The Witness: A Black Christian Collective is expanding to form The Witness Incorporated as a launching pad for multiple new endeavors. The newly minted philanthropic division is The Witness Foundation, which fills the gap of equipping Black Christian leaders to make a greater social impact. Each will have direction under acclaimed writer and historian, Jemar Tisby, who founded and led the collective for nearly a decade.
“At a time in our nation when most organizations are retreating, we are expanding to meet this modern Civil Rights movement and create the urgent change needed for Black uplift and progress,” says Tisby. “As a result, our staff will look a little different.”
The Color of Compromise author will serve as CEO of The Witness Inc., the parent company that will house both the foundation and the Black Christian Collective.
Tyler Burns, Florida-based pastor and podcast host, is stepping into the role of president of The Witness: A Black Christian Collective, the initial division of The Witness Inc. As longtime vice-president of the Black Christian Collective, his leadership of the multimedia platform has already manifested in a suite of podcasts, a multi-city tour, and two national conferences focused on Black freedom, joy and justice.
Shannon Polk will lead as executive director of The Witness Foundation. Recently ordained by the Assemblies of God, Polk has a strong philanthropic background, having worked for and consulted with several institutions, including the Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland, the Bank of America Foundation, the Council of Michigan Foundations, and the CS Mott Foundation. She is also a graduate of Assemblies of God Theological Seminary and Western Michigan University Law School.
“In this new civil rights movement, it’s time to take risks and move forward in pursuing restorative justice for the Black community through a Christian lens,” Tisby says. “We’re excited for each of these new additions as they lead the organization with great experience and momentum to fulfill our mission of transforming Black Christian leaders.”
About The Witness: A Black Christian Collective
The Witness: A Black Christian Collective is a division under 501c3 nonprofit registered charity, The Witness Inc. We are a multimedia platform that educates, encourages and empowers Black Christians. Learn more at thewitnessbcc.com
About The Witness Foundation
The Witness Foundation is a division under the 501c3 nonprofit registered charity, The Witness Inc. Our mission is to continue the movement for racial justice as we identify, train and fund the next generation of Black Christian leaders. Learn more at thewitnessfoundation.co