Our History II
Years 1939 – 2017 | History II 2018 – Current
Our History
2018 New Era
A nationwide search for a new leader ushered in the beginning of a new era of leadership. Chosen among a pool of more than 180 applicants, Dr. Jamal Bryant was named the new Senior Pastor in November 2018. His appointment brings a renewed sense of hope and optimism to the congregation, signaling a new chapter in our journey of faith.
A third-generation pastor, Dr. Bryant delivered his first sermon at New Birth on Sunday, December 9, 2018.
In addition to his drive for social activism and ability to affect change in social, economic and political arenas, Dr. Bryant founded and grew a 43-member congregation — Empowerment Temple A.M.E. Church of Baltimore — to over 10,000 members.
This experience poised him as a perfect candidate to lead New Birth, a church with a similar ‘upbringing.’ Dr. Bryant hit the ground sprinting with what he called “A Rebirth of New Birth;” he implemented socially uplifting and faith-building programs for members, as well as impactful programs and activities for the community.
In his first Atlanta television interview, December 7, 2018, he told Fox 5’s Marissa Mitchell that New Birth is “getting ready to take this city back by storm.” He wants to make sure that the gospel and its full meaning does not stay hidden inside the four walls of the church but flows far out into the streets.
2019 – Behold I will do a New Thing
In January 2019, after a prolonged United States government shutdown, many members who were federal workers were in great need, and Dr. Bryant felt New Birth should do something to help. Members eagerly collected enough funds to give 30 government workers nearly $300 each. An article featured on the event on January 16, 2019, in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution by Tom Jones said Dr. Bryant “was blown away” by the compassion he saw from his new flock.
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Jan – Feb
Dr. Bryant also initiated Soup and Souls in January 2019, which is true to his vision of impacting the Atlanta community. He strategically challenged the Millennials and Baby Boomers to see which team could collect 5,000 cans of soup; New Birth exceeded the ask, and over 10,000 cans were collected. New Birth members delivered them door to door, along with an invitation to visit the church. The initiative culminated with a grand Super Bowl party for the homeless community, held at New Birth along with the Safe House Outreach. The event was a great success and was featured in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on January 31, 2019, in the article “Touchdown for Jesus: New Birth Hosts Huge Super Bowl Party for Homeless” by Valerie J. Morgan.
The following month on February 24, New Birth collected a United Negro College Fund Offering. We partnered with Hampton University to provide tuition and assisted students with getting tickets and passports. The same month, Bennett College President Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins announced that the college had raised well over the required funds needed to maintain its SACSCOC accreditation, thanks partly to a $16,000 donation from New Birth initiated by Dr. Bryant.
On February 25, Dr. Bryant hosted “The Vow,” a free citywide wedding celebration for couples needing assistance. Church members and local vendors donated items that blessed the couples with formal wear, bridal gowns, cakes, and more, giving them lasting memories of their special day.
Also, in February, the Garden of Eden held its Ribbon Cutting/Groundbreaking. It has an area size of ¼ to ½ acre of land and supplies fruits and vegetables. The Garden of Eden has produced an estimated 1500 + pounds of food: pole beans, squash, zucchini, tomatoes, Irish potatoes, okra, watermelon, cucumbers, muscadines, purple hull peas, corn, peppers, sweet potatoes, some herbs, broccoli, cabbage, collards, kale, beets, fig tree. Upon Dr. Bryant’s findings in Dekalb County, along with the limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables, it was determined that there were some food disparities in a substantial number of low-income communities, which included African primarily American households: today, less than 2% of black farmers in the US own farmland. Pastor Bryant connected us with the Black Church Food Security Network, which helps organizations connect with local black farmers to educate communities, especially churches rooted within these communities. The Garden of Eden is working with BCFSN to be a catalyst for communities with food disparities across the nation.
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Mar – Apr
In March 2019, Dr. Bryant was officially installed as pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. The service was electric, packed, and filled with joy!
