McCormick Honors Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr.

10-17-2019

Legacy of Leadership Award

McCormick Theological Seminary will present Reverend Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr., Pastor Emeritus of Trinity United Church of Christ (TUCC), with its Legacy of Leadership award at a gala event to be held at the South Shore Cultural Center, Friday, October 13, 2017. The Legacy of Leadership Award celebrates transformational leaders whose ministry and voice have empowered and inspired communities of faith here, across the country, and around the world. Dr. Wright has devoted his life to his family, his church, and his community. He has educated and helped equip generations of faithful, dedicated leaders. He has empowered communities, and has been a tireless advocate for justice in Chicago and around the world. 

During Dr. Wright’s tenure as senior pastor at TUCC, and continuing under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, III, TUCC has provided tuition reimbursement to dozens of members of their congregation who have matriculated through McCormick. In September of 2016, McCormick and Dr. Wright partnered to launch a collaboratively designed doctor of ministry program known as the Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. Scholars: African-Centered Religious Thought and Ministry, in which Dr. Wright is the featured scholar and mentor. There are 22 students currently enrolled scheduled to complete their degrees in the spring of 2019. Rev. Dr. Stacey Edwards-Dunn (D.Min.’11), who serves on the leadership team at TUCC, also serves at McCormick as the Director of the Center for African American Ministries and Black Church Studies and as adjunct faculty, since 2015. Rev. Dr. Edwards-Dunn also was a primary architect of the Dr. Wright Scholars degree program.

David H. Crawford, President of McCormick Theological Seminary said, “McCormick Theological Seminary is grateful for the decades-long relationship we have had with Dr. Wright and the amazing pastors, staff, and members of Trinity United Church of Christ. Dr. Wright and the good people of Trinity have done so much, for so many, including McCormick. We are, therefore, grateful for the opportunity to be part of this wonderful event that honors the life and prophetic ministry of the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright.”

The event begins at 6:00 p.m. Tickets start at $175. Registration is available online at mccormick.edu.

About Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr.

Rev. Dr. Wright is globally known for his leading-edge efforts as a pastoral theologian and as a reformist. Dr. Wright has published four books and numerous articles. Dr. Wright also lectures across the country addressing the religious challenges the Black church faces and created and launched many ministries. 

Dr. Wright served in the Marine Corps as well as the United States Navy. He earned bachelors and master’s degrees from Howard University after his time in the military. He earned another master’s degree from the University of Chicago Divinity School before earning a doctorate from the United Theological Seminary studying under his mentor, Dr. Samuel DeWitt Proctor. In addition to his four earned degrees, Dr. Wright has been the recipient of eight honorary doctorates.

Before retiring in 2008, Dr. Wright pastored Trinity United Church of Christ for 36 years. Demonstrating his understanding of and commitment to Trinity's motto, “Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian,” Trinity (TUCC) membership grew exponentially under Dr. Wright’s leadership from less than 100 to over 6,000 members. 

About McCormick

McCormick Theological Seminary is one of 12 schools related to the Presbyterian Church (USA) and is an accredited member of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in the United States and Canada and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The seminary, located among the Hyde Park cluster of theological schools, including the University of Chicago, is affiliated with the Association of Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS). A progressive leader in the Reformed tradition, McCormick equips, encourages, challenges, and energizes diverse women and men of all denominations hungry for a more just world and on fire to participate and lead in its Holy transformation. We are committed to rigorous academic study, practical experience, spiritual formation and community life, advancing a model that is cross-cultural, urban, and ecumenical.