Curriculum Vitae

Curriculum Vitae
Ralph C. Basui Watkins
Columbia Theological Seminary
P. O. Box 520
701 S. Columbia Drive
Decatur, GA 30031
Phone: (404) 687-4584
Email: watkinsr@ctsnet.edu 
Education:
PhD, Sociology
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA, 1994 – 1997
Dissertation: “The Institutionalization the African Methodist Episcopal Church”
Committee Chair: Dr. Norman Hummon
Commette Members:
Roland Robertson
Laurence Glasco

DMin, African American Church Studies
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
Pittsburgh, PA, 1990 – 1993
Project: Strategic Planning in a Small African American Church
Advisor: Ronald Peters

MFA, Photography
Savannah College of Art and Design
Atlanta, GA, 2014 – 2016
Thesis: Faith in Sweet Auburn: The Next Chapter
Committee Chair: Forest McMullin
Committee Members:
V. Elizabeth Turk
Suellen Parker-Shockley

MA in Religion
The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
Dubuque, IA, 1988 – 1990 
Concentration: Theology / Black Theology 

BA, Political Science with Honors
Sacramento, CA, 1986 – 1988

AA, Social Science with Honors
Sacramento, CA, 1983 – 1985
 
Academic Appointments:
Peachtree Associate Professor of Evangelism and Church Growth
Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA (July 2011 – Present)

Affiliate Associate Professor of Society, Religion and Africana Studies
Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA (2011 – 2013; 2016 – Present)

Associate Professor of Society, Religion and Africana Studies
Assistant Dean, African American Church Studies
Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA (July 2005 – July 2011)

Associate Professor, Department of Sociology
Augusta State University, Augusta, GA (July 2003 – July 2005)

Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology 
Augusta State University, Augusta, GA (July 1998 to June 2003

Assistant Director, Black Church Studies
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh, PA (July 1997 – July 1998)

Adjunct Professor, Sociology and Religion Department
Community College of Allegheny, Pittsburgh, PA (July 1995 – July 1998)

Assistant to the President for Social Equity
Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion PA (1992 – 1994)

Director of Minority Student Affairs
Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA (1990 – 1992)

Director of Minority Student Affairs
University of Dubuque, Dubuque, IA (1988 – 1990)

Church Appointments:
Senior / Servant Pastor
Wheat Street Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA (October 2017 – February 2020)

Interim Senior Pastor
Wheat Street Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA (February 2016 – September 2017)

Executive Pastor
First African Methodist Episcopal Church Los Angeles, CA (December 2008 – July 2011)

Executive Pastor / Director of Ecclesia 
The City of Refuge Church, Gardena, CA (December 2007 – December 2008)

Pastor for Young Adults and Director of Christian Education
First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Los Angeles, CA (August 2005 – November 2007)

Director of Ministry Development
Beulah Grove Baptist Church, Augusta, GA (August 1998 – July 2005)

Pastor of Education and Evangelism
Macedonia Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, PA (May 1997 – July 1998)

Senior Pastor
Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church, Pittsburgh, PA (November 1994 – April 1997)

Senior Pastor
Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church, Aliquippa, PA (November 1993 – November 1994)

Pastor
Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Clearfield, PA (February 1991 – October 1993)

Associate Minister
Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Sacramento, CA (June 1985 – January 1988)

Authored Books:
(with Justin West) The Future of the African American Church: An Invitation 
 to Dialogue. Judson Press, 2014.

Hip-Hop Redemption: Finding God in the Rhythm and the Rhyme. Baker Academic
  Press, 2011.

Leading Your African American Church Through Pastoral Transition. Judson Press,
  2010.

(with Benjamin Stephens) Jay Z to Jesus: Reaching and Teaching Young Adults in the
  African American Church. Judson Press, 2009.

The Gospel Remix: Reaching the Hip-Hop Generation. Judson Press, 2007.

I Ain’t Afraid to Speak My Mind: Old School Meets New School. Unity Council Press,
 2003.

Ongoing Book Project:
Black Theology and Black Film: Celluloid Blackness. (expected completion 2021)

Chapters:
Foreword in African Origins of Monotheism by Gwinyai Muzorewa. Wipf and Stock
  Publishers, 2014.

“From Black Theology and Black Power to Afrocentric Theology and Hip Hop Power: 
 An Extension and Socio-Re-Theological Conceptualization of Cone’s Theology 
 in Conversation with the Hip Hop Generation” in Readings in African American
 Church Music and Worship Volume 2 Edited by James Abbington. GIA 
 Publications, Inc, 2014.

“The Hip Hop Church Ain’t Big Mamma’s Church: The Faith Remixed” in The Future of 
 Faith Edited by Ryan Bolger. Baker Academic Press, 2012.

“The African American Church’s Challenge to Evangelism” in Aliens in the Promised
  Land Edited by Anthony Bradley. P& R Publishers, 2012.

“Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It: What’s Really Going On?” In Keep Your Head Up: 
 America’s New Black Christian Leaders, Social Consciousness, and the Cosby Conversation. Edited by Anthony Bradley. Good News Publishers, 2012.

“Nimrod and Dead Prez: Walking Like a Warrior” in African American Religious Life and 
 the Story of Nimrod. Edited by Anthony Pinn and Allen Callahan. Palgrave
 Macmillan, 2007.

“Teaching African American Religions at a Traditionally White Institution in the South” in 
 Mining the African American Motherlode: Teaching African American Religions. 
 Edited by Theodore Trost and Caroline M. Jones. Oxford University Press, 2005. 

“Rap, Religion and New Realities: The Emergence of a Religious Discourse in Rap
  Music” in Noise and Spirit: The Religious Sensibilities of Rap Music. Edited by
 Anthony Pinn. NYU Press, 2004.

Ongoing Chapters:
Edited by Mark Lamport. Handbook of Contemporary Christianity in the United States.
  “Embattled Dialogue: The Dance of Media and Contemporary Christianity” 
 due: February 2021, Roman & Littlefield Publishers, Publication Date, 2022.

Edited volume by Anthony Bradley. Why Black Lives Matter. “Nipsey Matters: Nipsey 
 Hustle and the Call for Freedom” due: June 2020, Wipe and Stock Publishers,
  Publication Date, 2021.

Articles:
 “Ministry, Marriage and Love” in The Bearings https://www.thebtscenter.org/bearings/september_2019/ministry-marriage-and-immigration/

“Out of Egypt: Revisiting the Roots of African American American Christianity” in The Bearings https://www.thebtscenter.org/bearings/2019-june/out-of-egypt/
https://vimeo.com/355109032
https://vimeo.com/355118012

“From Black Theology and Black Power to Afrocentric Theology and Hip Hop Power: 
 A Extension and Socio-re-theological Conceptualization of Cone’s Theology in
 Conversation with the Hip Hop Generation,” in Black Theology: An International
  Journal, Volume 8, Issue 3. Fall 2010.

“The Re-Radicalization of Black Theology: From Cone to Hemet,” in The A.M.E. Church
 Review Scholarly Journal 124, no. 416, 2009: pp.43-58.
 
“From a Firm Foundation to a Settled Future: The Bishops’ Council and the Role of 
 Education 1880 to 1908, Part III,” in The A.M.E. Church Review Scholarly
 Journal 124, no. 405, 2007: pp. 41-71. 

