National Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington, DC.
Honor and Recognition
Rev. Ike is featured in an Exhibition at the Smithsonian Institute’s “Spirit in the Dark: Religion in Black Music, Activism, and Popular Culture.”
November 18, 2022 – November 2023, NEWLY EXTENDED TO APRIL 2024!!
Level 2, Earl W. and Amanda Stafford Center for African American Media Arts (CAAMA) gallery
Spirit in the Dark examines Black religious life through a selection of photographs from the Johnson Publishing Company, publisher of Ebony, Jet, and Negro Digest. The images in the exhibition spotlight noteworthy individuals—including religious and political leaders, musicians, authors, athletes, activists, and educators—and uplift objects from the museum’s collection, many on display for the first time. Together, they reflect diverse aspects of the Black religious experience and testify to religion’s role in the struggle for human dignity and social equality.
PHOTO ALBUM
Xavier and Annette Eikerenkoetter, Rev. Ike’s son and daughter-in-law, and Eula Eikerenkoetter, Rev. Ike’s wife, attended the opening. It was a deeply meaningful and moving experience for all. Please enjoy the photos from the event below. Click on an image to view it as a slide show.
Kevin Kitrell Ross, affectionately known as “Rev. Kev,” an ordained Unity minister, interfaith social justice and human rights activist, and Master of Religion in Public Life Candidate, '23, Harvard Divinity School (left), and Xavier Eikerenkoetter (Right), Rev. Ike's son and is the creator of Xavier Soul Streams, the home for his transformative and inspiring music, messages, and meditations, Co-creator of RAA, rites of passage and indigenous music program for youth in group homes and detention centers; UPHI, a nondenominational community based on universal spirituality; UPCA, a cultural arts organization housed in Manhattan’s fourth largest theater, and cofounder of Rev. Ike Legacy, which he leads along with his wife, Annette.
From left to right; Kevin Kitrell Ross, Annette, Eula, and Xavier Eikerenkoetter, and Bishop Jack Bomer at the opening event.
Kevin Kitrell Ross (left), and Xavier Eikerenkoetter ( right), posing together again next to the Exhibit's main entrance.
An outfit worn by Reverend Ike while receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award in Mentoring, 2004, is on display in the exhibit.
A photo of Reverend Ike that is featured on the main exhibit wall with other images in the exhibition that spotlight a collection of noteworthy individuals — including religious and political leaders, musicians, authors, athletes, activists, and educators — and are supported by an array of objects from the museum’s collection, many on display for the first time.
A closer look at the image of Rev. Ike that is featured in the exhibit.
A moving display featuring Prince, Marvin Gaye, and Aretha Franklin.
A powerful visual: Malcolm X's typewriter underneath his recording titled The Last Message.
A display featuring Little Richard's Bible and a popular record album.
Pointe shoes that were worn by Lauren Anderson.
A glorious juxtaposition: Prince and Aretha are remembered.
Little Richard praying on the steps of a church in Brooklyn, New York, 1957.
Photograph of Duke Ellington at his piano, performing "Come Sunday" at one of the many churches he regularly played in.
Photograph of Maya Angelou, writing on her bed with a dictionary, thesaurus, and the Holy Bible.
Photographs of Mohammad Ali and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, two of America's most famous and beloved African-American Muslims featured side by side.
Bayard Rustin on the National Mall during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Washington DC, 1963.
A photo of Nina Simon singing "I Love You Porgy" in 1959 featured next to Sam Cooke in 1958. Both were children of Pastors.
New book from Rev. Ike Legacy!
Reverend Ike: An Extraordinary Life of Influence
by Mark Victor Hansen (Author), Xavier Eikerenkoetter (Author), Bob Proctor (Foreword)
Just who was Reverend Ike? Why do millions of people of all ages, religions, and backgrounds tune in to hear his timeless teachings on life, love, hope, and how to live their best lives?
Explore the extraordinary life of Reverend Ike, his miraculous experiences and achievements, and how his understanding of the profound promises of abundant life through his insightful interpretation of the Bible led him to the transformative principles that have helped millions achieve financial success, independence, and joyful living.
Available now — it’s a beautiful gift too!