April 2019, in an article entitled “God Recycles,” featured in TheAtlantaVoice.com, Dr. Bryant informed interviewer Marshall A. Latimore that he plans to “use the assets of the megachurch to teach his members about land accumulation, development and wealth building.” Sitting on more than 240 acres in unincorporated Dekalb County, New Birth is an incentive for this agenda, as Dr. Bryant noted in the Atlanta Voice article that Bishop Eddie L. Long created “the largest land-owning mass of any black church in America.” In addition to the stadium-sized sanctuary, the campus includes:
- A community center
- A grade school
- A daycare center
- A gymnasium with membership is open to the public
- A football field used by local schools
Also, in April, Dr. Bryant launched two initiatives aimed at empowering the New Birth community. He brought in highly successful black wealth accumulators — George Fraser, James Hunt, Amy Dawkins, and others — to lead a series called “The Millionaire Academy.” This initiative, along with the introduction of a Book of the Month Club, underscores the church’s commitment to promoting financial literacy, personal development, and wealth-building among its members.
Dr. Bryant’s first Resurrection Weekend at New Birth, he planned a ‘mega weekend’ to remember. On Friday night, New Birth aired “Seven Last Words” on the Word Network and BET, featuring seven of Dr. Bryant’s ministry associates known nationwide. This event, filled with powerful messages, left a lasting impact on the audience. On Saturday, New Birth celebrated a life-changing effort called “The Word Is Our Bond.” Working with Dekalb, Gwinnett, and Fulton County officials, New Birth raised more than $118,000 in community donations to post bail for more than 150 families. This initiative not only brought hope to these families but also inspired the community with the power of collective action. Freed individuals could spend the Resurrection holiday weekend with family instead of behind bars. But Dr. Bryant didn’t stop there; he ensured that “Word is Our Bond” helped those released transition into society by providing food, legal assistance, and other social services through nonprofit organizations.
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May – Sep
May 2019 holds a special place in New Birth’s heart: The birth month of the late Bishop Eddie L. Long and Dr. Bryant. In honor of Bishop Long’s posthumous birthday, New Birth held the grand opening of the B.E.L.L. Legacy Center, which showcases Long’s memorabilia, relics, books, popular messages, favorite clothing, and more. In honor of Dr. Bryant’s birthday, New Birth presented a free red-carpet premiere of the movie “Sinners Wanted.” Dr. Bryant’s gift of bringing people and dynamic events together — not only for the sake of empowerment but also for the sake of the gospel — is making steady headway into impacting the lives of people inside and outside the four walls of the church.
In June 2019, New Birth kicked off Campaign 235, a life-changing quest to eliminate debt. True to New Birth’s style of constantly expanding love outside their four walls, their missions outreach continued into the following month as they hosted Global Missions Outreach Day. One thousand volunteers helped prepare 50,000 meals, $15,000 was donated to Food Aid International, and $5,000 was donated to Compassion International. The ministry’s ball of compassion continued to roll, and on August 3, 2019, New Birth gave away 5,000 pairs of shoes to students in grades K-12 at a Back-to-School Shoe Drive, and 300 pairs of shoes were left over to bless additional families.
When Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas on September 3, 2019, New Birth’s hands were stretched even more. It launched Restoration Bahamas, partnering with Caring for Others, Delta, Jet Blue, Lowe’s, Smile Truck, and Hampton University to send relief—pallets of food, toiletries, diapers, first aid items, cleaning supplies, canned goods, and more.
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Nov – Dec
2019 was wrapped up with more impactful missions, globally and locally. November 29 – December 9, a team of six led by Elder Carla Stokes provided ministry in Kenya. The last month of the year saw local ministry with enormous blessings for the homeless community in metropolitan Atlanta. New Birth delivered 832 coats to homeless shelters (Covenant House, Safe House, Gateway, Atlanta City Mission, and Our House – Atlanta & Decatur); and 600 coats were given away to the homeless downtown in Hurt Park and at Tent City; 225 coats were given to other individuals and organizations (VMI, Rockdale County Schools, Phoenix Pass Transitional Housing, South Fulton County High School Students via The Love Care Package & Positive Transitional Services).
