The John & Vera Mae Perkins Foundation 10 Legacy Schools initiative is exploding with hope and potential! Ten incredible schools handpicked to embody the Perkins’ unwavering commitment to education, civil rights, and community service are shining beacons of progress. These aren’t just classrooms; they’re launchpads for future leaders! Students aren’t just receiving an education; they’re becoming catalysts for change, empowered to make a real difference in their communities. This network is transforming lives from Jackson State University, an HBCU with a 65-year Perkins legacy scholarship, to institutions focused on theological studies and leadership. Through mentorship, academic excellence, and community engagement, a new generation of changemakers is rising, ready to carry the Perkins’ legacy into a more just and equitable world!
Wake Forest University School of Divinity: John M Perkins Divinity Fund
The purpose of the Dr. John M. Perkins Divinity Fund is to provide a scholarship, or other financial aid which may be awarded in the form of stipends for internships, to students attending the Wake Forest University School of Divinity. The scholarships and financial aid will be given to students seeking a theological education to enhance – their ability to bring restoration to communities of need, bring dignity to the poor and create partnerships among Christian communities. Recipients may elect to intern at the John and Vera Mae Perkins Foundation in Jackson, Mississippi or elsewhere. Recipients may be given a published book by Dr. Perkins. Wake Forest will develop and maintain appropriate procedures as necessary to accomplish the Fund’s purpose.
Click here to visit the Wake Forest University School of Divinity
Moody Bible Institute: The John M. Perkins Chair
The John M. Perkins Chair in Christian Community Development, Biblical Justice and Reconciliation honors the work of Dr. John M. Perkins’ life in the areas of gospel-centered community transformation, biblical justice, and reconciliation.
Motivated by his love for the Lord and the transformational power of the gospel in his own life and family, Dr. Perkins has dedicated his life’s work to coming alongside men and women in their communities, preaching the good news that God is just and His plan, redemptive (Ps. 33:5, Luke 4:18–19, Matt. 23:23, Rev. 20:4–6, Zech. 8:4, Isa. 58:12, Gal. 2:10). His 3 Rs of Christian community development (Relocation, Reconciliation, and Redistribution) have literally revolutionized communities across the globe, equipping many in these most marginalized communities to experience the love of Christ in the everyday experience. Through a strong commitment to practically demonstrate this truth, Dr. Perkins has lived a life dedicated to holistic church and community revitalization, biblical justice, and gospel-centered human flourishing. Moody Bible Institute is
pleased to recognize the indelible mark Dr. Perkins has left on the global church through this endowed chair.
Calvin University: Perkins Fellows
Ontario, Canada: John Perkins Centre
The Perkins Centre opened in Ontario, Canada in 2011 with 46 studio apartments, a community centre, and commercial rental space. Please visit their website for more information!
Lawndale Community in Chicago: John Perkins Center
In 1975, Dr. John M. Perkins’s close friend and co-founder of the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA), Wayne Gordon, moved to North Lawndale located in Chicago. At that time, North Lawndale was the 15th poorest neighborhood in the United States. Wayne and Anne Gordon, along with some local high school students, founded Lawndale Community Church. Since then, Lawndale has grown to include the Lawndale Christian Health Center, the Lawndale Christian Development Corporation, the Lawndale Christian Legal Center, and the John Perkins Center.
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary: Dr. John M. Perkins, Chair Endowment
Northern Seminary of Illinois: John M. Perkins Fellows
Northern Seminary of Illinois has the John Perkins Fellows, who are a part of the Master of Divinity program with an emphasis in Christian Community Development. Throughout the course of the program students are mentored, participate in urban ministry internships, and receive first-hand training from top urban ministry leaders. Benefits of the program include the mentorship provided along with in-context learning for practical ministry training, as well as community building designed to allow participants to create a network of supportive peers.
Seattle Pacific: John M. Perkins Center
The John Perkins Center at Seattle Pacific University was founded in 2004 with the goal of cultivating students into leaders within the contexts of justice, racial reconciliation, and Christian community development. SPU strives to equip students with the skills to become diverse leaders who work to improve the wholeness and wellness of the communities in which they live. The center is also part of an interdisciplinary research facility at the university, seeking to comprehend structural disparities and methods to overcome these differences.
University of Virginia/Theological Horizons: Perkins Fellows
In 2017, the University of Virginia selected five third-year students to reside in The Perkins House Charlottesville, a home located in the 10th and Page neighborhood less than half a mile northeast from the university. These students strive to build relationships with their neighbors by committing to a weekly “Neighborhood Sabbath,” which may include practices such as sharing meals, performing acts of service, and meeting and talking with neighbors. With the support of the John and Vera Mae Perkins Foundation, these students are able to work towards racial reconciliation and cultivate a Christian community in an ethnically diverse, mixed income, and inter-generational neighborhood.
Wesley Seminary: John & Vera Mae Perkins Leadership Masters Program
Wesley Seminary began the John & Vera Mae Perkins Leadership Masters program in March of 2018. This masters program is a leadership specialization honoring Dr. John M. Perkins. The leadership masters program is designed for ministry work in multi-cultural settings.
Wheaton College: Shalom Community
The John Perkins House: Wheaton College, Illinois has a multi-national, multi-racial learning community known as the Shalom Community. This intentional community seeks to use Biblical framework to address diversity, cross-cultural restorative dialogue, educational programming, discipleship, and self-awareness through living in a diverse residency. Resulting in students who are whole, effective Christians who strive for interracial healing and remove racism within the church and society. Students participating in the Shalom Community take a class dealing with racial and ethnic relations while fostering community through weekly meals and plan events designed to impact the Wheaton community.
Jackson State University: Endowed Scholarship
The Perkins Foundation is proud to partner with Pinelake Church to create the John and Vera Mae Perkins Scholarship at Jackson State University. Click here to read more