“Building a Firm Foundation: Complexity in Search of Security and Establishment of
  the AME Church, 1860-1972, Part II,” in The A.M.E. Church Review Scholarly 
 Journal 133, no.404, 2006: pp. 29-49.

“Loss of African Centeredness in the African Methodist Episcopal Church: Leaders,
 Leadership, Transition and Loss: The Next Generation of AMEC Leaders 
 1839-1860,” in The AME Church Review Scholarly Journal 122, no. 401, 2006: 
 pp. 12-37.

“The Demise of Rap Music: From Resistance to Rhetoric,” in Ideaz: An Interdisciplinary 
 Social Science and Humanities Journal 12, no 1, 2002: pp.17-37.

“Bringing Africa Black to Augusta: A Public Diary of a Private Journey (words and 
 pictures),” in The Augusta Focus 21, no. 1065, 2002: pp. 1-6

Dictionary Article:
“Sociology of Religion,Culture and Hip Hop,” in Global Dictionary of Theology: A Resource for 
 the Worldwide Church edited by William A. Dyrness, Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, Juan F.
 Martinez and Simon Chan. IVP Academic, 2008.

Produced / Directed Full Length Documentaries / Television Shows:
“Talk it Out with Dr. Ralph Basui Watkins,” Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasting Network, 
 Atlanta, GA bi-weekly (1 x 30) talk show. October 2016 to December 2018
  (58 episodes) – Co-Producer, Host and Writer

“Out of Egypt I Have Called My Son: A Son’s Journey Black to Africa,” Atlanta Interfaith
 Broadcasting Network, Atlanta, GA ( 2 x 30 minutes) television documentary – 
 Producer, Director, Writer, Cameraman and Editor. 2017
 https://vimeo.com/355109032
 https://vimeo.com/355118012

“The 46th Delegation of the Interfaith Peace-Builders in Palestine / Israel,” Atlanta 
 Interfaith Broadcasting Network, Atlanta, GA (1 x 30 minutes) television 
 documentary – Producer, Director, Writer, Cameraman and Editor. 2013
 https://vimeo.com/355147058

“She is the Pastor,” Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasting Network, Atlanta, GA (1 x 30 
  minutes) television documentary – Producer, Director, Writer and Editor. 2012.

“Religion Roundtable,” Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasting Network, Atlanta, GA (38 x 30
 minutes) bi-weekly television show – Host, Writer and Co-Producer. 2011 – 2014.

Ongoing Documentary Projects:
“Eyewitness Palestine: Apartheid Revisited,” shooting dates June 2020 
 in Palestine / Israel (1 x 30 minutes) television documentary – Producer, Director,
 Writer and Editor. (expected completion August 2020)

Photography Exhibitions:
“The Spirit of Jazz: The Music I See,” Apex Museum, Atlanta, 2016 (solo show)

Open Studio, Savannah College of Art & Design, Atlanta, 2015

“Faith in Sweet Auburn,” Apex Museum, Atlanta, 2015 (solo show / thesis show)

Transitions, Peachtree and Pine Studio, Atlanta, 2014

Open Studio, Savannah College of Art & Design, Atlanta, 2013

Artist Residences:
Artist in Residence, The Velvet Note Jazz Club, Atlanta, 2015

Selected Scholarly Presentations:
“Digitally Integrated Teaching,” Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology
  and Religion, Annual Program Leaders Leadership Development, Indianapolis,
  2019.
 
“Teaching in the Visual Age,” Alfred S. Palmer Lecture, Seattle Pacific University, 
 Seattle, 2017.

“The Church in the Now: Live or Die,” Virginia Union Theological Seminary, Richmond,
  2016.

“Teaching through Art: Activism in the Classroom,” American Academy of Religion, 
 Atlanta, 2015.

“Dyson Rules: The Pedagogy of Michael Eric Dyson,” Black Religious Scholars at the 
 American Academy of Religion, Baltimore, 2013.

“Socio-Theological Ethnography: The Watkins Approach to the Study of Hip Hop 
 Culture,” American Academy of Religion, Baltimore, 2013.

“Hip Hop, Theology and the Future of the Church,” Howard Thurman Lecture, Candler
  School of Theology, Atlanta, 2012.

“The Virtual Becomes the Real via a Connected African and African Diaspora as African
  Theology Becomes Public Theology: A Method of Sharing Our Story and
  Recovering Our History Real Virtually,” American Academy of Religion, San
  Francisco, 2011.

“From Black Theology to Africana Theology: A Methodological Shift in the Construction
 of an African-Centered Theology,” American Academy of Religion, Atlanta, 2010.

“Understanding the Real that is Virtual: Theological Education in the Age of the
  Internet: Clicking in and Clicking Over,” Warren Lecture, University of Dubuque 
 Theological Seminary, Dubuque, IA, 2010.

“From Black Theology and Black Power to Afrocentric Theology and Hip Hop Power: 
 An Extension and Socio-re-theological-conceptualization of Cone’s Theology in
  Conversation with the Hip Hop Generation,” American Academy of Religion, 
 40th Anniversary Celebration Panel of James Cone’s Black Theology and Black
  Power, Montreal, Canada, 2009.

“An Africana Theological Framework for Doing Black Theology,” American Academy of
  Religion – Western Region, Santa Clara, 2009.

“Preaching to the Hip Hop Generation,” Styberg Preaching Institute Lecture, Garrett
 Theological Seminary, Evanston, 2008.

“The Re-Radicalization of Black Theology,” American Academy of Religion, San Diego,
  2008.

“Hip-Hocrypha Hip Hop as Sacred Text,” American Academy of Religion, San Diego,
  2008

“Lady Sings the Blues: From Ma Rainey to Lauryn Hill – Blues Queens in Dialogue with
  Hip Hop Divas,” American Academy of Religion – Western Region, Berkley, 
 2007.

“Just What the Doctor Ordered,” Annual Martin L. King Jr. Lecture, Claremont School
  of Theology, Claremont, 2007.

“A Father’s Story: Reaching the Hip Hop Generation,” National Church Leaders
 Conference, Myrtle Beach, 2006.

“Its Dark and Hell is Hot: Exodus through the eyes of DMX,” American Academy of 
 Religion – Western Region, Claremont, 2006.

“The Loss of African Centeredness in the African Methodist Episcopal Church,”
  American Academy of Religion, Philadelphia, 2005.

“The Revolutionary Rap of Dead Prez: The New Black Nationalism,” National Council of
 Black Studies, Atlanta, 2004.

“Teaching for the Inclusive Classroom,” American Sociological Association, Atlanta, 
 2003.

“The Black Nationalist Urge in Rap Music,” National Council of Black Studies, Atlanta, 
 2003.

“W.E.B. DuBois: Soul-to-Soul,” American Academy of Religion, Toronto, Ontario, 2002.

“Another Look at Tupac Shakur: Rap, Politics and Rhetoric,” Association of Black 
 Sociologist, Chicago, 2002.
 
“Looking Blackward: C. Eric Lincoln, Black Nationalism, Black Identity and Black 
 Religiosity,” Association of Black Sociologists, Chicago, 2002.

“Teaching to Transgress: A Grassroots Approach that Leads to an Inclusive 
 Classroom,” American Sociological Association, Garden Grove, 2001.

“Rasta’s Time: The Parallels between Rastafarianism, Neo-Black Nationalist Religious
  Movements, Rap and the Raging Next Generation,” Association of Black
  Sociologists, Garden Grove, 2001.

