Jemar Tisby is a public historian, national speaker, bestselling author, and co-host of the “Pass the Mic” podcast. Tisby is dedicated to revealing the truth and reality of the Black experience. As an advocate, he addresses the complex relation of race, history, and religion, bringing his long experience of teaching to universities and speaking to organizations, congregations, and communities.

Tisby grew up in Chicago. He attended Catholic school, but religion was not part of his family’s life. He was introduced to Christian faith after following a high school friend to an evangelical youth congregation. Seeing church activities as a way of socializing, he was soon influenced by the pastor’s messages and philosophy. Embracing Christianity, Tisby discovered a new way of life.

After graduating high school, Tisby attended the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, where he became acquainted with the tradition of Reformed Theology and was intrigued by the philosophy of the Scriptures. He began to explore Christian teachings, reading several works by pastors and theologian. During his time in the university, he began to attend a reformed Christian church. Tisby realized that a form of racial segregation still persisted as he was the only Black person in an all-white congregation.