1. What inspired you to write this book?
Images of a Preacher was originally a PhD dissertation for my academic work at Northwestern University. I became fascinated by the work of Dr. J. H. Jackson, in part, because of a short paper I wrote on him and because my mother had raved about his preaching since I was a boy. The more I learned about his life and ministry, I became convinced that this was an inspiring story that could spur persons to great ministry. This preacher was a mover and shaker on the world stage. While known principally for his work on the Convention platform, his ministry touched many areas. His ministry was a living embodiment of the Wesleyan tenet, “the world is my parish.” While critics of the Black church such t as sociologist E. Franklin Frazier et al contend that the Church was only “other worldly “ in its focus, Jackson’s work and interests conclusively proved otherwise. Thus, my interests in his work were personal, academic, and historical from a revisionist perspective.

2. How has Rev. Joseph Harrison Jackson influenced your life and work as a preacher?
As I have developed as a preacher/pastor/teacher of the African American church tradition, I learned that one could be inclusive of the wider Christian family and still remain a solid Baptist.

3. This book concentrates on Jackson’s line of work from the Civil Rights movement, do you think Christian social activism is as strong today as it was during that time period? Do you think Christian social activism is still relevant?
Sadly, many in the African American church tradition have focused too intently on individual salvation to the neglect of the prophetic. Part of the reason for this shift is because of the changes in society in terms of racism. While we do not live in a post racial society, the issues are defined differently. E.g., it is easier to preach individual prosperity than to look at the gospel’s relationship to healthcare, global warming, or militarism. The good news is that many have not abandoned the good fight of trying the make the gospel relevant in social as well as individual terms.

4. How did Jackson’s feud with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. change the dynamic of the National Baptist Convention?
J.H. Jackson and M.L. King, Jr. had a celebrated feud. The immediate result was the formation of a new convention.

5. Why do you think Jackson’s leadership style was so important to the African American church?
Preaching was and is important to the Black Church. J. H. Jackson did a number of things, but his notoriety was based on his ability to “say it.” The pulpit prince demonstrated that if one had preaching prowess one had staying power. Jackson argued that “preaching provides the opportunity to pastor.” Being able to articulate ideas and values in a way that is meaningful and forceful not only shapes the psyche and spirit but inspires people to get on board. Just ask President Obama!


6. What is the one thing you want people to take away from reading your book?
Joseph Harrison Jackson is a must read for anyone who wants to understand the 20th Century African American Church’s message to its age.

7. What do you think is J.H. Jackson’s legacy?
J.H. Jackson’s enduring legacy is summed up in the phrase, “we must move from protest to production.” He was right when argued that the African American Church cannot decry the ills of society without putting programs in place to make a difference. Social action ministry must not only offer a critique to society but must back up its talk by tangibly working with the least, the last, and the lost. His Freedom Farm Movement is one to be emulated. E.g., if the NBCUSA Inc still owned the Farm, we could use it as drug rehab center.

Click here to see Images of a Preacher in our Online Store.