Reel Urban News Reflection
By Michael G. Reel
From 2001 through 2010, I was privileged to serve as one of the Sunday morning radio announcers for Second Baptist Church, delivering the weekly announcements and lifting up Dr. William S. Epps’s three significant sermon points live on 102.3 KJLH. That assignment grew naturally out of my work with Dr. Epps at the National Baptist Voice magazine, where his leadership shaped both the publication and the people who served alongside him.
During my tenure at the Voice, Dr. Epps and I attended the Celebration of a New Baptist Covenant gathering held at the Carter Center and hosted by the late former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, with President William Clinton as the keynote speaker. It was a gathering of Baptist, pastors, preachers, thought leaders and laymen of various ethnic backgrounds from across the county with the goal of establishing a new multiracial Baptist Convention. Following the conference, I had the rare honor of conducting an exclusive one‑on‑one interview with President Carter in his office at the Carter Center, with Dr. Epps looking on, offering his quiet encouragement and steady presence. It remains one of the most memorable moments of my career, a testament to the doors that opened because of Dr. Epps’s trust, and belief in my voice.
Following the Celebration of a New Baptist Covenant meeting, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, speaks exclusively with Journalist, Michael G. Reel (L)/(R) Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is pictured with Rev. Dr. William S. Epps. Photo taken at the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo Credit: Marie Thomas, Atlanta, GA.
Dr. Epps and I crisscrossed the country attending conventions, meetings and conferences throughout the year. In addition to domestic travel, we were present at many international ecumenical gatherings that took us to Mexico City, Bermingham and London England. We even traveled to Accra Ghana, located in West Africa. Dr. Epps imprint and influence remains’ beneficial to this very day.
An after-dinner photo of our travel group in Accra, Ghana, located in West Africa. pictured are, Dr. Epps and Family, Bernestine Taylor, Jacquelyn McMahon, Mildred Lovett, and Michael Reel (L) /(R) Mrs. Agretta Epps on a tour bus in Accra, Ghana, West Africa.
Dr. William S. Epps is pictured with Bernestine Taylor, member of Second Baptist Church in Accra, Ghana, West Africa. (L) / (C) Mrs. Epps, Mrs. Taylor, and Michael G. Reel are pictured with our dinner host in Accra, Ghana, West Africa. / (R) Mrs. Epps, Mrs. Taylor and Ms. McMahon, in Accra, Ghana, West Africa.
Dr. Epps would often remind me when we traveled, “It’s the trips, it’s the trips.” He meant it not just as a saying, but as a philosophy. Doc was remarkably generous with his travel points. It was nothing for him to upgrade my seat assignment to first class, whether we were flying together or I was traveling alone.
Eighteen months after Hurricane Katrina, the devastating storm that caused the levees to break and drowned much of the City of New Orleans, with the 9th Ward suffering the greatest destruction, the region was still clearing debris and only beginning the long process of rebuilding. When Dr. Epps and I traveled to the storm‑ravaged city, accompanied by Gerald Harper, a photographer and member of Second Baptist Church, we witnessed firsthand the resilience and heartbreak of a community still fighting to recover. During that visit, we met with several local elected officials, including Mayor Ray Nagin, to hear directly from those leading the recovery efforts.
While on the ground in the 9th Ward Dr. Epps and other Baptist leaders were stunned by the damage the storm caused nearly two years later. Gerald Harpers camera chronicled our activity.
From Dr. Epps pin: Mayor Ray Nagan and Councilwoman Cynthia Willard Lewis share their efforts in spearheading the rebuilding of the areas that were devastated when the levees broke. Michael Reel shares an interview with three youngsters who almost lost their lives when the waters flooded. They share very poignantly the changes that Katrina brought to their lives.
In addition to the speaking with the young men captured in the above photo, Dr. Epps read to the youth at a Children Defense Fund Freedom School located in New Orleans.
Dr. William S. Epps reads to children attending Children Defense Fund, Freedom School, New Orleans, LA. Photo Credit: Michael G. Reel
One of the true treasures of working and traveling with Dr. Epps was the privilege to meet his father, Rev. Dr. Charles T. Epps, Sr., a distinguished educator and the longtime pastor of Zion Baptist Church, Jersey City, New Jersey. Dr. Epps, Sr. would join us in Memphis, Tennessee and Atlanta, Georgia – two memorable trips that still resonate today. Dr. Epps, Sr. was a simple but sophisticated gentleman. Highly intellectual but steeped in rich humanity. The highlight of our time in Atlanta was driving Dr. Epps, Sr. on his final tour of Morehouse College. Dr. Epps, Sr. passed in 2005, several of my colleagues traveled from Los Angeles to Jersey City to pay our respects.
“Dr. Epps, Sr. passed in 2005, several of my colleagues traveled from Los Angeles to Jersey City to pay our respects.”
In addition to broadening my journalism reach in traditional print and magazine publishing, working with Dr. Epps opened doors to profile individuals whose contributions stretched from the corridors of politics to the hallways of gospel music. Real voices and storied personalities whose impact continues to resonate today.
In late 2005, I had the opportunity to interview Civil Rights icon Rev. Al Sharpton. I remember mentioning to Dr. Epps that I’d learned Rev. Sharpton would be in Los Angeles and that it would be wonderful to speak with him. In what felt like a matter of seconds, Dr. Epps had Sharpton on his cell phone. By the next day, I was seated directly across from Rev. Sharpton in Beverly Hills, California. A true testament to Dr. Epps’s reach, his relationships, and his unwavering commitment to supporting my work.
As my interview with Rev. Sharpton concluded, we talked about where he felt new African-American leadership would come from? “They will come from where they’ve always come from – the church. The church is still the independent base that gives us the ability to show our talent.”
