From the Ghetto to Capitol Hill
Published 16 September, 2008, 12:23
After a prestigious twenty-seven-year career in the U.S. Navy, Rear Admiral Barry C. Black (Ret.) crowned his resume by being elected the 62nd Chaplain of the United States Senate. The first African-American Chaplain of the United States, Dr. Black’s story is almost the stuff of legends.
Brought up in the moral wasteland and abject poverty of the worst slums of Baltimore, Maryland, young Barry grew up with little more than his mother’s love, strength, and Christian faith, which played a commanding role in his life. In a world where violence, alcohol, and drugs reigned, Barry watched blood flow through debris filled streets as drug dealers peddled their goods on one corner and prostitutes on the other. Domestic violence served as a shocking form of evening entertainment, and the future spiritual advisor to some of America’s most powerful leaders routinely came home from school bruised and bloody, the victim of neighbourhood thugs.
Deeply inspired by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in college, Black joined the Civil Rights movement and began to see ministers as more than spiritual spectators to life. Instead, he realised the profession placed its adherents on the frontlines in the fight for justice, truth and righteousness. Barry Black was inspired and found his calling.
Upon deciding to enter the ministry, Black joined the U.S. Navy, eventually becoming Rear Admiral and Navy Chief of Chaplains. “My faith is rooted in Proverbs 3:5-6,” he explains, “If you trust God passionately, always seeking His will, He will direct your steps.”
A highly decorated officer and the recipient of numerous awards, this dedicated husband and father of three has earned a Doctorate in Ministry as well as a PhD in Psychology. He opens the United States Senate each day in prayer, and is responsible for the counseling and spiritual care of America’s Senators, their families, and their staff – a combined constituency of six thousand people.
The duties that fill Chaplain Black’s days include, among other things, addressing spiritual and moral issues with U.S. Senators, assisting their staff with research on theological and biblical questions, and teaching Senate Bible study groups. “My wonderful ministry opportunity as U.S. Senate Chaplain provides me with a front-row seat to American and world history,” the clergyman reflects. “During the day, I give Bible studies to and advise the people I’ll see on the evening news.”
Rick Kern for RT
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