Impact Movement to Draw 3,000 Black College Students

By Audrey Barrick, Christian Post Reporter Monday, December 18, 2006

One of the nation's largest gatherings of black Christian college students is expected to impact 3,000 people this winter break.

The Impact Movement, a ministry developing emerging African American leaders, hosts its biennial national conference on Dec. 27 in Atlanta. Featured artists include Grammy Award nominee Israel & New Breed and Da' T.R.U.T.H.

"Sometimes we need a jump start to get passionate about life," said Erin Burton, a University of Missouri student who attended the 2004 National Impact Conference, and is planning to attend again this year, according to a new release. "The National Impact Conference changed my life and inspired me to share a message of hope with my peers."

The five-day National Impact Conference is set to create a generation focused on Jesus Christ stepping up and addressing the problems affecting "black America."

"With all the opportunities we've been given through higher education and some of the hottest platforms in the entertainment and sports worlds, our community is still dying without hope," said Impact's promotional video.

"The gospel must be a priority to see a lasting change take place among our people," it added.

On one of the five days, students will partner with local churches for a day of outreach and witnessing to neighbors.

Attendants of the 2006 conference, themed "Arise," include college students, marketplace professionals and ministers from across the country. They join the more than 12,000 people who have participated in the National Impact Conference.

Speakers at the large-scale gathering include national motivational speaker Priscilla Shirer and Dr. Crawford Loritts, pastor of Fellowship Bible Church in Roswell, Ga., among others.

For the music artists, Israel & New Breed isn’t new to the Impact scene. The band is a favorite among frequent attendants and even in the secular music industry. Earlier this month, the Gospel artist received the most Grammy Award nominations from among the Gospel/Christian artists, joining artists like Beyonce and rapper T.I.

The Impact Movement began as a conference in 1991 is now a movement of evangelism and discipleship reaching thousands of African American college students.