Partnering with New York-based nonprofit RIP Medical Debt, New Birth made a significant impact by canceling nearly $1.3 million in medical debt for 1,200 people in DeKalb County, Georgia. This debt relief effort, launched during the 2019 Christmas holiday season, was a surprise blessing and was warmly welcomed by the recipients. It’s a testament to Dr. Bryant’s commitment to empowering people, not just spiritually, but also financially.
2020 – Do Things Differently
Dr. Bryant declared we would do things differently, and 2020 began with New Birth in full swing, where we were continually the hands and feet of Jesus in the community.
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The Year Begins
On January 28, the grand opening of The King’s Table Food Ministry marked the beginning of a new era for New Birth. Dr. Bryant, honored to have accepted the challenge to lead New Birth, is filled with hope and optimism for the future. He looks forward to taking the church and its members to even greater heights and making a significant difference in the greater Atlanta community, and in the world. His vision is clear, and his determination is unwavering, inspiring us all to look forward to what’s to come.
January 2020, New Birth made headline news. “New Birth donation wipes out medical debt for 1,200 South Dekalb residents with No Strings Attached!” One resident, who is not a member, shared her good news and wanted to thank Dr. Bryant personally for the good news she received in the mail. She and her husband are disabled and getting help with her medical bills was a miracle. Dr. Bryant directed the relief efforts to individuals residing in the 30038-zip code, which includes Stonecrest and Lithonia. He said people received the help, even if they were not members of New Birth’s congregation because we are blessed to be a blessing.
In February 2020, New Birth hosted “A Wedding in Wakanda” featuring Grammy-nominated Kelly Price; 12 couples tied the knot free of charge. In a world where lavish wedding ceremonies with dozens of bridesmaids and groomsmen, elaborate decorations, and pricey catering have become the gold standard, Dr. Bryant wanted people to focus more on commitment. “We want couples participating in this year’s event to be equipped with the biblical principles for a healthy and fruitful union.”
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Pandemic – Life Changes
In 2020, life changed across the globe. Though initially discovered in Wuhan, China, in late 2019, COVID-19 entered the global conversation in January 2020 when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alerted the world of the outbreak abroad.
In March 2020, the World Health Organization characterized the outbreak as a pandemic. The world was shut down. People lost their jobs, simple household items such as toilet tissue and paper towels became hard to come by, and many could not feed their families.
Dr. Bryant felt the burden of people being unable to feed their families in his heart. He did not want the congregation or the community to suffer from food insecurities. Dr. Bryant was not just giving the word through ministry but also through community service.
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More Initiatives
Dr. Bryant led an initiative during the pandemic called Leave Nobody Behind. The church donated 10,000 masks to the county jail to protect inmates and employees. Dr. Bryant and the New Birth staff constantly engaged the congregation during the pandemic. Initiatives included out-of-the-box online services at a Bank Vault, Trap Museum tourist attraction, parking lot services, and drive-ups to receive communion elements. The Multi-Purpose Room was converted into a high-performing studio during the COVID pandemic, allowing other Pastors access.
In May 2020, America experienced another brutality on a Black man, George Floyd. Dr. Bryant was among many Black leaders, leading, teaching, and praying against police brutality and supporting Black Lives Matter.
In September 2020, the National Black College Hall of Fame inducted Dr Jamal Harrison Bryant. Each year, Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) graduates are inducted into the organization for significant contributions to their respective fields.
2020 was a presidential election year. New Birth was on the front lines, partnering and encouraging Souls to The Polls, early voting registrations, and much more.
The King’s Table
The King’s Table Food Ministry was established in January 2020 to support community families by eliminating hunger by distributing nutritional food and essential household items. The blessing is its fruits and vegetables were provided by the Garden of Eden.
