James A. Forbes

Nationally Acclaimed Theologian Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr. Offers Lecture Series At Shaw University

Raleigh, NCThe Rev. Dr. James. A. Forbes, Jr., Union Theological Seminary Henry Emerson Fosdick Distinguished Professor, is on loan to Shaw University to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. Forbes, along with other distinguished professors and theologians, will offer a lecture series through the Shaw University Divinity School entitled “Preaching and the Next Great Awakening.”

Lectures take place on Saturdays beginning Sept. 8th in the WEB Lewis Lecture Room located on the 3rd floor in historic Leonard Hall from 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Lectures are free and open to the public. For more information and to register, visit www.shawu.edu/Divinity-Lectures.

Dates and Lecture Series Topics:

Sept. 08 – Origins of the Great Awakening

Sept. 15 – Great Awakening Preachers

Sept. 22 – Preaching and Spiritual Renewal of the Nation

Sept. 29 – Call of the Church in the Media Age

Oct. 13 – The Awakening

Nov. 3 – Preaching and Building the World House

Nov. 10 – Preaching and Leadership Today

Nov. 17 – Closing Lecture on the Awakening

The rich history of Shaw University makes it an ideal partner with Union Theological Seminary to honor Dr. King’s legacy. Dr. Forbes has personal ties to Shaw University as his father, Bishop J.A. Forbes, Sr. and sister, Evangeline, are both graduates of the University. Most notably his brother, Dr. David C. Forbes, an alumnus of Shaw University, who along with fellow alumna Ella Baker formed the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in 1960. 

SNCC became one of the most important organizations of the civil rights movement of Dr. King, organizing sit-ins and freedom rides playing a leading role in the 1963 March on Washington and the Mississippi Freedom Summer.

Dr. Forbes, Senior Minister Emeritus of The Riverside Church in New York City, having served as senior pastor for over 18 years, is known as the “preacher’s preacher” for his extensive preaching career and charismatic style. He has earned the Doctor of Ministry degree, Master of Divinity degree and Bachelor of Science degree and has been awarded 13 honorary degrees from leading universities.

Having led workshops, retreats, and conferences throughout the country, Forbes has received numerous awards including the prestigious Earle B. Pleasant Clergy of the Year Award, Unitas Distinguished Alumnus Award and the Cronkite Faith and Freedom Award. 

Shaw University, located in North Carolina’s vibrant Downtown Raleigh, is the first historically black institution of higher education in the Southern United States. Founded in 1865 by Dr. Henry Martin Tupper, Shaw is proud to be educating more than 1,600 students who will become the change agents of tomorrow. Shaw University is committed to advancing our mission with entrepreneurial thinking, positioning and presence, innovation, and customer care. Learn more at www.shawu.edu.