Lighting the path

for future generations.

The Beautiful Are The Feet Award is a lifetime achievement award acknowledging and celebrating the gifts and sacrifices of ministry and social activism evidenced and bestowed upon the African American and African Church community.

The Beautiful Are The Feet Award was established by the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Inc. as a living tribute to the enduring legacy of Dr. Samuel DeWitt Proctor – the distinguished preacher, pastor, scholar, activist, and mentor whose life embodied the highest ideals of ministry and public service.

Embodying the spirit of Romans 10:15 – bringing good news, peace, and hope to the world, the award was created to honor faith leaders whose lives and ministries illuminate paths of justice, wisdom, and love for future generations. From its inception, it has served as a lifetime achievement recognition, celebrating those who have exemplified excellence in preaching, teaching, scholarship, social activism, and community service within the African American and African Church traditions.

Rev. Dr. Samuel DeWitt Proctor

Rev. Dr. Gardner C. Taylor, Rev. Dr. Wyatt T. Walker

Rev. Dr. Henry H. Mitchell, Rev. Dr. Ella P. Mitchell

The inaugural class of 2004 charter honorees – Rev. Dr. Ella P. Mitchell, Rev. Dr. Henry H. Mitchell, Rev. Dr. Gardner C. Taylor, and Rev. Dr. Wyatt T. Walker – set the standard for generations to follow.

Guided by the words of Rev. Dr. John W. Kinney, Dean Emeritus of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, each honoree represents a light in the ongoing journey toward liberation, wholeness, and authentic celebration. Over the years, the Beautiful Are Their Feet Gala has evolved into a cherished annual tradition – recognizing servant leaders whose work continues to shape theology, uplift communities, and advance the moral and spiritual vision of Dr. Proctor’s legacy.

Today, the award stands as a testament to faith in action – honoring those who not only proclaim good news but embody it, their footsteps lighting the way for generations yet to come.

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