How it Started:
- 20 volunteers
- 30 – 50 families per week
- One food source: Atlanta Community Food Bank
- No corporate sponsorships
- No community partners
• Single point of distribution
Currently, The King’s Table has over 300 volunteers, 18 resources, and distribution throughout Georgia (23 cities), North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The King’s Table (“TKT”) is committed to ensuring that families receive fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, grains, and protein items to promote healthy eating patterns in accordance with the USDA MyPlate food groups. Within two years, TKT has distributed over 15 million pounds of food to more than 1 million families.
In addition to providing healthy foods, The King’s Table and New Birth were concerned with total wellness during the pandemic. We partnered with organizations like Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, American Red Cross, Cigna, the Diabetes Association of Atlanta, and many more. The ministry offered free COVID-19 testing and vaccinations for thousands of families and essential medical supplies and household items, conducted blood drives, and made valuable resources available to the families being served.
2021 Assembly Required
Under Dr. Bryant’s leadership, he cast a unified vision of working together for a greater cause, strengthening our bond as a community.
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Jan – Feb
In January 2021, Dr. Bryant significantly impacted the Georgia Senate vote, a crucial event that determined the state’s political direction. He partnered with the group #Survingthesystem, a collective of returning citizens, ex-offenders, and survivors of human trafficking. Dr. Bryant’s efforts extended to poor neighborhoods, where he assisted voters in reaching the polls, demonstrating our church’s active role in societal matters.
February 2021 was a month of profound impact at New Birth. During Week One, we focused on empowering our community, a testament to our unwavering commitment to social justice. In a significant gesture of support, New Birth donated $10,000 to Until Freedom, a renowned social justice organization. This substantial contribution enabled Until Freedom to continue their vital work, helping individuals reintegrate into society after incarceration. Their resilience and dedication inspire us and should make us all proud to be part of this journey towards justice and freedom for everyone.
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Mar – Jul
In March 2021, Texas faced a devastating winter storm, marking it as the most expensive natural disaster in the state’s history. New Birth Missionary Baptist Church responded with compassion. We dispatched trucks with essential supplies like toiletries and water to aid the affected. Additionally, we extended our support to Mississippi’s Water Crisis, sending trucks of water, donated items, and monetary gifts. This act of love underscores our commitment to serving those in need.
New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is constantly spreading the gospel in unconventional ways! In April 2021, New Birth launched a billboard in Times Square in New York City, a prime location that reaches a diverse and large audience. There is no limit to what God can do!
In July 2021, Dr. Bryant collaborated with the city of Stonecrest and the Allen Entrepreneurial Institute to introduce the New Black Wall Street. Inspired by the history of ‘Black Wall Street’ in Tulsa, Oklahoma, this world-class facility showcases some of metro Atlanta’s emerging businesses. In line with the original, the initiative aims to boost the size and number of minority and women-owned businesses in the U.S. by promoting and increasing patronage. This partnership underscores our commitment to economic empowerment and encourages support for these businesses.
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Sep – Nov
In September 2021, we declared, ‘It is not Charity—it is Ministry.’ New Birth Missionary Baptist Church helped families evacuate Louisiana due to Hurricane Ida with $500 and a week of lodging at a hotel, gift certificates, clothing, food, counseling, prayer, and job placement. We serve the community!
In November 2021, Dr. Bryant and many Civil Rights Leaders, including Reverend Al Sharpton and Attorney Ben Crump, stood tall on the steps of the Brunswick Georgia Courthouse to pray and show support to the family of our brother Ahmaud Arbery, who was jogging near his home on the outskirts of Brunswick, GA. He was shot and killed after being pursued by two white men with guns, according to authorities.
