I hold the position of President and CEO at the Urban Renewal Center (URC), a conceptual center of moral thought, voice, and action. Our organization actively pursues research, advocates for social causes, and engages with the community. Drawing from my extensive background as both a scholar and practitioner, I have over 20 years of experience in leadership and teaching. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of imparting knowledge and assuming leadership responsibilities at esteemed institutions such as Old Dominion University, where I currently serve as a part-time professor, as well as Sacred Heart University, Vanguard University, New York Theological Seminary, Fuller Theological Seminary, and Regent University, where I had the honor of receiving tenure. Additionally, I had the distinct privilege of being the founding President of Jakes Divinity School in Dallas, TX.My passion lies in the study of the intersection of religion and public life. I have spent countless hours in libraries, museums, combing through collections and archives to discover new knowledge to rediscover religious and social progress. I firmly believe that education of the highest caliber upholds the values of love, truth, grace, and social justice. It serves as catalyst for fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, all for the betterment of society. This noble pursuit is achieved through the fusion of cultural competence and the ongoing process of cultural humility.I have published numerous books and articles. These works delve into a variety of thought-provoking subjects, such as success, justice, African American religion and faith practices, and the role of faith in the public square. In addition, I actively forge partnerships with unlikely community allies, bridging gaps and spearheading community engagement initiatives.My purpose can be encapsulated in this simple truth: education is more than skills development. It is a matter of moral grounding and holds profound significance and permeates every aspect of our existence. A moral foundation is the bedrock of our humanity, defining what it truly means to be human, pursuing truth in all of its complexity, and enabling others to thrive and flourish into what Martin Luther King, Jr called, “the Beloved Community.”