OUR HISTORY
The history of the People of African Descent New Thought Group (PADNTG), Inc. is a testament to the power of collective spiritual action in the face of systemic trauma. The organization’s genesis can be traced directly to June 15, 2015, following the tragic shooting at Mother Emanuel Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. This act of violence served as a catalyst for New Thought leaders to examine their role in addressing racial injustice.
Initially, the response was led by Reverend Summer and June Guzy, who convened a conference call with Black Unity ministers. The primary objective was to determine how the Unity movement could provide a meaningful spiritual response to such hatred. This
dialogue birthed the Charleston Group—an informal but dedicated assembly of Unity ministers who committed to meeting monthly via conference call (this was pre-Zoom!).
These calls continued for over five years. These ministers recognized that silence was no longer a spiritual option. They didn’t have a roadmap, but they had a call to action.
A Sacred Space for Support and Survival
At first, the Charleston Group was a lifeline of support for Black ministers in Unity. Imagine a group of ministers—often the only ones of their color in high-level leadership circles—finally having a closed-door space. They weren’t just discussing theology; they
were discussing survival.
They talked about the ups and downs of institutional ministry, the exhaustion of being the only one in the room, and the unique hurdles of growing urban ministries. It became a sacred sanctuary where everyone involved could be authentically Black and authentically New Thought without apology or explanation.
By 2016, just one year after its inception, the Charleston Group’s influence began to permeate the broader Unity movement. They organized an African American luncheon at the Unity Worldwide Ministries annual convention, showcasing the talent and leadership of Black ministers and leaders. The group also facilitated workshops and panel discussions during the 2017 and 2018 Unity Worldwide Ministries conventions, ensuring that the perspectives of people of African descent were integrated into the
national conversation.
Expanding the Vision Beyond Unity
Leaders like Reverend Gregory Guice and Reverend Edith Washington-Woods recognized that the mission needed to transcend the Unity denomination. The goal was to create a pan-denominational movement that included Centers for Spiritual Living (CSL) and the Universal Foundation for Better Living (UFBL), alongside Unity.
This collaborative spirit led to the organization's official rebranding as the People of African Descent New Thought Group (PADNTG). The name was selected with intentionality, moving beyond “African American” to encompass the global African diaspora—acknowledging the interconnectedness of Black spiritual seekers worldwide.
Establishing a Home at Unity Village
PADNTG found a physical home at Unity Village. Historically, Unity Village has been at the heart of the New Thought movement, and by hosting PADNTG conferences there, the group asserted its rightful place within that heritage.
The 2022 and 2024 conferences were more than just meetings—they were revivals of the mind. These gatherings featured profound speakers and ministers of African descent, blending rigorous metaphysical teaching with the soul-stirring traditions of the African American spiritual experience.
FOUNDING MEMBERS
Rev. Saba Mchunguzi
Rev. Celeste Frazier
Rev. Celeste Frazier
Rev. Celeste Frazier
Rev. Celeste Frazier
Rev. Celeste Frazier
Rev. Carolyn Douglas
Rev. Celeste Frazier
Rev. Edith Washington-Woods.
Rev. Edith Washington-Woods.
Rev. Edith Washington-Woods.
Rev. Edith Washington-Woods.
Rev. Sandra Campbell
Rev. Edith Washington-Woods.
Rev. D. Jacquelyn Edwards
Rev. D. Jacquelyn Edwards
Rev. Edith Washington-Woods.
Rev. D. Jacquelyn Edwards
Stacey Saadiq, RScP
Stacey Saadiq, RScP
Stacey Saadiq, RScP
Rev. Rodney Gittens
Stacey Saadiq, RScP
Stacey Saadiq, RScP
Rev. Anna Price
Stacey Saadiq, RScP
Rev. Gregory Guice
Rev. Gregory Guice
Rev. Shirley Lawson
Rev. Gregory Guice
Rev. Jerry Hobby
Rev. Shirley Lawson
Rev. Shirley Lawson
Rev. Shirley Lawson
Rev. Shirley Lawson
Rev. Shirley Lawson
Rev. Carol Hunt
Rev. Vernelle Jackson
Rev. Linda McLeod
Rev. Linda McLeod
Rev. Vernelle Jackson
Rev. Linda McLeod
Rev. Vernelle Jackson
Rev. Vernelle Jackson
Rev. Vernelle Jackson
OUR PARTNERS
