Lecture by Rev. Robert McKnight on Black Lives Matter and Its Historical Context

Symposium Lecture: Black Lives Matter and Its Historical Context with Rev. Robert McKnight

Date: Monday, August 31, 7:35 – 9:00pm
Location: Zoom

Robert L. McKnight, Sr. is the Minister and Spiritual Leader of Rock of Truth Church in Oakland, CA.

Pastor McKnight served as the second chairperson of the African American Studies Department at Berkeley High School, the first ever African American Studies Department (AASD) in a public high school in the United States. He is currently an adjunct professor of African American Studies at Merritt College, Laney College, and Berkeley City College, where he teaches African Civilization, African American History, Social Psychology of Black Male/Female Relationships, The Black Family, Religion and The Black Church, Roots of African American Culture, Introduction of African American Studies and African Psychology. In addition, he serves in the capacity of Educational Consultant to public schools.

Pastor McKnight completed public education in Berkeley, California and served honorably for four years in the United States Air Force. He has earned degrees and holds credentials in History, African American Studies, Humanities, Education, Ethnic Studies, Political Science, and National and International Political Theory. He honors and recognizes the following teachers in a small all-black school in the segregated South for any academic success he may have achieved: Ms. Estella Collins Brown, first grade; Ms. Lois Quarry, second-grade; and Ms. Margarita Cheatam, third/fourth grade. It was from them that he learned reading, writing, arithmetic and academic literacy that would serve him throughout the rest of his years of academic preparation.

Active in community affairs, Pastor McKnight is host of the television program “Education In Our Community”. He is a recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for his commitment to African Studies, public education, and community service. He is the recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award and A Positive Black Image Maker for Extraordinary Contribution in Our Community. He has been recognized by the city of Berkeley, Alameda County, California State Legislature, and by the United States Congress, for his commitment to education. The sorority, IOTA PHI LAMBDA, recognized him as an outstanding educator. He has been selected for “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers” three times.

Pastor McKnight has served as Board Member of the National Assault on Illiteracy Program.