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Nov – Dec
2019 was wrapped up with more impactful missions, globally and locally. November 29 – December 9, a team of six led by Elder Carla Stokes provided ministry in Kenya. The last month of the year saw local ministry with enormous blessings for the homeless community in metropolitan Atlanta. New Birth delivered 832 coats to homeless shelters (Covenant House, Safe House, Gateway, Atlanta City Mission, and Our House – Atlanta & Decatur); and 600 coats were given away to the homeless downtown in Hurt Park and at Tent City; 225 coats were given to other individuals and organizations (VMI, Rockdale County Schools, Phoenix Pass Transitional Housing, South Fulton County High School Students via The Love Care Package & Positive Transitional Services).
Partnering with New York-based nonprofit RIP Medical Debt, New Birth made a significant impact by canceling nearly $1.3 million in medical debt for 1,200 people in DeKalb County, Georgia. This debt relief effort, launched during the 2019 Christmas holiday season, was a surprise blessing and was warmly welcomed by the recipients. It’s a testament to Dr. Bryant’s commitment to empowering people, not just spiritually, but also financially.
2022 – Business as Unusual
Dr. Bryant declared that 2022 will be a year like no other. In 2022, we witnessed a remarkable milestone: New Birth Missionary Baptist church’s staggering $32 million mortgage debt reduced to $15 million! This significant reduction was a sign of our financial progress and resilience, even during a pandemic. It’s a testament to our unity and commitment to the church’s economic health.
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Jan – Feb
In January 2022, Dr. Bryant joined forces with Faith for Black Lives, a coalition of twenty-five leaders nationwide, to launch a hunger strike. This decisive action urged Congress to pass voting rights legislation on January 6, 2022, aligning with our church’s social justice mission.
February 2022 was a historical event for New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. We celebrated Black History by visiting the most historical cities of our culture: Selman, Tuskegee, and Montgomery. In each of these cities, our production team did a fantastic set-up; the worship experience was unforgettable, and Dr. Bryant delivered impactful messages that turned the world upside down. It was a moment of pride for our church, showcasing our rich history and vibrant community.
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April
In April 2022, Dr. Bryant and a dozen Georgia Faith Leaders stood at the King Center to rally against voter suppression.
Also, Dr. Bryant and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church held a rally on the church’s campus called the Gas on God Giveaway. New Birth gave away free $50 gas cards redeemable at Q.T. Dr. Bryant stated, “When we hear about problems, we pray and ask God for a solution.”
In April 2022, New Birth demonstrated its commitment to community service and generosity by hosting a Goodwill clothing drive. This event was not just a donation drive but a testament to our church’s spirit of giving, as New Birth Missionary Baptist Church emerged as the biggest donor of clothes to Goodwill.
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Jun – Sep
In June 2022, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church hosted one of the largest festivals in our church’s history: Impact Festival Health and Wellness, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, who made a substantial donation. New Birth partnered with various healthcare providers to provide free COVID testing, vaccines, prostate screenings, and more. There were also multiple vendors, food trucks, live performances, and games for the children. Thousands came to the New Birth campus and enjoyed the bright summer day.
In September 2022, Dr. Bryant partnered with Deion Sanders and Life Beyond Water to help alleviate the pressure of the water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi.
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Oct – Dec
In October 2022, The Road to One Million documentary of the King’s Table premiered excellently in movie style. New Birth rented a movie theater, and there were red carpet arrivals and pictures galore! We also streamed live on all our social media platforms.
In November 2022, Dr. Bryant covered the midterm election on national and international platforms, such as BBC News. BBC News broadcasts from London and is one of the world’s most prominent and formidable news outlets. New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is genuinely called to have a Global impact.
In December 2022, Dr. Bryant and a few hundred people from the church and community journeyed through Bethlehem for 10 incredible, eye-opening days! They truly experienced the word of God.
2023 No More Vacancies
Dr. Bryant declared that it is time for the church and our lives to be filled again. We shall have more than enough!
