Rev. James Forbes Biography

Dr. James Forbes Jr. is an American minister and former senior pastor of Riverside Church in New York City. Born in 1935 in Burgaw, North Carolina, Forbes earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Howard University and a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary. He also received his Ph.D. in pastoral counseling from Union Theological Seminary. Forbes became the first African American pastor of the historic Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City in 1989. In 2000, he became the first African American to be appointed as senior minister of Riverside Church. He is a renowned preacher and public speaker. He has been a guest on numerous television and radio programs, including “Meet the Press” and “The Today Show.” Forbes has been a leading voice in fighting social justice and civil rights. He has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the NAACP’s Image Award, the prestigious “Keeper of the Dream” award from the National Action Network, and induction into the Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College.

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