Bishop T.D. Jakes to bring events to Atlanta next year, possibly in 2020
Acclaimed pastor and author Bishop T.D. Jakes is preparing to bring an economic empowerment event to Atlanta next year, and he’s strongly considering hosting a large-scale, multi-day conference in the city in 2020, Jakes said Saturday.
The global, philanthropic speaker made the announcement during his Woman, Thou Art Loosed! (WTAL) - Master Class conference this week in Dallas. Thousands of women from all over the world participated in the convention at his world-renowned church, The Potter’s House, according to organizers. The conference has been around for more than 25 years. Jakes hosted WTAL in Atlanta before and said it’s a top choice once again.
The Master Class format this year aimed to provide women with classes on business, health, relationships, faith and more. Speakers included Cynthia Marshall (CEO of the Dallas Mavericks), Ivy McGregor (director of philanthropy and corporate relations for Beyonce’s Parkwood Entertainment) and Nely Galán (Emmy award-winning producer and former president of entertainment for Telemundo) and Pastor Sheryl Brady (The Potter’s House- North Dallas). Grammy-winning gospel and R&B singers Cece Winans, Michelle Williams and Erica Campbell also participated. Dr. Juanita Bynum delivered a rousing speech on the final day of the conference.
FOX 5’s Marissa Mitchell spoke with several speakers before they delivered keynote addresses.
Ivy McGregor on women supporting each other as they move into positions of influence:
“When we think about it, women really do rule the world. But our rule is powerful when we are connected. We look for women who look like us but we often miss that people may not be our kind or our color but they are our connection.”
Cynthia Marshall on lessons she wish she had known years ago while climbing the corporate ladder:
“I wish I had known not to take so much so seriously. I would’ve said slow down and enjoy life along the way… I ended up being diagnosed with cancer and I had signs for two years that I ignored because I was in a frenetic pace.”
Pastor Sheryl Brady on what she hopes women, who are hoping for a better opportunities, to get from attending WTAL:
“We want to loose them to their purpose and their destiny. Sometimes, pain can be a friend. …but the pain is a sign that the birthing season is close. I want every woman who is in pain to know…that it is about to happen.”
Jakes plans to announce soon if Atlanta will be the WTAL host city in 2020. Meantime, he has partnered with Black Enterprise magazine for the inaugural SOAR! Empowerment series which will stop in Atlanta in April 2019.