Reverend Dr. Joseph E. Lowery

Born in Huntsville, Alabama on October 6, 1921, the Reverend Doctor Joseph E. Lowery has been one of the nation’s strongest and most consistent advocates for racial justice, human rights, and world peace.  When Ebony Magazine named him one of the nation’s 15 greatest black preachers, they described him as the consummate voice of biblical social relevancy, a focused prophetic voice, speaking truth to power.
In 1997, the NAACP presented Dr. Lowery with one of their highest awards and called him the dean of the civil rights movement.  A number of other organizations have honored him for his effective leadership in the movement to empower African Americans as equal shareholders in American life, including the National Conference of Black Mayors; Boston University, with its Martin Luther King, Jr. Award; Wayne University with its initial Walter Reuther Humanitarian Award; and the Progressive National Baptist Convention.
Dr. Lowery’s life of advocacy has spanned more than 50 years, beginning when he headed the Alabama Civic Affairs Association, which spearheaded the movement to desegregate buses and other public accommodations, and the hiring of black police officers.  In 1957, he joined with Martin Luther King, Jr., Ralph David Abernathy, and other southern ministers to organize the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.  Dr. Lowery served as vice president until 1967, chairman of the Board until 1977, and as president and CEO until 1997.
Dr. Lowery matriculated at Alabama A&M University, Knoxville College, Payne Theological Seminary and the Chicago Ecumenical Institute.  He has received numerous honorary doctorates from Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Dillard University, Alabama State University, Central State University, Paine College, Beloit College, and others.
He is married to Evelyn Gibson Lowery, who is the founder and chair or SCLC Women and is the father of five children.