“Rap Religion: Shadows of a New Religious Movement,” Southeast Commission for 
 the Study of Religion, Atlanta, 2000.

“The New Paradigm for an Indigenous Black Theology of the ‘Hood: Method, Praxis
  and the Implications of Theological Ethnography,” American Academy of 
 Religion, Nashville, TN. 1999

“The Demise of Rap Music: From Resistance to Rhetoric,” American Sociological 
 Association, Chicago, 1999.

“A Black Theology for the Future: Reflections on My Sister, My Brother.,” American
  Academy of Religion, Orlando, 1998.

“The Black Theology of the ‘Hood,” Society for the Scientific Study of Religion,
  Montreal, Cananda, 1998

“Applied Sociology and the Black Church: Opportunity and Challenges,” Society for 
 Applied Sociology, Denver, 1998.

“Lost in Space: The Religious Space of the ‘Hood,” American Academy of Religion –
  Eastern Region, Toronto, Canada, 1998.

“Organizing the Unorganized: The Black Church in the ‘Hood,’ American Humanist 
 Sociologists, Pittsburgh, 1997.

“J. Deotis Roberts and a Paradigm for a Black Theology of Dialogue: Implications for a
  Black Inner City Street Corner Theology,” American Academy of Religion, San
  Francisco, 1997.

“The Black Church and Urban Sociology: Taking it to the Street,” Society for Applied
  Sociology, Chicago, 1997.

“The Role of the African American Church in Present Day Social Change,” American 
 Sociological Association, Toronto, Canada, 1997.

“Bridging the Gap Between Black Theology and the Theology of the ‘Hood,” American 
 Academy of Religion – Eastern Region, Buffalo, 1997.

“The Historical Role of the African American Church and Its Further Implications: Black 
 to the Future,” National Conference of African American Culture and Heritage, 
 Indiana, PA 1997.

“Keeping Christian in Christian Community Development,” National Christian 
 Community Development Conference, Pittsburgh, 1996.

“African American Student Retention on Predominantly White Campuses,” Mid-Atlantic
  College and University Housing Officers Annual Conference, Lock Haven, 1992.

“African American Students: Success, Stamina and Survival,” Pennsylvania 
 Black Conference Higher Education, Harrisburg, 1992.

“The African American Success Tradition in Higher Education,” Pennsylvania Black
  Conference in Higher Education, State College, 1991.


Upcoming Presentations:
“Teaching with Film for Social Change Learning: Workshop with Odyssey Impact,” American Academy of Religion, San Diego, 2019.

“Teaching with Digital Media,” American Academy of Religion, San Diego, 2019.


Service to the Academy:
Cohort Leader, Doctoral Cohort, Louisville Institute, 2017 to Present.

Leader, Wabash Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion, Teaching with Digital 
 Media Workshop, 2019.

Team Leader, Wabash Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion, Workshop for
  Pre-Tenure Religion Faculty of African Descent, 2015 – 2016.

Board Member, Wabash Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion, Digital Media
  Journal, 2016 to Present

Community Service:
Board Member, Apex Museum, Atlanta, 2016 to Present

Board Member, Sweet Auburn Works, 2017 to Present 

Professional Associations:
American Academy of Religion
American Society of Media Photographers
Christians in Visual Arts
College Art Association
Society for Photographic Educators

Grants and Awards:
Calvin Institute, Worship Grant $15,000, 2019.

Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasting Network $2,500 for travel to Egypt, 2018.

Savannah College of Art and Design, Honors Scholarship and Educators Scholarship, 
 2013 to 2015.

Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasting Network $2,000 for documentary to Palestine / Israel, 
 2013.

Greater Atlanta Presbytery travel to Palestine / Israel with Interfaith Peace-Builders, 
 2013.

Columbia Theological Seminary, Study Grant for field research in Egypt, 2012.

Fuller Theological Seminary, Study Grant for field research in Egypt, 2008.

University Teaching Grant, Technology Upgrade and Improvement, 2003.

Fulbright Hayes Fellowship, Study in Ghana, 2003.

University System of Georgia, Chancellor’s Award, East Africa: Culture, 
 Environmental Conservation, Economic, Political and Social Development in
 Kenya and Tanzania, 2001 – 2002.

University System of Georgia, Governor’s Teaching Fellowship, 2000 – 2001.

Wabash Teaching Fellowship, Mining the African American Motherlode – Book Project, 
 2001 – 2003.

National Lilly Foundation, Lilly Teaching Fellowship: Mining the African American 
 Motherlode, 1999 – 2000.

Augusta State University, BellSouth Faculty Development Colloquium, 1998 – 1999.

Augusta State University, Faculty Research and Development Grant, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002.

Augusta State University, Most Valuable Faculty Member Award, Student Ambassador 
 Board, 1999 – 2000.

University of Pittsburgh, W. E. B. DuBois Scholar Fellowship, 1994 – 1997.

University of Pittsburgh, Summer Research Grant, 1995 – 1996, 1996 – 1997.

Courses Taught at Columbia Theological Seminary:
Reaching Young Adults in the Digital and Media Age
Explorations Atlanta 
Urban Evangelism
Evangelism via Storytelling & Multi-Media
Leading, Growing and Developing a 21st Century Church
Emergent to Missional: Shaping a 21st Century Church
Theological Grounding for the Virtual Church
From Ministry to Mission: The Externally Focused Church
21st Century Christians: From Evangelism to Discipleship
Evangelism, Photography and Social Media
Introduction to Christian Leadership 
Imagination and Resilience 
Turnaround Congregations thru Evangelism and Social Justice
The Future of Ministry: Being the 21st Century Church
Evangelism & Videography: Story as Witness and Outreach
21st Century Church: Church in the Networked World
Crossrods Capstone Course

Courses Taught at Fuller Theological Seminary:
Introduction to Black Theology
Theology and Hip Hop Culture
The African Roots of Black Theology
Urban Evangelism
Soul Force: The Music of the Civil Rights Movement

Courses Taught at Augusta State University:
Social Theory
African American Religions
Introduction to Sociology
Urban Social Problems
Sociology of Religion
African American Religion
Social Movements
Sociology of Hip Hop
Social Problems
Sociology of Organizations
Race and Ethnicity 
Introduction to African American / Africana Studies Studies
Black Nationalist Movements

