Gregory Smith:  

Dr. Gregory Robeson Smith Dr. Gregory Robeson Smith the Senior Pastor of the Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church located in Harlem New York, the Oldest African American institution in the State of New York. The history of Mother AM.E. Zion Church, its growth and development are one of the great stories of American history. That a handful of Black men, free and enslaved, could so successfully plan and implement the establishment of Zion Church in 1796 is nothing short of incredible. The growth and movement of Zion Church mirrors the growth and development of New York City itself. Starting in what is now the City Hall area in 1796 and the moves to its present location in 1925 are moves that paralleled the city's northward push over the last two centuries. As one of the earliest and most vocal opponents of slavery and a constant champion of abolition Mother Zion was there. Slaves, who escaped north to freedom, knew they could find refuge and assistance at Zion Church, therefore Zion became affectionately known as ¿Freedom¿s Church.¿ In fact, Mother Zion became an important stop of the "Underground Railroad", hiding runaway slaves behind the pulpit in a secret passageway. Its legacy is difficult to surpass, as we have always been a promoter of education and racial self-help for African Americans in this great city. Although it gains, as a people have been significant against tremendous odds, the challenges are ever present. . Many social organizations were founded to assist and improve the condition of the Negro, and the Mother Zion Church played a key role in the growth process. Sojourner Truth transferred her membership from the John Street Methodist Episcopal Church to Zion Church in 1827. It was at the altar of Mother Zion that she changed her name to Sojourner Truth and there she was also reunited with her sisters, who had been separated during slavery. Sojourner Truth became one of foremost voices for women¿s and equal rights and the abolition of slavery. Dr. Smith has more than twenty years of successful management and marketing of multi-national organizations, multi-million dollar fund raising campaigns, and major P & L responsibilities. Along with a proven track record of success leading non-governmental, private voluntary and religious agencies, and Fortune 100 companies, he also has strong expertise in the development of strategic alliances between public and private sectors. He truly is the renaissance person who has successfully integrated a successful career as a business, public service and a religious leader. Dr. Smith has twenty years of marketing/finance and managerial experience in Fortune 500 companies with responsibility for $2+ Billion in revenue. He was appointed December 1990 by President Bush as President and Chief Executive Officer of the African Development Foundation, an independent Federal agency in Washington, D.C., with ...Expand for more