WASHINGTON - The Black Congregations Resource Center at the Howard University School of Divinity (HUSD) is pleased to announce the appointment of Harold Dean Trulear, Ph.D., as its new director. Trulear, an esteemed faculty member and associate professor of Applied Theology at the University, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role. 

In this role, Trulear will lead efforts to develop a comprehensive set of resources aimed at supporting clergy, lay leaders, seminarians, and theological educators. Thanks to a generous $1.25 million grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc., this initiative will empower African American preachers and congregations by equipping them with the necessary tools to address social justice issues, enhance congregational care, and deliver impactful sermons. 

"My appointment as the director of the Black Congregations Resource Center is the most significant opportunity of my 46 years in theological education. The Center, an outgrowth of the 2013 'Equipping the Saints' initiative under Dr. Alton Pollard, equips clergy and lay leadership with thoughtful research and practical ideas,” said Trulear. “While its mission points to HUSD's future, it honors the tradition of Howard's Institute of Religion and other efforts that reflect HUSD's unique role as the only theological school within a historically Black research university. Through research, webinars, podcasts, convenings, and our website, the center will be a major resource for Black congregations." 

Trulear's background includes serving as the vice president for Faith-Based Initiatives at Public/Private Venture, where he oversaw a national demonstration project on the capacity of faith-based institutions to address crime and violence among youth and young adults. He has also conducted extensive research at the intersection of faith and justice, including the development of the Community Reentry Network for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. 

In addition to his academic and research accomplishments, Trulear has served as a pastor in several churches and has been recognized for his contributions to the field. He is the founder and director of Healing Communities USA, a national program that trains faith communities to minister to individuals and families impacted by crime and incarceration. 

The Black Congregations Resource Center, initially housed online through the School of Divinity's website, will serve as a valuable hub for congregations to learn, grow, and collaborate. Plans are also underway to establish a physical space where the community can access these resources in the future. 

"Dr. Trulear is a premier voice in social justice and criminal justice reform, and his spirit of ambassadorship is unparalleled,” said Kenyatta Gilbert, Ph.D., dean of the Howard University School of Divinity. “As any good ambassador, Dr. Trulear spreads the good news about our “divinity school” and makes significant contributions both locally and nationally.” 

For more information about the Black Congregations Resource Center and its initiatives, please visit howard.divinity.edu. 

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Media Contact: Simone Boyd, simone.boyd@howard.edu