“Black in the City” Syndicated Column: The column appeared in thirty-two black weekly newspapers throughout the Southeast. The home newspaper for the column was The Augusta Focus in Augusta, GA:
2000
 Black in the City: It’s On. 
 What’s Up with the Confederate Flag? 
 Uprooting the Roots of Racism. 
 Wanted: Radical Revolutionaries. 
 Revolutionaries, Radicals and the ’Burbs”. 
 I Find the Police Guilty of Murder. 
 Don’t Talk about My Momma. 
 Black Community Investigates Young. 
 A State That’s Not Too Busy to Hate. 
 Community Development without the Community. 
 Stay Away from the Bushes. 
 A View of the Racist Mind: South Carolina a Living Witness. 
 Dr. King and the Confederacy Don’t Go Together. 
 The Confederate Flag: Heritage or Racism? Is There a Difference? 
 Continue the South Carolina Boycott. 
 South Carolina Holds Civil Rights Hostage: It Ain’t Over ’Till It’s Over. 
 The Bush Conspiracy Against African Americans. 
 Mayor Shows Disrespect to African American Concerns: What’s New? 
 Deal with Tiger Woods: A Brother with a Stick Hitting a White Ball. 
 The Bush Boys: Murder is the Charge. 
 An American Lie. 
 Remembering the Black Panther Party, Part 1. 
 George and Dick: A Whiter, Righter GOP Ticket. 
 Democrat or Republican? Neither, Black Power is the Way. 
 The Republicans in the City of Brotherly Love? 
 At Least the Democrats Practice What They Preach. 
 How Can You Be Too Black? 
 Redeeming the Dream or Confronting a Nightmare: It’s Time to Wake Up. 
 Police Murder Another Black Man. 
 Bush Is Showing His True Colors. 
 The Debates in Black and White. 
 George W. Is Trying to Steal an Election. 
 Our Children Are Not the Problem. 
 The Black Truth about the Election. 
 Bush, Black Folk, and Education. 
 Reflecting on Tuesday’s Election. 
 Something Fishy in the Bushes. 
 Thanksgiving and Thankfulness. 
 Mayor Young Is Impersonating a Leader. 
 Where Do We Go from Here? Chaos or Community? 
 Black Robes, White Justice. 
 Bush Appointments in Black-Face. 
 Let’s Get Ready to Rumble. 
 Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? 
2001
Revisiting the Timothy McVeigh Case: The Death Wish of a Murderer. 
 Why We Need a Shadow Inauguration. 
 Grand Jury or Lynch Mob? You Make the Call. 

Bush Is Off to a Right Start. 
 The New Georgia Flag: Sell Out or Compromise? 
 The Black Church Isn’t for Sale: Bush and His Faith-Based Scheme Can Go to . . . ! 
 Tavis Smiley Is More Than Talk. 
 Remembering the Murders of Oklahoma City: Lest We Forget. 
 George Bush: A Smooth Operator. 
 How Can We Stop School Violence?
 Babies Killing Babies: The Tate Case. 
 Justice or Jail for Lionel Tate. 
 They Kidnapped 41 Children in Atlanta. 
 Tiger Woods: Call Him Master. 
 Another Murder by the Police. 
 Mississippi Is Still Mississippi. 
 George Bush’s First 100 Days. 
 Black Man Lynched While Police Watch. 
 What Happens When Ashcroft Prays. 
 Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: Mayor Young Is At It Again. 
 George Bush: President or Pimp? 
 What Does Norwood Know? 
 Tim McVeigh: Patriot, Martyr, or Murderer. 
 The Ghetto and the NBA. 
 Bush and Young: Two Birds with One Rock. 
 From the Slave Trade to the Cruise Industry: The History of International Racism. 
 G. Dubya, Charitable Choice and U.S. Funded Discrimination.
 Why Are Fast Food Workers So Angry? 
 I’m Dreaming of a Black Christmas. 
 A Working Consolidated Gov’t for Xmas? 
 Santa Responds to My Christmas Request. 
2002
 Happy New Year! What Will Be New About It? 
 How Secure Is Our Homeland? 
 There Are No Spectators at a Lynching: Is There a Noose around Cornel West’s Neck? 
 Black to the Beginnings: Preparing for Black History Month. 
 Black History Is African History, Part I.
 Black History Is African History, Part II. 
 Black History Is African History, Part III. 
 Black History Is African History, Part IV. 
 Reparations: The Bill Is Past Due, Part I. 
 Reparations, Part II: Who Lied to You and Told You, You Don’t Owe African Americans. 
 Reparations, Part III: Reparations and the Reckoning of America. 
 Reparations, Part IV: The Final Notice: Due immediately! 
 Finally, Denzel and Halle: Shout or Scream? 
 Veto the Mayor: Voter Registration, Voter Education and Voter Participation is the Key. 
 Inner City Blues: High Crimes and Misdemeanors. 
 Teed Off: Tiger Once, Twice, Three Times the Master. 
 A Warrior’s Wisdom: Rev. Lowery Tells the Story. 
 Righting the Wrongs of Public Education: The Conservative Right Response Is Wrong. 
 All Schools Are Not Equal: Richmond County Schools Are Number One. 
 Africa: Going Home Again. 
 Africa: Making a Connection. 
 Who Knew What When, Who Didn’t Know and Why? Washington, 9/11 and the
 Aftermath. 

A Glimpse of Africa: Reflections of a Been To. 
 Bringing Africa Black to Augusta: A Public Diary of a Private Journey. 
 Who’s Zooming Whom? The Church and Child Abuse. 
 The Foundation of the Struggle: Celebrating the Black Family and Black Love. 
 Another Black Man Beaten by Police: Surprised? 
 What Is the Point of All These Grand Juries? 
 We Must Vote in Each and Every Election. 
 Saddam: Scapegoat or Terrorist? 
 9/11 Remembered: Where Were You? 
 Let’s Send a “Champ” to Congress. 
 What Does Mayor Young’s Record Tell Us about His Leadership Ability? 
 The Augusta National: Sexist, Racist or Just Plain Backwards? 
 The Next Election in Black and White. 
 Leave Barber Shop alone. 
 Plantation Politics: What Is the Key Election Issue? 
 Plantation Politics: Part 2. 
 Every Vote Does Count: Go to the Polls. 
 We Are Survivors! 
 What Will Perdue Do? 
 We Have a Second Chance on Tuesday. 
 George Bush the “Moron”? 
 Mayor Bob Young: His Win Is Our Loss. 
 What Do Strom Thurmond, Trent Lott, Hootie Johnson and Jesse Jackson Have in
 Common? 
 Leave Trent Alone: He Only Told the Truth. 
2003
Why Iraq and Not North Korea? 
 We Are Off to War? 
 Racist Is as Racist Does: Perdue Is Being Himself. 
 Whatever Happened to the Team Concept? 
 Celebrating 50 Years of Commitment. 
 Bull Connor and Mayor Bob Young: Water Hoses or Ordinances, What is the
 Difference? 
 Why Should a State Senator Defend a Confessed Child Molester Like Bobby Brassell? 
 Why Not Try Peace? 
 The Bush Vendetta: What Is Really Going On? 
 It Is Time to Pray and Protest. 
 In the Midst of a Mess, Remember Why We Protest. 
 In the Midst of a Mess, Remember Why We Protest: Part 2. 
 War Watching. 
 Why Are Some Reporters Ousted from Bed?
 The War Overseas and the Battle at Home. 
 The Occupation of Iraq Begins. 
 Reverend Al Was On Point. 
 What Is Perdue Doing? 
 Another Black Man Killed by the Police. 
 The Jason Blair Witch Project. 
 Operation Freedom or Operation Chaos? 
 Barton Chapel Elementary, How Beautiful! 
 I Ain’t Afraid to Speak My Mind. 
 The Court’s Continuing Legacy of Racism. 
 I Am Going to Africa with President Bush. 

