
6 minute read
Dr. Boise Kimber
recently elected as the 19th president of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., is a distinguished pastor, community leader, and advocate for social justice and economic empowerment Throughout his impactful career, Dr Kimber has seamlessly blended faith and activism, addressing society’s most pressing issues with conviction and purpose.
With a ministry focused on uplifting marginalized communities, Dr. Kimber has devoted his life to guiding his congregation through spiritual, social, and economic challenges. His influence reaches beyond the pulpit, as he actively works to create pathways for justice, equality, and opportunity across communities Through his leadership, Dr Kimber has transformed countless lives, equipping individuals to overcome adversity and reach their potential.
Dr. Kimber is also a prominent civil rights advocate, spearheading initiatives that tackle racial inequality, poverty, and educational disparities. His approach emphasizes unity and collaboration, bringing together religious, civic, and governmental organizations to address systemic challenges and create lasting change
In addition to his pastoral work, Dr Kimber mentors young clergy and emerging leaders, passing on his knowledge and commitment to social justice to the next generation. His dedication to education and leadership development has left a lasting mark on the faith community, ensuring that his legacy of service will endure.
Dr. Kimber is widely respected for his ability to articulate complex social issues with clarity, earning him recognition in both religious and civic arenas His work exemplifies the power of faith-driven activism and his lifelong commitment to justice, equality, and empowerment serves as an inspiring example to all.
Dr. Kimber has been the Pastor of First Calvary Baptist Church in New Haven, CT, since 1986, where he provides visionary leadership to the congregation, fostering spiritual growth and unity. As a teacher, counselor, and motivator to both adult and youth Dr. Kimber ensures the development of strong Christian values; upholding and promoting Christian principles and values in all aspects of church life.
Having achieved a broad education, Dr KImber’s educational credits span a multitude of relevent topics:
University Divinity School, New Haven, CT, 2018 - Thesis Topic: A Critical Analysis of Black Women in Ministry in the Black Church D.MIN. United Theological Seminary,
Dayton, OH, 2001 - Dissertation Topic: “Developing a Social Justice Consciousness in a Local Congregation” This project's focus is to determine if a local congregation can be transformed into a greater social justice consciousness through education and training.
M.R.E. Religious Life and Education, Hartford Seminary, Hartford, CT, 1997 -Master's Thesis: “Homosexuality and the African American Church” This project studied current ideology and doctrines on the subject of homosexuality and predominantly black Baptist congregations
B.A. Sociology, Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, NC, 1981
Dr. Kimber’s competencies cover Business Development, Collaboration, Community Activism, Relationship Building, Spiritual Leadership, Strategist, and Visionary.
Prior to his accepting the presidency of the National Baptist Convention USA Dr. Kimber starting in 1999 as the Executive Secretary, for the Board of Directors of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., His responsibilities were to ensure accurate and sufficient documentation to meet legal and organizational requirements; advise and counsel committee heads and senior leaders on business affairs and organizational matters; record and maintain minutes of all board meetings, ensuring accuracy and accessibility; propose policies and practices to enhance organizational governance and efficiency; submit comprehensive annual reports to the Board of Directors; maintain detailed membership records for the convention, encompassing hundreds of thousands of members; fulfill various additional responsibilities as assigned by the National Baptist Convention President and perform administrative tasks delegated by the Board of Directors to support the organization's mission and objectives.
He Served as Custodian of Records and President Emeritus of the Christian Leadership School, The Boise Kimber Christian Leadership School, within the National Baptist Convention - State of Connecticut Missionary Baptist Convention starting in 2015; Providing spiritual support and guidance to young adults, fostering their growth in Christian leadership. Developed and delivering curriculum instruction leading to certification in areas such as evangelism, missions and society, and global ministries for peace, justice, and tranquility. He instructed students in early Christianity, biblical studies, Baptist polity, Old Testament, and New Testament teachings.
April 2025
April 2025
As President of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., headquartered in Nashville, TN Kimber is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the Convention and promoting its mission across member churches and affiliate organizations; leading initiatives that address social justice, civil rights, and economic empowerment, and working to foster unity and collaboration with other faith-based and civic groups; representing the Convention at national and international religious, civic, and governmental events; supporting and developing pastoral and leadership training programs to equip church leaders with the skills needed to serve their communities effectively; engaging with the broader public through media and community events to articulate the Convention's stance on significant social issues and advocate for positive change

DR. BOISE KIMBER - COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Consultant to the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Multicultural Center at Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT
Fire Commissioner for the City of New Haven, 9-year appointment
Director for Aids Interfaith Network, Inc.
Advisor to local labor unions
Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Connecticut Alumnae Chapter
Director of the National Action Network, Inc , Connecticut
Member, the Conference of National Black Churches, Connecticut
Executive Director of the Social Justice Initiative.
Former Chairman, Civil Service Commission
Former Chairman, Affirmative Action Committee
Board of Directors of the National Baptist Convention, Secretary, 2010-2014
National Acton Network Board of Directors
Chairman, Early Childhood Council, New Haven, CT



“My main goal now is, one, to restore our headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee; two, to focus on Christian education, which our convention was founded upon,” Kimber, the former president of the Connecticut State Missionary Baptist Convention, said in an interview hours before his installation. “Three, is to have a better and a greater relationship with our young people of our convention; four is to have women to become a part of the administrative parts of our convention.”
(c) 2025

