12 Notable Black Female Preachers You Need To Know

6. Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie

Baltimore’s own Bishop Vashti McKenzie is one of the most prolific voices in the faith community. She has sat at the helm of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church since 2000, when she became the first woman in its 200-year history to obtain an Episcopal office position.

Author of five books, the University of Maryland graduate was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the inaugural President’s Advisory Council of the White House Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. In 2014 the Huffington Post included McKenzie in its “50 Most Powerful Women Religious Figures Around The World” list.

Her appointment as Interim General Secretary/President of the National Council of Churches marks a significant milestone in her career, where she now represents millions of people across diverse Christian denominations, Howard University notes. Her work with Paul Quinn College, a historically Black institution in Texas, underscores her deep commitment to educational development and the empowerment of Black communities.

Moreover, her visionary leadership is evident in the establishment of two nonprofit organizations dedicated to church and community outreach, showcasing her forward-thinking approach. Dr. Kirk-Duggan continues to make a profound impact on both religious communities and the broader society, particularly through her work at Payne Theological Seminary.