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.

Welcome to R3 Unlimited

by Andre E. Johnson

When I embarked on the journey of launching the Rhetoric Race and Religion blog on October 15, 2011, my vision was clear: I wanted to create a dynamic blog that would serve as a comprehensive platform for my research agenda and pastoral ministry. This space would not only house my ideas and reflections but also provide a venue for my occasional laments as I navigated the complexities of discerning God’s call in various seasons of my life. Moreover, I envisioned the site as a vibrant forum for engaging in public discussions about theology and exploring how rhetoric actively shapes and constructs our theological perspectives.

While I achieved my initial objectives, the blog evolved in ways I hadn’t anticipated. We established an aggregate blog that spotlighted the work and insights of others, enriching our community with diverse perspectives. Our R3 Readers became a popular feature, curating collections of articles centered around timely subjects in the news. These collections ultimately laid the groundwork for the Syllabi projects that have now become commonplace among scholars. 

R3 also embraced a collaborative spirit by inviting authors to share their contributions. This opened the door for prominent thinkers and public intellectuals—including Earle J. Fisher, Candice Benbow, Rashad Grove, Kia Grandberry, Nikia Smith Robert, C.J. Rhodes, Daniel White Hodge, and many others—to enrich our discourse with their distinctive voices. Together, we have cultivated a space that celebrates the intersection of theology, scholarship, and community engagement.

The blog quickly gained immense popularity, attracting the attention of Patheos, which offered to host it on its platform. This significant opportunity opened the door for additional hosting sites, including the Huffington Post and Religion Dispatches, to feature some of the blog's content, further expanding its reach. In 2019, I embarked on a variety of new projects that began to take precedence in my life. Consequently, by 2020, I made the decision to cease regular publication of the blog. However, for those interested in exploring its past writings, an archived version of the blog remains accessible.

As I embarked on the journey of establishing the Center for the Study of Rhetoric, Race, and Religion, I recognized the importance of creating a vibrant online presence through a dedicated blog. Our mission statement states that we strive to foster an interdisciplinary research hub that delves into the complex interplay of rhetorical practices, racial issues, and religious discussions within society. Our goals include cultivating critical scholarship, promoting inclusive dialogues, and developing innovative teaching methods that engage with the intricate relationships between rhetoric, race, and religion, both in historical contexts and contemporary experiences. It is with this spirit in mind that I introduce R3 Unlimited (R3U), a new chapter that builds on the foundation of the previous R3 blog.

R3 Unlimited will operate as the official blog for the Center for the Study of Rhetoric, Race, and Religion, reflecting many of the values and themes present in the original R3 blog while also embracing some new directions. First and foremost, R3U will serve as a dynamic intellectual hub for our CSR3 members, fellows, and graduate students, providing a platform for their voices and ideas to flourish. Additionally, R3U will be your go-to source for information regarding upcoming events and important announcements within our community. Finally, readers can eagerly anticipate a series of captivating posts that will not only spotlight upcoming publications but also delve into works that are currently in development. These updates will provide a glimpse into the dynamic contributions being made across various areas of the field, celebrating the creativity and innovation of authors and researchers who are shaping the future of their disciplines.

So, this is your invitation to join us. Please join our mailing list and help us play a vital role in fostering a more just, inclusive, and enlightened society.

We would like to extend a heartfelt invitation for you to become a part of our community. By joining our mailing list, you can play an essential role in our mission. Your involvement will help us share valuable insights, updates, and opportunities for engagement, as we work together to make a meaningful impact. We believe that with your support, we can foster a brighter future for all.

Andre E. Johnson, Ph.D. is the Director for the Center for the Study of Rhetoric Race and Religion and Professor of Rhetoric and Media Studies at the University of Memphis