Begin Again! Roots, Sacred Rhetoric & Revolutionary Mothering
“Children are the ways that the world begins again and again.”
– June Jordan in “The Creative Spirit: Children’s Literature” of Revolutionary Mothering: Love on the Front Lines
Children’s Defense Fund is calling the circle — people of faith, children’s advocates, moral exemplars, and community organizers — home to Alex Haley Farm, July 13-16, 2026, for this year’s Hall-Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry. We will ground ourselves in the 50th anniversary of Roots, and a true witness of the American family under our theme, “Begin Again! Roots, Sacred Rhetoric & Revolutionary Mothering.”
“To do your first works over means to reexamine everything… travel your road again and tell the truth about it.”
– James Baldwin in “The Price of the Ticket”
Together at the Farm, servant leaders will learn, mourn, reflect, celebrate, connect, and build the world in which our children will build a new world. In conversation and action, at least three generations of participants will consider our values and co-create community with policymakers, faith leaders, advocates for systems change, children, and families. Join us in this emancipatory project.
Early bird registration for the 2026 Hall-Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry is open through March 9.
2026 Featured Leaders
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Rev. Dr. Leslie D. Callahan
Pastor-in-Residence Pastor, St. Paul’s Baptist Church
Learn More about Rev. Dr. Leslie D. Callahan -
Rev. Dr. Deborah Krause
Dean of Chapel President, Eden Theological Seminary
Learn More about Rev. Dr. Deborah Krause -
Rev. Dr. Kenyatta R. Gilbert
Theologian-in-ResidenceDean, Howard University School of Divinity
Learn More about Rev. Dr. Kenyatta R. Gilbert -
Tamura Lomax, Ph.D.
Theologian-in-ResidenceAuthor, “Freeing Black Girls: A Black Feminist Bible on Racism and Revolutionary Mothering”
Learn More about Tamura Lomax, Ph.D.
2026 Hall-Proctor Lineup
The Hall-Proctor Institute is known to gather some of the most prophetic and justice-oriented theological voices. Check out this year’s full list of confirmed leaders and speakers.
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About the Institute
Named in honor of Rev. Dr. Prathia B. Hall and Rev. Dr. Samuel DeWitt Proctor, the Hall-Proctor Institute brings together faith leaders and child advocates for renewal, inspiration, and preparation for the work of justice. Held annually on the hallowed grounds of CDF Haley Farm in Clinton, TN, this year’s Institute invites you to join us in beginning again by returning to our roots, exploring sacred rhetoric, and prioritizing care as a collective call to action.
We will strategize and struggle, organize and advocate, and through it all, find strength to fulfill the sacred obligation we have to our children. The Hall-Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry is a place where faith, action, and joy come together to build a better world.