In the Cradle of the Slave Trade. 
 The Standing Power of the Slave Castles. 
 Leaving Home to Come Home. 
 Home at Last: Black from Africa. 
 When Will the War in Iraq Be Over? 
 9-11 Remembered. 
 Did George Bush Really Ask for $87 Billion? 
 Would the Real Black Church Please Stand Up? 
 Georgia Attacks Black Students. 
 What Do Al Sharpton and Arnold Schwarzenegger Have in Common? 
 Who Is the American Idol? 
 Who is Winning the War on Terror? 
 It Ain’t Time Yet. 
 The Joy of Being a Dad. 
 2Pacolyspe Is Now in Effect: Tupac Lives. 
 The Florida Classics Was Classic: HBCUs Are the Best. 
 I Charge the Police with Murder.Education:
PhD, Sociology
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA, 1994 – 1997
Dissertation: “The Institutionalization the African Methodist Episcopal Church”
Committee Chair: Dr. Norman Hummon
Commette Members:
Roland Robertson
Laurence Glasco

DMin, African American Church Studies
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
Pittsburgh, PA, 1990 – 1993
Project: Strategic Planning in a Small African American Church
Advisor: Ronald Peters

MFA, Photography
Savannah College of Art and Design
Atlanta, GA, 2014 – 2016
Thesis: Faith in Sweet Auburn: The Next Chapter
Committee Chair: Forest McMullin
Committee Members:
V. Elizabeth Turk
Suellen Parker-Shockley

MA in Religion
The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
Dubuque, IA, 1988 – 1990 
Concentration: Theology / Black Theology 

BA, Political Science with Honors
Sacramento, CA, 1986 – 1988

AA, Social Science with Honors
Sacramento, CA, 1983 – 1985
 
Academic Appointments:
Peachtree Associate Professor of Evangelism and Church Growth
Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA (July 2011 – Present)

Affiliate Associate Professor of Society, Religion and Africana Studies
Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA (2011 – 2013; 2016 – Present)

Associate Professor of Society, Religion and Africana Studies
Assistant Dean, African American Church Studies
Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA (July 2005 – July 2011)

Associate Professor, Department of Sociology
Augusta State University, Augusta, GA (July 2003 – July 2005)

Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology 
Augusta State University, Augusta, GA (July 1998 to June 2003

Assistant Director, Black Church Studies
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh, PA (July 1997 – July 1998)

Adjunct Professor, Sociology and Religion Department
Community College of Allegheny, Pittsburgh, PA (July 1995 – July 1998)

Assistant to the President for Social Equity
Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion PA (1992 – 1994)

Director of Minority Student Affairs
Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA (1990 – 1992)

Director of Minority Student Affairs
University of Dubuque, Dubuque, IA (1988 – 1990)

Church Appointments:
Senior / Servant Pastor
Wheat Street Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA (October 2017 – February 2020)

Interim Senior Pastor
Wheat Street Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA (February 2016 – September 2017)

Executive Pastor
First African Methodist Episcopal Church Los Angeles, CA (December 2008 – July 2011)

Executive Pastor / Director of Ecclesia 
The City of Refuge Church, Gardena, CA (December 2007 – December 2008)

Pastor for Young Adults and Director of Christian Education
First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Los Angeles, CA (August 2005 – November 2007)

Director of Ministry Development
Beulah Grove Baptist Church, Augusta, GA (August 1998 – July 2005)

Pastor of Education and Evangelism
Macedonia Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, PA (May 1997 – July 1998)

Senior Pastor
Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church, Pittsburgh, PA (November 1994 – April 1997)

Senior Pastor
Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church, Aliquippa, PA (November 1993 – November 1994)

Pastor
Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Clearfield, PA (February 1991 – October 1993)

Associate Minister
Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Sacramento, CA (June 1985 – January 1988)

Authored Books:
(with Justin West) The Future of the African American Church: An Invitation 
 to Dialogue. Judson Press, 2014.

Hip-Hop Redemption: Finding God in the Rhythm and the Rhyme. Baker Academic
  Press, 2011.

Leading Your African American Church Through Pastoral Transition. Judson Press,
  2010.

(with Benjamin Stephens) Jay Z to Jesus: Reaching and Teaching Young Adults in the
  African American Church. Judson Press, 2009.

The Gospel Remix: Reaching the Hip-Hop Generation. Judson Press, 2007.

I Ain’t Afraid to Speak My Mind: Old School Meets New School. Unity Council Press,
 2003.

Ongoing Book Project:
Black Theology and Black Film: Celluloid Blackness. (expected completion 2021)

Chapters:
Foreword in African Origins of Monotheism by Gwinyai Muzorewa. Wipf and Stock
  Publishers, 2014.

“From Black Theology and Black Power to Afrocentric Theology and Hip Hop Power: 
 An Extension and Socio-Re-Theological Conceptualization of Cone’s Theology 
 in Conversation with the Hip Hop Generation” in Readings in African American
 Church Music and Worship Volume 2 Edited by James Abbington. GIA 
 Publications, Inc, 2014.

“The Hip Hop Church Ain’t Big Mamma’s Church: The Faith Remixed” in The Future of 
 Faith Edited by Ryan Bolger. Baker Academic Press, 2012.

“The African American Church’s Challenge to Evangelism” in Aliens in the Promised
  Land Edited by Anthony Bradley. P& R Publishers, 2012.

“Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It: What’s Really Going On?” In Keep Your Head Up: 
 America’s New Black Christian Leaders, Social Consciousness, and the Cosby Conversation. Edited by Anthony Bradley. Good News Publishers, 2012.

“Nimrod and Dead Prez: Walking Like a Warrior” in African American Religious Life and 
 the Story of Nimrod. Edited by Anthony Pinn and Allen Callahan. Palgrave
 Macmillan, 2007.

“Teaching African American Religions at a Traditionally White Institution in the South” in 
 Mining the African American Motherlode: Teaching African American Religions. 
 Edited by Theodore Trost and Caroline M. Jones. Oxford University Press, 2005. 

“Rap, Religion and New Realities: The Emergence of a Religious Discourse in Rap
  Music” in Noise and Spirit: The Religious Sensibilities of Rap Music. Edited by
 Anthony Pinn. NYU Press, 2004.

Ongoing Chapters:
Edited by Mark Lamport. Handbook of Contemporary Christianity in the United States.
  “Embattled Dialogue: The Dance of Media and Contemporary Christianity” 
 due: February 2021, Roman & Littlefield Publishers, Publication Date, 2022.

Edited volume by Anthony Bradley. Why Black Lives Matter. “Nipsey Matters: Nipsey 
 Hustle and the Call for Freedom” due: June 2020, Wipe and Stock Publishers,
  Publication Date, 2021.

Articles:
 “Ministry, Marriage and Love” in The Bearings https://www.thebtscenter.org/bearings/september_2019/ministry-marriage-and-immigration/

“Out of Egypt: Revisiting the Roots of African American American Christianity” in The Bearings https://www.thebtscenter.org/bearings/2019-june/out-of-egypt/
https://vimeo.com/355109032
https://vimeo.com/355118012

“From Black Theology and Black Power to Afrocentric Theology and Hip Hop Power: 
 A Extension and Socio-re-theological Conceptualization of Cone’s Theology in
 Conversation with the Hip Hop Generation,” in Black Theology: An International
  Journal, Volume 8, Issue 3. Fall 2010.

“The Re-Radicalization of Black Theology: From Cone to Hemet,” in The A.M.E. Church
 Review Scholarly Journal 124, no. 416, 2009: pp.43-58.
 
“From a Firm Foundation to a Settled Future: The Bishops’ Council and the Role of 
 Education 1880 to 1908, Part III,” in The A.M.E. Church Review Scholarly
 Journal 124, no. 405, 2007: pp. 41-71. 

“Building a Firm Foundation: Complexity in Search of Security and Establishment of
  the AME Church, 1860-1972, Part II,” in The A.M.E. Church Review Scholarly 
 Journal 133, no.404, 2006: pp. 29-49.

