Heritage Hour
Heritage Hour is a flagship educational and spiritual engagement series of the I AM BLACK Ministry, designed to celebrate, explore, and reclaim the rich heritage of African and Black people across time, space, and spirit. Each session offers a deep dive into the historical, cultural, and theological legacies that shape our identities and fuel our pursuit of justice, dignity, and unity. Through storytelling, research, and dialogue, we spotlight the resilience, faith, leadership, and creativity of our ancestors—both spiritual and ancestral. From the kingdoms of Kush and Kongo to the rise of Ethiopian Orthodoxy, Pan-African movements, and the Black Church, Heritage Hour reorients our people toward the truth of who we are and whose we are. These impactful sessions are hosted and led by our ministry Stewards - dedicated leaders, scholars, and storytellers who serve as the heart of our presentations. Each steward takes on the sacred task of researching, preparing, and presenting on themes that highlight the depth, beauty, and resilience of African and Black heritage. Whether exploring ancient traditions, liberation movements, or spiritual practices, our stewards help us reconnect with our history and reclaim our God-given dignity. Through their voices, we learn not just what happened, but why it matters—and how our past speaks powerfully into our present and future. If you feel called to teach, present, or contribute to this work of restoration, we invite you to become a Heritage Hour Steward. Join us in shaping a new generation of informed, inspired, and spiritually rooted Pan-African leaders.
Meet Our Heritage Resource
Professor, USA/Nigeria,
Professor Emeritus Samuel Zalanga
Professor Emeritus Samuel Zalanga is a Social Scientist, who taught at Bethel University for over 30 years. A seasoned scholar and trusted mentor, Prof. Zalanga brings deep wisdom at the intersection of faith, society, and Pan-African thought.
PhD, Suriname (Caribbean)
Rev. Dr. Danielle Dokman
Pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Suriname. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Old Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. Her work has included leadership roles in the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and participation in global theological conversations.
PhD, Zimbabwe
Rev. Dr. Agony Siwela
Rev. Dr. Agony Siwela is an ordained Reverend in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ). He has a long history of pastoral and ecumenical work, which includes leading international partnership services, such as with the Protestant church district in Steinfurt-Coesfeld-Borken, Germany.
D.Min, USA
Dr. Tolefree Talaya
Founder and Executive Director of Black Star Restorative Initiative a non-profit that seeks to heal and restore Afro-Descendants through culture and arts. She is the Founder and CEO Koinonia Leadership Academy, where she uses her Restorative Practices Engagement Circle Framework™ (Tolefree, 2015) to implement Restorative Practices in faith-based organizations, schools, community and the criminal legal system.