As my interview with Rev. Sharpton concluded, we talked about where he felt new African-American leadership would come from? “They will come from where they’ve always come from – the church. The church is still the independent base that gives us the ability to show our talent.”
Not only was Dr. Epps influential, but he was also remarkably generous. I remember vividly when the top floor of the City Club, perched above the Bunker Hill district of downtown Los Angeles, was secured to host Rodney Reynolds, the Founder and Publisher of American Legacy magazine. It was an elegant setting, a space befitting a man whose publication chronicled African American history with distinction.
Michael G. Reel and Rodney Reynolds are pictured with the Stricklands at the City Club, Bunker Hill Downtown Los Angeles. (L) / (R) The Hon. Jan Perry, Delores Nehemiah, and Michael G. Reel are pictured with Rodney Reynolds, Founder and Publisher, American Legacy.
As I recall, the invitations went out late. But this was Dr. Epps. His name carried weight. Friends, colleagues, and supporters came out. That evening became another testament to his ability to bring people together, to honor others, and to create moments that mattered.
For years, Dr. Epps worked closely with two trusted and deeply respected ministerial colleagues at Second Baptist Church: Rev. Gerald Adams and Rev. Dr. Gregory Morris. These were not merely associates; they were pillars — men whose presence fortified the ministry and whose counsel helped guide the church through seasons of growth, challenge, and transformation.
Rev. Dr. William S. Epps, Pastor, Second Baptist Church, Los Aneles. (L) / (R) Rev. Dr. Gregory Morris and Rev. Gerald Adams, Second Baptist Church, Los Angeles Executive Administration.
Rev. Adams and Dr. Morris provided exceptional leadership, marked by sound decision‑making and a steady spiritual maturity. Their service was born out of a genuine passion for God and His people, and their partnership with Dr. Epps reflected a shared commitment to excellence in ministry. Together, they formed a leadership trio defined by wisdom, humility, and unwavering devotion to the congregation they served.
On the road again. During the Winter and Summer months we often found ourselves attending national conventions and board meetings. In addition to Dr. Epps, and I several Second Baptist Church members or those associated with the SBC would attend. Traveling with Dr. Epps can only be described as an adventure.
Dr. William S. Epps, Michael G. Reel, Jacquelyn McMahon, Deena Williams, Andrew and Rev. Gerald Adams (L) / (R) Dr. Willima S. Epps, Jacquelyn McMahon, Rev. Dr. Mack King Carter.
Dining with Dr. William S. Epps, Ms. Lois Jean Hill, Jacquelyn McMahon, Rev. Dr. Greg Morris and Michael G. Reel
Underground Railroad or Subway – Rev. Dr. Gregory Morris and Michael G. Reel taking New York City Subway uptown to meet Dr. Epps. (L) / (R) Somewhere in NYC – Rev. Dr. William S. Epps, Rev. Dr. Gregory Morris and Michael G. Reel
As a North American Vice President for Baptist World Alliance, Dr. Epps would travel to Falls Church, Vergina several times throughout the year. This one particular year it was snowing. The cold temperatures nor the winter snow hindered our trip.
Michael G. Reel and Dr. William S. Epps in Falls Church, Vergina. (L) / (C) Dr. Willam S. Epps, North American Vice President, Baptist World Alliance /(R) Dr. Epps clearly said something funny about the cold temperatures and the falling snow.
One of many observations that remained the same throughout my time shared with Dr. Epps was his ability to be ahead of the curve and to be supportive of women in leadership in various fields and professions.
Rev. Dr. Willima S. Epps is pictured with Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook, the First Female President of the Hampton Ministers Conference. (L) / (R) Rev. Dr. William S. Epps speaking at the Hampton Ministers Conference.
In the fall of 2025, Reel Urban News received a call from a representative of Second Baptist Church, gauging our interest in filming the retirement celebration for Pastor and Mrs. Epps. Having worked with Dr. Epps for so many years, and having the privilege to call him my Pastor, the opportunity felt less like an assignment and more like an honor.
Dr. Epps and I remained in touch through the years. Whether through a quick email, a text, or a call just to check in, we stayed connected. And every so often, we’d link up for lunch. Dr. Epps had an uncanny ability to choose restaurants that were unforgettable. After a while, his spots became my spots. And whenever we returned to one of them, he’d look at me with that familiar smile and ask, “When is the last time you’ve been here?”
What made it even funnier, was that these favorite places weren’t only in Los Angeles. Whether we were on the East Coast, the South, or somewhere in between, Dr. Epps always knew where to find a good meal, good conversation, and good fellowship.
Needless to say, it was a joy to not only film Pastor and Mrs. Epps retirement celebration it was a delight! In addition to filming the event with three 4k broadcast quality cameras Reel Urban News also captured a few photos of the people and personalities that attended the festivities.
Theologian, New York Times Best Selling Author, Baptist Precher and close friend to Dr. Epps, Rev. Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, served as the Keynote Speaker for the retirement celebration.
“The Rev. Dr. William S. Epps is one of the greatest men of God I have ever met in my lifetime. A Man of extraordinary intelligence – Can we celebrate the life of the mind.”
“Finally, I pray that we will be strengthened by the One who has changed death from a period to a comma and the grave from a terminal point to a thoroughfare that leads to eternal life. While death is potent, death is not omnipotent. There are some things death cannot do. Death cannot cancel the contribution one makes in a lifetime nor limit the length of the legacy one leaves behind. Death cannot erase the experience we hold dear nor mar the memories we keep near. “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth. Yea, said the Spirit that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.” Rev. Dr. William S. Epps
