Johnson Named Alumni of the Year

Memphis Theological Seminary is proud to honor our esteemed Director, Dr. Andre E. Johnson, by presenting him with the prestigious Henry Logan Starks Outstanding African American Alumni Award.

The Starks Dinner and Awards Ceremony is a celebrated event that pays tribute to the lasting impact of Dr. Henry Logan Starks, a highly respected professor from the Memphis Theological Seminary and a passionate advocate for community engagement and civil rights. This annual gathering not only honors Dr. Starks’ remarkable legacy but also recognizes the outstanding achievements of scholarship recipients who embody his ideals. Additionally, the ceremony acknowledges the significant contributions of individuals who have made a positive difference in their communities, reflecting the principles and values that Dr. Starks championed throughout his life. This heartfelt occasion brings together a diverse group of individuals committed to uplifting the spirit of service and advocacy that Dr. Starks exemplified.

"I owe much of who I am to Memphis Theological Seminary," said Dr. Johnson. "At MTS, I started to grasp the essence of loving God with my head, heart, and hands. My experience at MTS deepened my faith, clarified my role within the church and community, and equipped me for my PhD studies at the University of Memphis. I express my profound gratitude to MTS; being awarded this esteemed recognition is an honor that I do not take lightly. I appreciate the House of Black Church Studies and MTS for recognizing me and awarding me this honor."

This significant recognition will take place during the 38th Annual Dr. Henry Logan Starks Dinner & Awards Ceremony. Join us for this memorable evening on Thursday, February 13, at 7:00 PM, held at the Holiday Inn (3700 Central) adjacent to the University of Memphis. It promises to be an inspiring event celebrating excellence and achievement in our community. For more information, call Brenda Jones at 901-334-5812.

Call for Proposals

Call for Proposals:

The Center for the Study of Rhetoric, Race, and Religion is excited to announce a call for submissions for its upcoming virtual conference on March 13-14, 2025. This interdisciplinary conference aims to delve into the intricate interplay between rhetoric, race, and religion, focusing on both historical and contemporary contexts. We seek thought-provoking papers investigating how these three critical domains converge, exert influence, and collectively shape social, cultural, and political landscapes. Participants are encouraged to explore the implications of this dynamic relationship across various scenarios, offering insights that illuminate the complexities and nuances inherent in these vital fields of study.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• The role of race and religion in the 2024 Presidential electionRhetorical analysis of rhetoric and race in religious contexts
• The rhetorical strategies employed in Black preaching traditions
• Reconceptualizing rhetoric and religion in Indigenous literature
• The role of race in religious communication
• Performative aspects of faith and spirituality in diverse religious contexts.
• Rhetorical analysis of sermons and religious texts from racial and cultural perspectives.
• The role of rhetoric and religion in racial justice movements
• The Rhetoric of White Nationalism and White Evangelical Theology
• Works in Progress

Submission Guidelines

We welcome Single Paper and Full Panel (3-4 speakers) proposals. Please limit single-paper proposals to 250 words and full-panel proposals to 500 words. Please include each speaker’s name, email address, and institution for full panel proposals.


Please register and submit proposals via this submission link by February 15, 2025.