“Loss of African Centeredness in the African Methodist Episcopal Church: Leaders,
 Leadership, Transition and Loss: The Next Generation of AMEC Leaders 
 1839-1860,” in The AME Church Review Scholarly Journal 122, no. 401, 2006: 
 pp. 12-37.

“The Demise of Rap Music: From Resistance to Rhetoric,” in Ideaz: An Interdisciplinary 
 Social Science and Humanities Journal 12, no 1, 2002: pp.17-37.

“Bringing Africa Black to Augusta: A Public Diary of a Private Journey (words and 
 pictures),” in The Augusta Focus 21, no. 1065, 2002: pp. 1-6

Dictionary Article:
“Sociology of Religion,Culture and Hip Hop,” in Global Dictionary of Theology: A Resource for 
 the Worldwide Church edited by William A. Dyrness, Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, Juan F.
 Martinez and Simon Chan. IVP Academic, 2008.

Produced / Directed Full Length Documentaries / Television Shows:
“Talk it Out with Dr. Ralph Basui Watkins,” Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasting Network, 
 Atlanta, GA bi-weekly (1 x 30) talk show. October 2016 to December 2018
  (58 episodes) – Co-Producer, Host and Writer

“Out of Egypt I Have Called My Son: A Son’s Journey Black to Africa,” Atlanta Interfaith
 Broadcasting Network, Atlanta, GA ( 2 x 30 minutes) television documentary – 
 Producer, Director, Writer, Cameraman and Editor. 2017
 https://vimeo.com/355109032
 https://vimeo.com/355118012

“The 46th Delegation of the Interfaith Peace-Builders in Palestine / Israel,” Atlanta 
 Interfaith Broadcasting Network, Atlanta, GA (1 x 30 minutes) television 
 documentary – Producer, Director, Writer, Cameraman and Editor. 2013
 https://vimeo.com/355147058

“She is the Pastor,” Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasting Network, Atlanta, GA (1 x 30 
  minutes) television documentary – Producer, Director, Writer and Editor. 2012.

“Religion Roundtable,” Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasting Network, Atlanta, GA (38 x 30
 minutes) bi-weekly television show – Host, Writer and Co-Producer. 2011 – 2014.

Ongoing Documentary Projects:
“Eyewitness Palestine: Apartheid Revisited,” shooting dates June 2020 
 in Palestine / Israel (1 x 30 minutes) television documentary – Producer, Director,
 Writer and Editor. (expected completion August 2020)

Photography Exhibitions:
“The Spirit of Jazz: The Music I See,” Apex Museum, Atlanta, 2016 (solo show)

Open Studio, Savannah College of Art & Design, Atlanta, 2015

“Faith in Sweet Auburn,” Apex Museum, Atlanta, 2015 (solo show / thesis show)

Transitions, Peachtree and Pine Studio, Atlanta, 2014

Open Studio, Savannah College of Art & Design, Atlanta, 2013

Artist Residences:
Artist in Residence, The Velvet Note Jazz Club, Atlanta, 2015

Selected Scholarly Presentations:
“Digitally Integrated Teaching,” Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology
  and Religion, Annual Program Leaders Leadership Development, Indianapolis,
  2019.
 
“Teaching in the Visual Age,” Alfred S. Palmer Lecture, Seattle Pacific University, 
 Seattle, 2017.

“The Church in the Now: Live or Die,” Virginia Union Theological Seminary, Richmond,
  2016.

“Teaching through Art: Activism in the Classroom,” American Academy of Religion, 
 Atlanta, 2015.

“Dyson Rules: The Pedagogy of Michael Eric Dyson,” Black Religious Scholars at the 
 American Academy of Religion, Baltimore, 2013.

“Socio-Theological Ethnography: The Watkins Approach to the Study of Hip Hop 
 Culture,” American Academy of Religion, Baltimore, 2013.

“Hip Hop, Theology and the Future of the Church,” Howard Thurman Lecture, Candler
  School of Theology, Atlanta, 2012.

“The Virtual Becomes the Real via a Connected African and African Diaspora as African
  Theology Becomes Public Theology: A Method of Sharing Our Story and
  Recovering Our History Real Virtually,” American Academy of Religion, San
  Francisco, 2011.

“From Black Theology to Africana Theology: A Methodological Shift in the Construction
 of an African-Centered Theology,” American Academy of Religion, Atlanta, 2010.

“Understanding the Real that is Virtual: Theological Education in the Age of the
  Internet: Clicking in and Clicking Over,” Warren Lecture, University of Dubuque 
 Theological Seminary, Dubuque, IA, 2010.

“From Black Theology and Black Power to Afrocentric Theology and Hip Hop Power: 
 An Extension and Socio-re-theological-conceptualization of Cone’s Theology in
  Conversation with the Hip Hop Generation,” American Academy of Religion, 
 40th Anniversary Celebration Panel of James Cone’s Black Theology and Black
  Power, Montreal, Canada, 2009.

“An Africana Theological Framework for Doing Black Theology,” American Academy of
  Religion – Western Region, Santa Clara, 2009.

“Preaching to the Hip Hop Generation,” Styberg Preaching Institute Lecture, Garrett
 Theological Seminary, Evanston, 2008.

“The Re-Radicalization of Black Theology,” American Academy of Religion, San Diego,
  2008.

“Hip-Hocrypha Hip Hop as Sacred Text,” American Academy of Religion, San Diego,
  2008

“Lady Sings the Blues: From Ma Rainey to Lauryn Hill – Blues Queens in Dialogue with
  Hip Hop Divas,” American Academy of Religion – Western Region, Berkley, 
 2007.

“Just What the Doctor Ordered,” Annual Martin L. King Jr. Lecture, Claremont School
  of Theology, Claremont, 2007.

“A Father’s Story: Reaching the Hip Hop Generation,” National Church Leaders
 Conference, Myrtle Beach, 2006.

“Its Dark and Hell is Hot: Exodus through the eyes of DMX,” American Academy of 
 Religion – Western Region, Claremont, 2006.

“The Loss of African Centeredness in the African Methodist Episcopal Church,”
  American Academy of Religion, Philadelphia, 2005.

“The Revolutionary Rap of Dead Prez: The New Black Nationalism,” National Council of
 Black Studies, Atlanta, 2004.

“Teaching for the Inclusive Classroom,” American Sociological Association, Atlanta, 
 2003.

“The Black Nationalist Urge in Rap Music,” National Council of Black Studies, Atlanta, 
 2003.

“W.E.B. DuBois: Soul-to-Soul,” American Academy of Religion, Toronto, Ontario, 2002.

“Another Look at Tupac Shakur: Rap, Politics and Rhetoric,” Association of Black 
 Sociologist, Chicago, 2002.
 
“Looking Blackward: C. Eric Lincoln, Black Nationalism, Black Identity and Black 
 Religiosity,” Association of Black Sociologists, Chicago, 2002.

“Teaching to Transgress: A Grassroots Approach that Leads to an Inclusive 
 Classroom,” American Sociological Association, Garden Grove, 2001.

“Rasta’s Time: The Parallels between Rastafarianism, Neo-Black Nationalist Religious
  Movements, Rap and the Raging Next Generation,” Association of Black
  Sociologists, Garden Grove, 2001.

“Rap Religion: Shadows of a New Religious Movement,” Southeast Commission for 
 the Study of Religion, Atlanta, 2000.

