"I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name." Ephesians 3:13-15
Rev. John William Hackley was a significant figure in African American history and theology. He was a grandson of Sarah Madden and grew up to become a key figure on the Underground Railroad, a church planter, and the founder of the Anti-Slavery Baptist Association. He is considered by some to be the "Father of Liberation Theology" for his work in promoting freedom and justice for African Americans during a time when slavery was still legal. Hackley was a liberator, both in the literal sense as he helped escaped slaves reach freedom, and in the theological sense, as he sought to liberate black people from the cultural and spiritual oppression of slavery through his preaching and writing. He was an avid reader and writer and passed on his passion for words to his descendants, inspiring them to use their voices to bring about change.
John William Hackley's letters to his grandmother Sarah Madden, who could not read or write, were read to her by a sympathetic neighbor. These letters kept the family connected and informed, even as they lived miles apart. The love and affection demonstrated in these letters shows how important family was to John William and how much he valued his heritage.
Rev. John William Hackley had a profound impact on his family, especially Dr. Jeremiah C. Hackley, and on African American history and theology. Through his activism, writing, and preaching, he inspired generations to stand up for justice and to use their voices to bring about change. He remains a powerful figure today and a testament to the power of love, family, and faith.
Eternal Impact Living: A Two Century Relationship Between Grandfather John and Great Grandson Jeremiah
Rev. John William Hackley's impact on Dr. Jeremiah and the Hackley descendants is significant and multi-layered. Rev. John William Hackley, the grandson of Sarah Madden, was a key figure in the Underground Railroad and the principle founder of the Anti-Slavery Baptist Association. He was an early advocate for black liberation and is considered to be the Father of Liberation Theology. He challenged the dominant culture's ideas about God and religion and used his platform as a theologian to fight for freedom and justice for African Americans. The fact that Rev. John William Hackley was able to write letters to Sarah Madden and keep her informed of his family's whereabouts shows the resilience and determination of the early generations of African Americans to maintain their cultural and familial ties despite the obstacles they faced.
Sarah Madden's commitment to protect and pass on her vision for the future to her descendants inspired her family to follow in her footsteps. This tradition of keeping words alive and protected throughout history has been passed down through the generations, and Dr. Jeremiah C. Hackley is a recipient of this legacy. The discovery of Rev. John William Hackley's letters and his role in the Anti-Slavery Baptist Association has given Dr. Jeremiah C. Hackley a deeper understanding of his ancestral heritage and the value of preserving the past. He recognizes the revolutionary act of reading and writing as a black man in that time and the importance of passing on that legacy to future generations.
Rev. John William Hackley's legacy has inspired Dr. Jeremiah C. Hackley to use his own platform as a theologian to continue the work of liberation theology. He is determined to keep the words and traditions of his ancestors alive and protected and to use them to create a better future for all people. Rev. John William Hackley's impact on Dr. Jeremiah C. Hackley is a testament to the power of heritage and the transformative impact of ancestor worship.
Don't Start From Scratch, Start From Within: The Importance of Leaders Researching Their Legacy
Leaders are often faced with the challenge of modernizing and transforming organizations. However, starting from scratch is not the answer. Instead, leaders should focus on researching and understanding their organization's legacy. By exploring the organization's history, leaders can gain valuable insights into its values, culture, and strengths, which can inform future decisions and actions. Researching one's legacy is essential in creating a sense of continuity and preserving the organization's unique identity. It also helps leaders to identify potential gaps and areas for improvement, and to make decisions that align with the organization's purpose and mission. Additionally, researching one's legacy can also help leaders to build trust and credibility within the organization. When leaders demonstrate that they understand and appreciate the organization's history, they are more likely to earn the respect and support of employees and stakeholders.
Leaders who prioritize researching their legacy are better equipped to make informed decisions that positively impact their organization. Rather than starting from scratch, leaders should start from within and build upon their organization's legacy to drive meaningful change and growth.
The Importance of Research for Family and Organizational Resurgence
Researching your legacy is an important part of understanding the impact you have had in your organization and community. It helps you identify areas of improvement and build on what has been successful in the past. Here are some key points and steps to follow when conducting legacy research: Define your legacy: Start by understanding what you want to learn about your legacy. Consider both your positive and negative impact and the areas where you want to focus your research.
- Gather information: Conduct internal research by reviewing documents, reports, and data within your organization. This can include meeting minutes, performance reviews, and feedback from employees. You can also reach out to former employees, stakeholders, and customers to gain insight into your legacy.
- Evaluate the information: Once you have gathered information, it’s important to evaluate it. Consider the reliability of the source and how it relates to your legacy. It’s also important to keep an open mind and be willing to acknowledge both positive and negative aspects of your legacy.
- Identify patterns and trends: Look for patterns and trends in the information you have gathered. This can help you identify areas for improvement and understand the impact you have had on the organization and community.
- Reflect on the findings: Take time to reflect on the information you have gathered and how it relates to your legacy. This can help you gain a better understanding of your impact and identify areas where you can make improvements.
- Take action: Finally, use the information you have gathered to make meaningful changes in your leadership style and approach. This can include changes to your behavior, communication style, and decision-making processes.
Legacy research is an important tool for leaders to understand their impact and make improvements. By following these steps, you can conduct effective legacy research and make meaningful changes in your leadership style.
