By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer
BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black will headline next month’s Louisiana Governor’s Prayer Breakfast, March 10 at the Crowe Plaza Executive Center, 4728 Constitution Ave. in Baton Rouge.
Black opens the Senate in prayer each day and provides counsel and spiritual care for senators, their families, and staff – a combined constituency of more than 7,000, according to a news release from the Louisiana Governor’s Prayer Breakfast office.
He assumed his position on July 7, 2003, after serving in the U.S. Navy for 27 years, including as the chief of Navy chaplains, according to his website. During his tenure, Black earned the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Meritorious Service Medals (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals (two awards), and numerous unit awards, campaign, and service medals.
Additionally, Black received the 1995 National Association for the Advancement of Color People Renowned Service Award for his contribution to equal opportunity and civil rights. He also was given the 2002 Benjamin Elijah Mays Distinguished Leadership Award from The Morehouse School of Religion and in 2004 was bestowed the Old Dominion University chapter of the NAACP Image Award for “Reaffirming the Dream — Realizing the Vision” for military excellence.
Also featured on the program will be Christian recording artist Charles Billingsley, a Grammy and Dove award winner who launched his career with the group Newsong. Billingsley has led worship at several Louisiana Baptist Evangelism Conferences.
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards will address elected officials and others in attendance at the breakfast, which is open to the public. The event includes a buffet style meal of eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, fruits, pastries, juices and coffee.
“We are thrilled to host the 56th annual Louisiana Governor’s Prayer Breakfast, an event that has upheld its purpose of facilitating prayer for our great state’s elected officials,” Governor’s Prayer Breakfast Chairman Tom Harrison, executive pastor at Broadmoor Baptist Church in Shreveport, told the Baptist Message. “It is our honor to have Dr. Barry Black, United States Senate Chaplain as our keynote speaker this year, as well as remarks from Governor John Bel Edwards. We’ll also enjoy special music from Charles Billingsley, a nationally known vocalist and worship leader.”
The doors open at 6:30 a.m., with the program beginning at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 9 a.m. The event will be livestreamed at lagpb.org.
Table sponsorships range from $750 to $5,000 and include a reserved table for 10 guests and name recognition in the program. Individual tickets also are available for $50. Table sponsorships and individual tickets can be purchased online at the Louisiana Governor’s Prayer Breakfast website or by check using an order form from the website. Seating is limited and early registration is recommended.
For more information about the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast, visit the Louisiana Governor’s Prayer Breakfast website, lagbp.org, e-mail info@lagbp.org or call 225.505.7377.