“The New Paradigm for an Indigenous Black Theology of the ‘Hood: Method, Praxis
  and the Implications of Theological Ethnography,” American Academy of 
 Religion, Nashville, TN. 1999

“The Demise of Rap Music: From Resistance to Rhetoric,” American Sociological 
 Association, Chicago, 1999.

“A Black Theology for the Future: Reflections on My Sister, My Brother.,” American
  Academy of Religion, Orlando, 1998.

“The Black Theology of the ‘Hood,” Society for the Scientific Study of Religion,
  Montreal, Cananda, 1998

“Applied Sociology and the Black Church: Opportunity and Challenges,” Society for 
 Applied Sociology, Denver, 1998.

“Lost in Space: The Religious Space of the ‘Hood,” American Academy of Religion –
  Eastern Region, Toronto, Canada, 1998.

“Organizing the Unorganized: The Black Church in the ‘Hood,’ American Humanist 
 Sociologists, Pittsburgh, 1997.

“J. Deotis Roberts and a Paradigm for a Black Theology of Dialogue: Implications for a
  Black Inner City Street Corner Theology,” American Academy of Religion, San
  Francisco, 1997.

“The Black Church and Urban Sociology: Taking it to the Street,” Society for Applied
  Sociology, Chicago, 1997.

“The Role of the African American Church in Present Day Social Change,” American 
 Sociological Association, Toronto, Canada, 1997.

“Bridging the Gap Between Black Theology and the Theology of the ‘Hood,” American 
 Academy of Religion – Eastern Region, Buffalo, 1997.

“The Historical Role of the African American Church and Its Further Implications: Black 
 to the Future,” National Conference of African American Culture and Heritage, 
 Indiana, PA 1997.

“Keeping Christian in Christian Community Development,” National Christian 
 Community Development Conference, Pittsburgh, 1996.

“African American Student Retention on Predominantly White Campuses,” Mid-Atlantic
  College and University Housing Officers Annual Conference, Lock Haven, 1992.

“African American Students: Success, Stamina and Survival,” Pennsylvania 
 Black Conference Higher Education, Harrisburg, 1992.

“The African American Success Tradition in Higher Education,” Pennsylvania Black
  Conference in Higher Education, State College, 1991.


Upcoming Presentations:
“Teaching with Film for Social Change Learning: Workshop with Odyssey Impact,” American Academy of Religion, San Diego, 2019.

“Teaching with Digital Media,” American Academy of Religion, San Diego, 2019.


Service to the Academy:
Cohort Leader, Doctoral Cohort, Louisville Institute, 2017 to Present.

Leader, Wabash Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion, Teaching with Digital 
 Media Workshop, 2019.

Team Leader, Wabash Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion, Workshop for
  Pre-Tenure Religion Faculty of African Descent, 2015 – 2016.

Board Member, Wabash Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion, Digital Media
  Journal, 2016 to Present

Community Service:
Board Member, Apex Museum, Atlanta, 2016 to Present

Board Member, Sweet Auburn Works, 2017 to Present 

Professional Associations:
American Academy of Religion
American Society of Media Photographers
Christians in Visual Arts
College Art Association
Society for Photographic Educators

Grants and Awards:
Calvin Institute, Worship Grant $15,000, 2019.

Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasting Network $2,500 for travel to Egypt, 2018.

Savannah College of Art and Design, Honors Scholarship and Educators Scholarship, 
 2013 to 2015.

Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasting Network $2,000 for documentary to Palestine / Israel, 
 2013.

Greater Atlanta Presbytery travel to Palestine / Israel with Interfaith Peace-Builders, 
 2013.

Columbia Theological Seminary, Study Grant for field research in Egypt, 2012.

Fuller Theological Seminary, Study Grant for field research in Egypt, 2008.

University Teaching Grant, Technology Upgrade and Improvement, 2003.

Fulbright Hayes Fellowship, Study in Ghana, 2003.

University System of Georgia, Chancellor’s Award, East Africa: Culture, 
 Environmental Conservation, Economic, Political and Social Development in
 Kenya and Tanzania, 2001 – 2002.

University System of Georgia, Governor’s Teaching Fellowship, 2000 – 2001.

Wabash Teaching Fellowship, Mining the African American Motherlode – Book Project, 
 2001 – 2003.

National Lilly Foundation, Lilly Teaching Fellowship: Mining the African American 
 Motherlode, 1999 – 2000.

Augusta State University, BellSouth Faculty Development Colloquium, 1998 – 1999.

Augusta State University, Faculty Research and Development Grant, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002.

Augusta State University, Most Valuable Faculty Member Award, Student Ambassador 
 Board, 1999 – 2000.

University of Pittsburgh, W. E. B. DuBois Scholar Fellowship, 1994 – 1997.

University of Pittsburgh, Summer Research Grant, 1995 – 1996, 1996 – 1997.

Courses Taught at Columbia Theological Seminary:
Reaching Young Adults in the Digital and Media Age
Explorations Atlanta 
Urban Evangelism
Evangelism via Storytelling & Multi-Media
Leading, Growing and Developing a 21st Century Church
Emergent to Missional: Shaping a 21st Century Church
Theological Grounding for the Virtual Church
From Ministry to Mission: The Externally Focused Church
21st Century Christians: From Evangelism to Discipleship
Evangelism, Photography and Social Media
Introduction to Christian Leadership 
Imagination and Resilience 
Turnaround Congregations thru Evangelism and Social Justice
The Future of Ministry: Being the 21st Century Church
Evangelism & Videography: Story as Witness and Outreach
21st Century Church: Church in the Networked World
Crossrods Capstone Course

Courses Taught at Fuller Theological Seminary:
Introduction to Black Theology
Theology and Hip Hop Culture
The African Roots of Black Theology
Urban Evangelism
Soul Force: The Music of the Civil Rights Movement

Courses Taught at Augusta State University:
Social Theory
African American Religions
Introduction to Sociology
Urban Social Problems
Sociology of Religion
African American Religion
Social Movements
Sociology of Hip Hop
Social Problems
Sociology of Organizations
Race and Ethnicity 
Introduction to African American / Africana Studies Studies
Black Nationalist Movements

“Black in the City” Syndicated Column: The column appeared in thirty-two black weekly newspapers throughout the Southeast. The home newspaper for the column was The Augusta Focus in Augusta, GA:
2000
 Black in the City: It’s On. 
 What’s Up with the Confederate Flag? 
 Uprooting the Roots of Racism. 
 Wanted: Radical Revolutionaries. 
 Revolutionaries, Radicals and the ’Burbs”. 
 I Find the Police Guilty of Murder. 
 Don’t Talk about My Momma. 
 Black Community Investigates Young. 
 A State That’s Not Too Busy to Hate. 
 Community Development without the Community. 
 Stay Away from the Bushes. 
 A View of the Racist Mind: South Carolina a Living Witness. 
 Dr. King and the Confederacy Don’t Go Together. 
 The Confederate Flag: Heritage or Racism? Is There a Difference? 
 Continue the South Carolina Boycott. 
 South Carolina Holds Civil Rights Hostage: It Ain’t Over ’Till It’s Over. 
 The Bush Conspiracy Against African Americans. 
 Mayor Shows Disrespect to African American Concerns: What’s New? 
 Deal with Tiger Woods: A Brother with a Stick Hitting a White Ball. 
 The Bush Boys: Murder is the Charge. 
 An American Lie. 
 Remembering the Black Panther Party, Part 1. 
 George and Dick: A Whiter, Righter GOP Ticket. 
 Democrat or Republican? Neither, Black Power is the Way. 
 The Republicans in the City of Brotherly Love? 
 At Least the Democrats Practice What They Preach. 
 How Can You Be Too Black? 
 Redeeming the Dream or Confronting a Nightmare: It’s Time to Wake Up. 
 Police Murder Another Black Man. 
 Bush Is Showing His True Colors. 
 The Debates in Black and White. 
 George W. Is Trying to Steal an Election. 
 Our Children Are Not the Problem. 
 The Black Truth about the Election. 
 Bush, Black Folk, and Education. 
 Reflecting on Tuesday’s Election. 
 Something Fishy in the Bushes. 
 Thanksgiving and Thankfulness. 
 Mayor Young Is Impersonating a Leader. 
 Where Do We Go from Here? Chaos or Community? 
 Black Robes, White Justice. 
 Bush Appointments in Black-Face. 
 Let’s Get Ready to Rumble. 
 Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? 
2001
Revisiting the Timothy McVeigh Case: The Death Wish of a Murderer. 
 Why We Need a Shadow Inauguration. 
 Grand Jury or Lynch Mob? You Make the Call. 

