We teach, research, publish, and create experiences to nurture effective leaders for the church, the academy, and the world. We seek to enrich the work and witness of Duke Divinity School—with both theological and spiritual resources from Black Church contexts.

The Office of Black Church Studies Celebrates 50 Years

A Year of Celebration

During the 2022–2023 academic year, Duke Divinity School celebrated the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Office of Black Church Studies, with a year of events culminating in an evening celebration on April 17 featuring Grammy Award-winning gospel singer Yolanda Adams and the Martin Luther King Lecture Series on April 18 with the Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale.

Michael Walrond preaches with congregants in background in Goodson Chapel

Upcoming Events

Join us for lecture series, worship events, conferences, and more.
Tue, Apr 2, 2024 | 3 - 4:15pm | Westbrook 0012

2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture

The Office of Black Church Studies will host the 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture with Josef Sorett as the guest lecturer. 

Thu, Apr 11, 2024 | 4 - 5:30pm | Duke Divinity School Bovender Terrace (across from Zweli's)

J. Alfred Smith Papers Reception

Latest News

Read the latest news and announcements from the Office of Black Church Studies.
The Office of Black Church Studies Hosts 2024 Sankofa Alumni Preaching Series
March 5, 2024
The Sankofa Alumni Preaching Series, established in 2014 during Black History Month, is hosted by the Office of Black Church Studies to celebrate the distinct contributions of the school’s alumni of African descent.
Rev. Dr. Benjamin Chavis Named Inaugural Environmental Justice and Racial Equity Fellow
December 8, 2023
Duke alumnus and noted activist will support classes and research on environmental justice and racial equity.
Cynthia Hale preaches in Goodson Chapel
October 11, 2023
The Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale argues that the church must develop a social justice ministry to be faithful to the call of Jesus.

Our Programs

Certificate in Black Church Studies
The Certificate in Black Church Studies aims to help strengthen the body of Christ through critical reflection, dialogue, and practice for those who are interested in the intersection of race, faith, and Christian witness, particularly in the tradition of Black churches. 
Black Church Studies Fellowship
The Black Church Studies Fellowship program is designed for students pursuing the Certificate in Black Church Studies while enrolled in the residential Master of Divinity degree program. The program includes full-tuition scholarship and signature programming.
Course Offerings
Learn about classes in Black Church studies that are intensely interdisciplinary, ecumenical, and intellectually inclusive.
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“Studying at Duke Divinity has helped me to foster a particular fortitude, as my convictions, formed out of the Black church tradition, are brought into the discussion of the broader theological conversation.”

About the Office of Black Church Studies

Learn about how we nurture effective leaders for the church, the academy, and the world.

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