Washington, D.C. –Bread for the World welcomes Rev. Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith as the new associate for national African-American church engagement. Walker-Smith succeeds Bishop Don DiXon Williams, who announced his retirement this spring after 26 years with the organization.
“It’s no secret that hunger and poverty disproportionately impact people of color,” said Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World. “We are excited to have someone with such passion and experience build upon the solid foundation Don has laid for Bread for the World over the last quarter-century to ensure that African-Americans have a voice in this fight.”
Walker-Smith formerly served as the executive director of the Church Federation of Greater Indianapolis for 19 years, overseeing a broad range of ecumenical activities. Her diverse background also includes years of experience with the National Council of Churches, World Council of Churches, and as moderator of the Justice Plenary, among others. Her resume also includes experience in Africa. She plans to expand Bread for the World’s focus to build bridges to and within the African Diaspora.
“It has been a blessing to work with Bread for the World in the fight to end hunger,” said Williams. “While I will truly miss this work and my ‘Bread family,’ I know Angelique’s passion for justice and strong background will help take the organization to new heights and further augment our work in the African-American community.”
A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Walker-Smith is a graduate of Kent State University. She earned her master’s degree from Yale University Divinity School in 1983, and went on to become the first African-American woman to graduate from the doctor of ministry program at Princeton Theological Seminary.
Walker-Smith will assume her new role on July 29, 2014.
