Howard University School of Divinity

What if I told you that right here, the Howard University School of Divinity played a crucial role in shaping the very fabric of our nation’s civil rights movement? The Howard University School of Divinity stands as a testament to the power of faith and education. It’s more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a living embodiment of the struggles and triumphs of African Americans in their pursuit of spiritual and intellectual freedom. Founded in 1870, the Howard University School of Divinity is the oldest historically Black school affiliated with the Association of Theological Schools in North America. It holds the distinction of being the only African American theological school connected to a category I research institution. Imagine the countless lives that have been touched and transformed within these hallowed halls. The American Missionary Association (AMA) played a pivotal role in establishing Howard University, including its School of Divinity. In the aftermath of the Civil War, the AMA recognized the urgent need to educate newly freed African Americans. They envisioned a theological seminary to train African American clergy, an idea that blossomed into the full-fledged university we know today. In 1940, a pivotal moment occurred when Dean Benjamin E. Mays acquired a significant portion of the Auburn Seminary Library collection. This acquisition dramatically enriched the Howard Divinity School’s resources and contributed to its first accreditation. The School of Divinity has educated generations of religious leaders and scholars. The school offers Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master of Arts (M.A.) in Religious Studies, and Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degrees, with plans for a Ph.D. program. The Howard University School of Divinity’s commitment to education and civic responsibility continues to resonate. The words of Dr. William Lloyd Imes, delivered at the 1940 convocation, still hold true: “Democracy to me in America means that I can only have as much of it as I am willing to share with all my fellows.” This message of mutual trust and civic responsibility, echoing the sentiments of Martin Luther King Jr., reminds us of the interconnectedness of our society and the importance of individual participation. The Howard University School of Divinity is a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring power of faith, education, and social justice.