Rev. Julian DeShazier, Senior Pastor

Julian DeShazier joined University Church as Senior Pastor in November 2010.

As a national speaker, advocate and emcee, Julian “J.Kwest” DeShazier has appeared on BBC, FOX, NPR and Dr. Maya Angelou’s “Oprah & Friends” radio program. J.Kwest is also an Emmy Award-winning musician, featured in the video “Strange Fruit,” a commemoration of the Billie Holiday song and a meditation on racial violence. The Chicago native and graduate of Morehouse College and the University of Chicago Divinity School is a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow since 2020 and was also recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as one of “40 Under 40” leaders in Chicago. Named by the Center for American Progress as one of “10 Faith Leaders to Watch” in 2018, he serves as the inaugural chair of the Community Advisory Council for University of Chicago Medicine; as associate director of the Office of Experiential Education at McCormick Theological Seminary; and is a former adjunct professor at the University of Chicago Divinity School. In 2021, Julian was inducted into the Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel Board of Preachers. Julian is a regular contributor to On Scripture and Sojourners, where he is also a board member. He and his wife, Mallorie, have two fierce daughters, Dania and Genevieve. // all social media: @PureKwest

CURRENT AFFILIATIONS

Leadership Greater Chicago (Fellow since 2020)
Citizen Scientist, UIC Cancer Center
Center for American Progress (“10 Faith Leaders to Watch”, 2018 list)
Crain’s Chicago Business (“40 Under 40”, 2017 list)
Sojourners (board member and Summit Movement honoree)
McCormick Theological Seminary (Associate Director, Office of Experiential Education and Field Studies)
University of Chicago Medicine (Inaugural Chair, Community Advisory Council)
City of Chicago (“Chicago Is With You” Immigration Task Force member)
University of Chicago Police Department (Police Activities League board member)
Wild Goose Festival board member
The Blue Gargoyle board president
Disciples Divinity House board member
Chicago Commons Project, program participant
Next Generation Leadership Initiative – United Church of Christ, program participant
United Church of Christ, ordained
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), ordained
University of Chicago Divinity School (alumni/Adjunct Professor )
Phi Beta Kappa
Morehouse College (alumni)