On Friday, May 18th, the Westside Future Fund hosted its 10th Summit of 2018. The Summit featured opening speaker Manny Ohonme, Co-Founder, CEO & President of Samaritan’s Feet, remarks by Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy and a featured presentation by Dr. Edward Wheeler, President of Interdenominational Theological Center.

Opening Devotion: Emmanuel “Manny” Ohonme grew up in Lagos, Nigeria and received his first pair of shoes from a “good samaritan” at age nine. This small act went on to change his life, and now he’s made it his mission to transform the lives of other children in need. Samaritan’s Feet “serves and inspires hope in children by providing shoes as the foundation to a spiritual and healthy life resulting in the advancement of education and economic opportunities.”

Attendee Self-introductions

Westside Future Fund and Community Announcements 

• Atlanta Business Chronicle – Westside Market Report
• Westside Volunteer Corps’ May Day of Service — A Day in the Park.

Featured Presentation: Dr. Edward Wheerler, President, Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC)

Edward Wheeler has been at the helm of ITC since January 2015 and has long personal and professional roots in Atlanta and beyond, including being a member of the first graduating class of Harper High School in 1964 and subsequently earning degrees from Morehouse College and Emory University. Recently, Dr. Wheeler authored an essay in the second annual Westside Market Report published by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, touching on the theme of the Beloved Community as envisioned by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In his remarks at the Summit, Dr. Wheeler spoke on the topic of “Unveiling Atlanta’s Best Kept Secret,” in which he highlighted some of ITC’s notable educational and economic distinctions, its historical significance in the context of Atlanta’s Civil Rights Movement, and the legacy of the school’s impactful graduates. From its $17 million in total economic impact to its inclusive Afrocentric perspective, Dr. Wheeler stressed that ITC wants to be a vessel of faith and hope in the community, help transform lives, and become recognized as a celebrated contributor to the vision of the Beloved Community.

Watch the full Summit below!

Check out our Facebook page for photos from the Summit!