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
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.
Reserve your seat for the 2026 Beautiful Are Their Feet Gala
Rev. Dr. Henry H. Mitchell, Rev. Dr. Ella P. Mitchell
2026 Beautiful Are The Feet Honorees
Past Beautiful Are The Feet Honorees
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Rev, Dr. Ella Mitchell
2004 Honoree
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Henry H. Mitchell
2004 Honoree
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Rev. Gardner C. Taylor
2004 Honoree
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Wyatt Tee Walker
2004 Honoree
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Rev. Dr. Charles Adam
2005 Honoree
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Archbishop Desmond Tutu
2005 Honoree
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Rev. Dr. Gayraud Wilmore
2005 Honoree
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Rev. Dr. Addie Wyat
2005 Honoree
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Rev. Dr. James Forbes, Jr
2008 Honoree
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Dr. Dorothy Height
2008 Honoree
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Rev. Dr. John Kinney
2008 Honoree
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Dr. Wangari Maathi
2008 Honoree
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Dr. Anne E. Streaty Wimberly
2008 Honoree
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Albert Raboteau
2022 Honoree
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Henry McNeal Turner
2022 Honoree
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Howard Thurman
2022 Honoree
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Lucy Farrow
2022 Honoree
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Prathia Hall
2022 Honoree
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Nannie Helen Burroughs
2022 Honoree
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Rosetta Tharpe
2022 Honoree
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Fannie Lou Hame
2022 Honoree
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Callie House
2022 Honoree
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C. Eric Lincoln
2022 Honoree
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Bridget Biddy Mason
2022 Honoree
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Bayard Rustin
2022 Honoree
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Hon. Rev. Dr. Suzan Johnson-Cook
2023 Honoree
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Rev. Dr. John Mende
2023 Honoree
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Dr. Sandye A. Wilson
2023 Honoree
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Bishop Frank Madison-Reid
2023 Honoree
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Rev. Dr. David Daniels
2023 Honoree
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Rev. Dr. Melinda Contreras-Byrd
2023 Honoree
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Rev. Nelson & Mrs. Joyce Johnson
2023 Honoree