Bush Is Off to a Right Start. 
 The New Georgia Flag: Sell Out or Compromise? 
 The Black Church Isn’t for Sale: Bush and His Faith-Based Scheme Can Go to . . . ! 
 Tavis Smiley Is More Than Talk. 
 Remembering the Murders of Oklahoma City: Lest We Forget. 
 George Bush: A Smooth Operator. 
 How Can We Stop School Violence?
 Babies Killing Babies: The Tate Case. 
 Justice or Jail for Lionel Tate. 
 They Kidnapped 41 Children in Atlanta. 
 Tiger Woods: Call Him Master. 
 Another Murder by the Police. 
 Mississippi Is Still Mississippi. 
 George Bush’s First 100 Days. 
 Black Man Lynched While Police Watch. 
 What Happens When Ashcroft Prays. 
 Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: Mayor Young Is At It Again. 
 George Bush: President or Pimp? 
 What Does Norwood Know? 
 Tim McVeigh: Patriot, Martyr, or Murderer. 
 The Ghetto and the NBA. 
 Bush and Young: Two Birds with One Rock. 
 From the Slave Trade to the Cruise Industry: The History of International Racism. 
 G. Dubya, Charitable Choice and U.S. Funded Discrimination.
 Why Are Fast Food Workers So Angry? 
 I’m Dreaming of a Black Christmas. 
 A Working Consolidated Gov’t for Xmas? 
 Santa Responds to My Christmas Request. 
2002
 Happy New Year! What Will Be New About It? 
 How Secure Is Our Homeland? 
 There Are No Spectators at a Lynching: Is There a Noose around Cornel West’s Neck? 
 Black to the Beginnings: Preparing for Black History Month. 
 Black History Is African History, Part I.
 Black History Is African History, Part II. 
 Black History Is African History, Part III. 
 Black History Is African History, Part IV. 
 Reparations: The Bill Is Past Due, Part I. 
 Reparations, Part II: Who Lied to You and Told You, You Don’t Owe African Americans. 
 Reparations, Part III: Reparations and the Reckoning of America. 
 Reparations, Part IV: The Final Notice: Due immediately! 
 Finally, Denzel and Halle: Shout or Scream? 
 Veto the Mayor: Voter Registration, Voter Education and Voter Participation is the Key. 
 Inner City Blues: High Crimes and Misdemeanors. 
 Teed Off: Tiger Once, Twice, Three Times the Master. 
 A Warrior’s Wisdom: Rev. Lowery Tells the Story. 
 Righting the Wrongs of Public Education: The Conservative Right Response Is Wrong. 
 All Schools Are Not Equal: Richmond County Schools Are Number One. 
 Africa: Going Home Again. 
 Africa: Making a Connection. 
 Who Knew What When, Who Didn’t Know and Why? Washington, 9/11 and the
 Aftermath. 

A Glimpse of Africa: Reflections of a Been To. 
 Bringing Africa Black to Augusta: A Public Diary of a Private Journey. 
 Who’s Zooming Whom? The Church and Child Abuse. 
 The Foundation of the Struggle: Celebrating the Black Family and Black Love. 
 Another Black Man Beaten by Police: Surprised? 
 What Is the Point of All These Grand Juries? 
 We Must Vote in Each and Every Election. 
 Saddam: Scapegoat or Terrorist? 
 9/11 Remembered: Where Were You? 
 Let’s Send a “Champ” to Congress. 
 What Does Mayor Young’s Record Tell Us about His Leadership Ability? 
 The Augusta National: Sexist, Racist or Just Plain Backwards? 
 The Next Election in Black and White. 
 Leave Barber Shop alone. 
 Plantation Politics: What Is the Key Election Issue? 
 Plantation Politics: Part 2. 
 Every Vote Does Count: Go to the Polls. 
 We Are Survivors! 
 What Will Perdue Do? 
 We Have a Second Chance on Tuesday. 
 George Bush the “Moron”? 
 Mayor Bob Young: His Win Is Our Loss. 
 What Do Strom Thurmond, Trent Lott, Hootie Johnson and Jesse Jackson Have in
 Common? 
 Leave Trent Alone: He Only Told the Truth. 
2003
Why Iraq and Not North Korea? 
 We Are Off to War? 
 Racist Is as Racist Does: Perdue Is Being Himself. 
 Whatever Happened to the Team Concept? 
 Celebrating 50 Years of Commitment. 
 Bull Connor and Mayor Bob Young: Water Hoses or Ordinances, What is the
 Difference? 
 Why Should a State Senator Defend a Confessed Child Molester Like Bobby Brassell? 
 Why Not Try Peace? 
 The Bush Vendetta: What Is Really Going On? 
 It Is Time to Pray and Protest. 
 In the Midst of a Mess, Remember Why We Protest. 
 In the Midst of a Mess, Remember Why We Protest: Part 2. 
 War Watching. 
 Why Are Some Reporters Ousted from Bed?
 The War Overseas and the Battle at Home. 
 The Occupation of Iraq Begins. 
 Reverend Al Was On Point. 
 What Is Perdue Doing? 
 Another Black Man Killed by the Police. 
 The Jason Blair Witch Project. 
 Operation Freedom or Operation Chaos? 
 Barton Chapel Elementary, How Beautiful! 
 I Ain’t Afraid to Speak My Mind. 
 The Court’s Continuing Legacy of Racism. 
 I Am Going to Africa with President Bush. 

In the Cradle of the Slave Trade. 
 The Standing Power of the Slave Castles. 
 Leaving Home to Come Home. 
 Home at Last: Black from Africa. 
 When Will the War in Iraq Be Over? 
 9-11 Remembered. 
 Did George Bush Really Ask for $87 Billion? 
 Would the Real Black Church Please Stand Up? 
 Georgia Attacks Black Students. 
 What Do Al Sharpton and Arnold Schwarzenegger Have in Common? 
 Who Is the American Idol? 
 Who is Winning the War on Terror? 
 It Ain’t Time Yet. 
 The Joy of Being a Dad. 
 2Pacolyspe Is Now in Effect: Tupac Lives. 
 The Florida Classics Was Classic: HBCUs Are the Best. 
 I Charge the Police with Murder.