Rooted in the spiritual foundation of the civil rights movement, the committee mobilizes faith leaders and congregations to address injustice, uplift communities, and advance the NAACP’s mission.
Advocate for Civil Rights and Justice
Gain Legal and Advocacy Experience
Educate the Community
Influence Policy Reform
Religious Affairs Committee CHAIR
Rev. Wm. L. Strickland
A Faithful Shepherd Leading With Wisdom, Service, and Purpose
Reverend Wm. L. Strickland is a devoted servant of God, visionary pastor, and lifelong educator whose ministry is grounded in sound biblical teaching and a deep love for Christ. He accepted God’s call into the gospel ministry under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Dr. F. Keith Slaughter and preached his initial sermon, “I Am What I Am,” in November 2000 at Brown Chapel Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. He was ordained in 2002 and later served as Interim Pastor at Brown Chapel.
In 2004, Rev. Strickland joined Cornerstone Community Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. W. J. Lawson, where he faithfully served as Youth Pastor. In January 2008, he was called to serve as Pastor of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, where he continues to lead with a mission of “Reaching In to Reach Out for Christ.”
In addition to his pastoral calling, Rev. Strickland is a veteran educator with more than 31 years of service in the Atlanta area. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Dillard University and a Master of Education from the State University of West Georgia, along with Educational Specialist studies from Northcentral University. His career includes service as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal, retiring after a distinguished career dedicated to youth development.
Rev. Strickland is married to Lekina Dykes Strickland, and together they are the proud parents of two children, Zion Immanuel Amari and Adoria Imani. Guided by a servant’s heart, he remains committed to faithfully serving the Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church family and the greater Christian community through pastoral leadership, spiritual guidance, and biblical instruction.