Shammah Outreach Ministry and Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School will hold the sixth annual Father/Son and Family Conference from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at O-W.

The purpose of the summit is to foster closer relationships between fathers, sons and families, said Hercules Johnson, visionary of the movement.

"We want to empower the families and transform the lives of God's people," he said. "We want them to realize that God is the head of the family.

"The primary role of the father is to teach his children and to provide for his family in all areas -- financially, educationally, spiritually, socially and politically."

O-W Principal Gregory A. McCord said the conference is an urgent call to lead children, especially young men, in the right direction.

"It is imperative that when people leave this conference, they will be empowered to save and set free from all bondages and world burdens," said the Rev. Jacqueline Simmons Johnson, founder and president of Shammah Outreach Ministries.

Theme for Saturday's event is "The Fight is On." The conference is free, and lunch will be served.

Speakers will include the Rev. Haynes T. Gainey Jr., pastor of Edisto Fork United Methodist Church, and the Rev. Charles B. Jackson Jr., pastor of New Laurel Street Baptist Church. The event will also feature workshops, games and gospel entertainment.

All churches, schools, organizations and private citizens are invited to participate, said the Rev. Dr. Robert J. Johnson, event chairman.

"This is our ... chance to show unity and send a strong message that our community belongs to law-abiding citizens," he said.

For more information, call 803-308-6908, 803-664-0181 or 803-707-5960.

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