Barry Black facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Barry Black
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Black in 1997
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| 62nd Chaplain of the United States Senate | |
| Assumed office July 7, 2003 |
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| President | George W. Bush Barack Obama Donald Trump Joe Biden Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Lloyd Ogilvie |
| 22nd Chief of Chaplains of the United States Navy | |
| In office August 2000 – August 15, 2003 |
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| Preceded by | Byron Holderby |
| Succeeded by | Louis Iasiello |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Barry Clayton Black
November 1, 1948 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Spouse | Brenda Pearsall (m. 1973) |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Oakwood University (BA) Andrews University (MDiv) North Carolina Central University (MA) Palmer Theological Seminary (DMin) Salve Regina University (MA) Alliant International University (PhD) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1976–2003 |
| Rank |  Rear Admiral |
| Awards | Navy Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2) Meritorious Service Medal (2) Navy Commendation Medal (2) Marine Corps Commendation Medal |
Barry Clayton Black was born on November 1, 1948. He is the 62nd chaplain of the United States Senate. This means he serves as a spiritual advisor and offers prayers for the U.S. Senate. He started this important job on June 27, 2003.
Barry Black made history by becoming the first African American and the first Seventh-day Adventist to hold this position. Before joining the Senate, he served for over 27 years in the United States Navy Chaplain Corps. He reached a high rank as a rear admiral and was the Chief of Chaplains of the United States Navy. He retired from the Navy on August 15, 2003.
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Barry Black became a Navy chaplain in 1976. A chaplain is like a spiritual leader or minister for people in the military. His first job was in Norfolk, Virginia. He then worked in many different places, including Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Annapolis, Maryland. He even served in Okinawa, Japan, and on a ship called the USS Belleau Wood (LHA-3).
During his time as a rear admiral, he received many awards for his excellent service. These include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit Medal. He also received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal twice. These awards show his dedication and hard work in the Navy.
Chaplain of the U.S. Senate
On June 27, 2003, Barry Black was chosen to be the 62nd chaplain of the United States Senate. He officially started his role on July 7, 2003. He has served longer than any other Senate chaplain in a row.
During a time when the U.S. government was temporarily shut down in 2013, his prayers became very well-known. He prayed for guidance and courage for the senators. He asked for them to be saved from "madness" and to replace "selfishness and pride" with wisdom.
He also prayed for the U.S. Capitol Police officers who were not being paid during the shutdown. He said he was being "remunerated from above," meaning he felt God was providing for him. He asked God to help lawmakers overcome their "stubborn pride." He also prayed for them to have "wisdom to distinguish between truth and error." The U.S. House of Representatives also invited him to speak in their chamber.
Awards and Recognition
Barry Black has received many honors throughout his career.
- In 1995, the NAACP gave him their Renowned Service Award. This was for his work in promoting equal opportunity and civil rights.
- In 2002, he received the Benjamin Elijah Mays Distinguished Leadership Award.
- In 2004, he received the Image Award from the Old Dominion University chapter of the NAACP. This award recognized his excellence in the military.
- In 2019, he was given Becket's Canterbury Medal. This award honored his efforts to protect religious freedom for everyone.
His Education
Barry Black has studied at many universities. He attended Oakwood University, Andrews University, and North Carolina Central University. He also studied at Palmer Theological Seminary, Salve Regina University, and Alliant International University.
He has earned several degrees, including three Master of Arts degrees in divinity, counseling, and management. He also holds two doctorate degrees: a Doctor of Ministry and a Ph.D. in psychology. In 2004, he received an honorary Doctorate of Divinity degree.
His Book
Barry Black wrote a book about his life called From the Hood to the Hill. It was published in 2006.
About His Personal Life
Barry Black grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. He is one of eight children. His mother worked as a domestic helper, and his father was a truck driver.
He is married to Brenda Black, and they have three sons: Barry II, Brendan, and Bradford. He is a Seventh-day Adventist and a vegetarian. He has said that being a vegetarian is a healthy lifestyle for him.
