more faculty information, visit here.
Cohort-based, facilitated, learning experience Can Unleash Insights
As Learning Partners engage this course of studies, they find individual paths of impact and understanding revealed in conversation with their cohort.
Upon completion of the course, learning partners will have covered:
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Intro to Black Theology and Legacy of the Black Church in the U.S.
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Underpinnings of Systemic, Race-Based Oppression in the U.S.
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Racism-Dependent Oppressions in the U.S. in the 20th Century
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Black-Led Liberation Movements: Creating a Constructive Theology of Healing and Repair
Course Operations
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The course is ungraded but Learning Partners will be expected to share learning assignments with the JCSTS Cohort Facilitator and one another during weekly sessions in an effort to help Learning Partners fully integrate the material.
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JCSTS uses an online learning platform called Pathwright that is intuitive and easy for our Learning Partners to engage. Learning Partners will be given instruction and support on how to use the platform. Weekly Cohort Sessions will be held on zoom and Learning Partners will need to have access to reliable internet in order to participate.
Course Pricing
The price for the cohort is $1550.00. Financial installments are available. Also seek congregation or judicatory financial support that you foresee/may need.
Registration and Cohort Expectations
The Drum Major for Justice Certificate in Public Theology is built on a facilitated, cohort-based educational model. Active participation in each cohort session is foundational for successful completion of the DMFJ Certificate in Public Theology. Learning Partners are expected to attend all of the weekly cohort sessions.
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The Juneteenth Cohort will meet Fridays from noon to 1:30p eastern time beginning June 16, 2023, and ending November 10, 2023, and there will be a certificate awards ceremony on Sunday, November 19, 2023.
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The MLK Cohort will meet Fridays from noon to 1:30p eastern time beginning January 19, 2024, and ending June 7, 2024, and there will be a certificate awards ceremony on Sunday, June 16, 2024.
Registration Deadlines
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Juneteenth Cohort: June 1, 2023
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MLK Cohort: December 22, 2023
DMFJ Juneteenth Registration is OPEN
How you can support this important Justice Initiative:
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Share the availability of the course offering with your circle!
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Follow JCSTS on Facebook!
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Support Justice with a Donation!
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Sponsor 1 or more Scholarships for JCSTS Learning Partners
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Sponsor a Full Cohort Semester or Full Cohort Year
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Spotlight the JCSTS Drum Major for Justice Certificate in Constructive Theology in your newsletter or on your website.
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Annual Giving Designate – Add JCSTS as an approved 501c3 Justice Initiative for donations from your employer, family foundation, or local non-profit funding organizations.