On February 5, 2023, Dr. Bryant received President Joe Biden’s Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. Later that day, on their Urban Hymnal project, he won a Grammy for Best Gospel Roots Album alongside TSU, the first HBCU to win a Grammy. The album revised the excellent hymnals of our culture, and later that night, he won a 2nd Grammy for Best Spoken Album of the Year. Dr. Bryant’s achievements testify to the power of faith and dedication.
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June
June 2023, Dr. Bryant presented INNOV8: Develop Leaders; Build Legacy. The conference acted as a bridge connecting attendees with information and knowledge from some of the country’s most prolific voices, such as Bishop Noel Jones, Dr. Darius Daniels, and many more. Thousands of attendees attended the conference. There were business classes in the day sessions, networking opportunities, and evening sessions with spiritual and practical impartation.
Also, in June 2023, our church significantly contributed to our community. We awarded our youth over $100,000 in scholarship funds, a testament to our commitment to their education and future. We are proud to be able to support our youths in this way!
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August – November
In August 2023, in honor of the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington, Dr. Bryant and New Birth took a trip to Washington, DC, supporting Reverend Al Sharpton and the pledge: Get On The Bus.
Dr. Bryant is always on the cutting and competitive edge. In October, New Birth hosted a cinematic sermon experience. We transformed the sanctuary into a movie theater, where Dr. Bryant took biblical truths and matched them to box-office hits! We found new revelations in something we thought was familiar.
In November 2023, Dr. Bryant invited the congregation and community to the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Community Healthcare of America Clinic at New Birth. New Birth’s mission goes beyond spiritual wellness—we’re embracing holistic ministry like never before. From exams to x-rays, the clinic is fully equipped to care for your physical well-being.
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December
December 2023 was a momentous occasion! We celebrated a significant milestone in our church’s journey with a special graduation and ordination ceremony for the ministers and elders who were licensed and ordained and completed their education at New York Theological Seminary. The ministers and elders have committed themselves to higher learning and spiritual leadership.
In December 2023, Dr. Bryant traveled with hundreds of our congregation and extended family to Ghana to trace the ancestral trail of black heritage. The group visited the waters where our ancestors bathed and the dungeons where they spent their final days.
2024 – The Year of Answered Prayers
Dr. Bryant declared 2024 The Year of Answered Prayers. This is a declaration and a call for our entire community to come together. He outlined a structured approach for the year: daily prayers shared in our Facebook Prayer Group, a Weekly Corporate Fast on Tuesdays and Monthly corporate prayer on the first Saturdays.
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January
Also, in January 2024, Dr. Bryant and the New Birth family offered to pay legal fees for Pastor Chris Avell from Dad’s Place in Bryan, Ohio. Pastor Chris was in a legal battle for housing homeless people in his church. Dr. Bryant stated that God will not hear our prayers if we do not care for the poor. What better way to confirm his word than with an example to back it up?
In January 2024, Dr. Bryant launched a podcast, “Let’s Be Clear,” which has garnered millions of listeners in its first months. The podcast delves into various topics, from trending issues to controversial debates, all to uplift our community. Notably, Dr. Cornel West was one of his esteemed guests.
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February – March
In February 2024, New Birth Missionary Church opened a cultural African Textile Museum. This museum is not just a collection of textiles and art but a testament to our rich heritage. It will immerse everyone who visits in the beauty and diversity of African culture, a heritage we all share and should be proud of.
In March 2024, Dr. Bryant was the guest chaplain at our Capitol for Georgia and was part of the address to Georgia’s State House. He spent the day challenging Georgia’s legislators to do more for the state’s citizens for economic development. New Birth also celebrated its 40th Anniversary and welcomed home Pastor Jesse Carney III.
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May
In May 2024, New Birth celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for the 150 mini homes being built and developed on the grounds of New Birth. Charter members were awarded and lauded for their dedication and commitment to the vision of New Birth.
Celebrate, Celebrate, Celebrate – Dr. Jamal Bryant announced his engagement to Dr. Karri Ann Turner on May 27. Congratulations to the happy couple!
New Birth’s Humble Beginnings 1939 – 1987