King’s Announces Center for the Study of Christianity and Black Experience

Dr. Jacqueline C. Rivers | Photo Courtesy of The King’s College

The King’s College announced the launch of the Center for the Study of Christianity and the Black Experience and the appointment of Dr. Jacqueline C. Rivers as the senior fellow on June 12. 

King’s made the announcement at the height of racial justice unrest, but it was not a purposeful response to the current political and social climate according to Dr. David Tubbs, Associate Professor of Politics and director of the Center. It has been in the making for years since its proposal by the Commission of Multi-Ethnicity in 2017, and the announcement was planned to coincide with the publication of Rivers’ essay on Religion Unplugged.

Even so, President Tim Gibson stated, “Providentially, the timing works out in a way that there is a great deal of interest on the subject. God has worked this all out in a way to make this possible.”

Dr. Rivers is a lecturer of African-American Studies and Sociology at Harvard University, where she earned her BA, MA, and Ph.D. 

“It was a no brainer. She has the same heart as we have. Our students are just as important to her as they are to us,” remarked Dr. Dami Kabiawu, Assistant Professor of Finance and associate director of the Center. 

President Gibson said, “She and her husband [Reverend Eugene Rivers] have been at the forefront of race relations and work for decades in Boston, bridging racial tensions as far back into the 70s and 80s.”

While Dr. Rivers and Dr. Tubbs teach courses beginning in the spring semester of the 2020-21 academic year, Dr. Kabiawu will plan for the future and expansion of the Center. Other institutions and top tier academia have already expressed interest in their involvement, according to President Gibson.

The Center plans to provide students with the opportunity to have scholarly discussions with accomplished thinkers in the field about the history of race relations in the U.S.

“It’s important for Christians to get a handle on the past in order for them to look into the future,” Dr. Kabiawu said. “This is the time.”