Healing Conversations: Are Black Men Endangered

A roundtable discussion about life for the typical black man in the United States, and what can be done to change the perceptions. Featuring Pastor Michael Jones, Marriage and Family Therapist Nathan McGuire, and Shannon Williams of the Indianapolis Recorder.

Michael K. Jones

Reverend Michael K. Jones was born in St. Paul Minnesota on January 4, 1964 to Mr. and Mrs. Sam H. Jones. He grew up in Indianapolis and upon completion of high school, was admitted to and attended Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. Reverend Jones completed his BA degree in economics from Harvard in 1986.
​


He then attended Christian Theological Seminary of Indianapolis, IN in 1990. In May of 1994 he earned a Master of Divinity degree.
In September of 1994, Reverend Jones accepted the call to pastor the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church of Indianapolis, IN. Pastor Jones believes in the philosophy that you can\'t lead where you won\'t go and you can\'t teach what you don\'t know.

​​


The Church, under Pastor Jones leadership, is taking on many challenges and continues the fight for social justice, human dignity and spiritual development. As a result, the church has partnered with Dave Ramsey to form a “Financial Peace University” to teach financial literacy and practical strategies for financial success to our members and the community.

Pastor Jones loves Progressive Missionary Baptist Church and is committed to serving it as long as God allows.

Progressive Baptist Church

Shannon Williams

Shannon Williams is the President and General Manager of The Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, America’s fourth oldest surviving African-American newspaper as well as the Indiana Minority Business Magazine. This national award-winning journalist has demonstrated tremendous skills in the areas of communications, leadership and advocacy.


Her tenure at the 118-year-old publication began in 2000 as Marketing and Circulation Manager. Recognizing her vast managerial and written skills, Shannon was promoted to Assistant Editor a year later and in 2002 her position elevated to Editor; making her the youngest to hold such a title in the history of the company. After only six years at the Recorder, Shannon successfully reached Vice-President status. She began her tenure as president in 2010 at the age of 33.


With a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications, Shannon uses her knowledge to continuously evolve the newspaper and magazine, making both publications financially-sound and editorially viable. Through her leadership and tremendous work ethic, the newspaper’s readership is at an all-time high of 111,000 and the magazine proudly distributes 35,000 issues each quarter throughout Indiana.
In addition her day-to-day responsibilities with the newspaper and magazine, Shannon also hosts television and radio shows, publically speaks on a variety of topics and is involved in several community organizations. Some of her recent board involvement includes serving on the executive committee of the Crossroads of America Boys Scouts Council, the Madame Walker Theatre Center, the IUPUI Library Board, the American Advertising Federation of Indianapolis, the Edna Martin Christian Center, and the National Newspaper Publishers Association. The talented businesswoman recently made history as the first African-American to serve on the Hoosier State Press Association.


Throughout her extensive career, Shannon received numerous local, regional and national awards for her journalistic excellence, community advocacy and her vast leadership skills. Shannon’s business acumen also resulted in her being featured in Ebony magazine as one of the country’s emerging leaders.
Shannon is a member of Alpha Kappa A

The Indianapolis Recorder

Nathan McGuire

Nathan McGuire is a Marriage and Family Counselor and a certified instructor for the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program. He works with individuals, couples and families as they seek to understand and grow through the various challenges life brings. A consistent theme of Nathan\'s approach is supporting clients in their efforts to discover and become more fully the person they were created to be. With The Love Connection Radio Program, Nathan has now taken this message of healthy relationships to the air waves. Through workshops, preaching, teaching opportunities and counseling, Nathan has a passion for people to experience the love and healing presence of God.

Nathan on Facebook