The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, OH announced today that nationally-prominent evangelist Bishop T.D. Jakes from the Potter's House has joined the Center's Board of Directors.

Bishop Jakes, minister and host of The Potter's Touch, a weekly program -- has agreed to join the Freedom Center's Board.

When asked about his decision to accept the board position, Bishop Jakes remarked, "I became involved with the Freedom Center because I view them as a beacon of light in the search for the understanding of our past and with that understanding, they make us guides equipped to navigate the paths of our future."

Donald W. Murphy, Freedom Center CEO commented, "Bishop Jakes' visit to the Freedom Center in the spring of '07 was an important day for him and for us at the Center as well. His confirmation today to become a part of our Board will have great impact for us as an institution."

Mr. Murphy continued, "We value Bishop Jakes' ministry, his passionate leadership and the ideas he will bring to our Center. His involvement with the Freedom Center offers an opportunity that is so important at this point of growth for this important Center of learning and dialogue."

Bishop Jakes explained further his decision to become more involved with the Freedom Center. "Our contemporary generation is losing so much consideration for the historicity of our people that I am gravely concerned that we are losing all connection with our past. I am also deeply concerned that if we don't learn from the mistakes of our past, then we will be doomed to repeat it."

He continued, "Our history is a treasure chest for the mind; we must delve into it, study it, embrace it and appreciate it for all of its splendor and beauty."

Spiritual shepherd to millions around the globe, Bishop Jakes, founded Greater Emmanuel Temple of Faith, his first pastorate, in 1979. Greater Emmanuel Temple of Faith was a small West Virginia church with only ten members. Currently, Bishop Jakes pastors what Christianity Today calls "one of America's fastest growing mega-churches."

The Potter's House, a multiracial, non-denominational church has 50-plus active outreach ministries and like many corporations, the ministry employs nearly 400 staff members, including full-time finance, human resources, information technology, public relations, publications and television production departments.