James A. Forbes facts for kids
James Alexander Forbes, Jr. is a very respected former leader of the Riverside Church in New York City. This church is special because it welcomes people from different Christian groups, like American Baptists and the United Church of Christ. Dr. Forbes was the first African American minister to lead this diverse church. He served there for 18 years, helping many people.
Early Life and Learning
James Forbes, Jr. was born in Burgaw, North Carolina. His family later moved to Goldsboro, North Carolina and then to Raleigh, where he grew up.
He went to college at Howard University in Washington, D.C.. In 1957, he earned a degree in Chemistry. In 1956, he felt a calling to become a minister. He then studied at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, finishing in 1962. Later, in 1975, he earned another advanced degree from Colgate Rochester Divinity School in Rochester, New York. This was after he had already started working as a pastor and teacher.
Dr. Forbes became an ordained minister. This means he was officially recognized to lead religious services. He was ordained by both the American Baptist Churches and the Original United Holy Church of America.
His Career and Impact
From 1976 to 1989, Dr. Forbes taught about preaching at Union Theological Seminary. He became a special professor of preaching in 1985. Even after he became the senior minister at Riverside Church, he continued to teach there part-time. He also taught at Auburn Theological Seminary in New York.
On June 1, 1989, Dr. Forbes became the fifth Senior Minister of the Riverside Church. He was the first African American to lead this large and diverse church. The church is located between the Morningside Heights and Harlem neighborhoods.
He helped support efforts to address public health issues, like AIDS, through faith communities. He worked with Pernessa C. Seele, who started a national movement called the Balm in Gilead, Inc. This group helps thousands of churches, including Riverside Church, work on health issues.
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Dr. Forbes also helped Riverside Church play a role in improving the Harlem community. He worked with a group of churches called Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement.
He was known for his powerful and inspiring way of preaching. This helped attract many new members to the church.
After 18 years of service, Dr. Forbes retired from Riverside Church on June 1, 2007. He then became the president of the Healing of the Nations Foundation. This foundation focuses on spiritual healing and revitalization across the country.
In 2009, Dr. Forbes wrote a book called Whose Gospel: A Concise Guide to Progressive Protestantism. In his book, he shared his ideas for positive social change. He wrote about important topics like poverty, war, equality for women, racial justice, and protecting the environment.
Dr. Forbes also hosted a radio show called The Time Is Now. It was broadcast on the Air America Radio network until July 28, 2007.
He is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
Family Life
Dr. Forbes is married to Bettye Franks, who is from San Antonio, Texas. They have one son, James A. Forbes III.
Awards and Recognition
- 2010: Dr. Forbes received the "Ossie Davis Human Rights Lifetime Achievement Award." This award recognized his lifelong work for human rights.
- 2003: He was featured on a special TV program called Speaking to Power: A 'NOW With Bill Moyers' Special Edition on PBS.
- 1996: In a worldwide survey of religious experts, Dr. Forbes was named one of the "12 Most Effective Preachers" in the English-speaking world.
- 1993 and 1984: Ebony magazine, a well-known publication, recognized him as one of the greatest Black preachers in the United States.
- He also received the Alumni Charter Day Award from Howard University. This award honored his outstanding achievements in ministry after graduating.
