Dr. Ralph Basui Watkins, MFA, PhD

The scholar with a camera

© Copyright 2024
Dr. Ralph Basui Watkins

Dr. Ralph  Basui Watkins

“The scholar with a camera!”

The Peachtree Professor of Evangelism and Church Growth

Columbia Theological Seminary 

Education:

MFA, Savannah College of Art and Design

DMin, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary 

PhD, University of Pittsburgh 

Ralph Basui Watkins is known as “the scholar with a camera!” He is an arts based researcher who does work at the intersection of spirituality, photography, documentary film and social justice.  He is the author of six books, and over thirty chapters and articles.  He is a sought after speaker, workshop leader and panelist. His television show Talk it Out with Dr. Ralph Basui Watkins was one of the top rated shows on the Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasting network for over four years (2012-2016).  He is also the producer / director of three full length made for television feature documentaries:  She Is The Pastor  (2012) and  Our Journey to Palestine: A Story of the 43rd Delegation of Interfaith Peace Builders  (2013) and Out of Egypt I’ve Called My Son: A Son’s Journey Black to Africa – Part #1& 2 for Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasting Network (2018)

Dr. Watkins has had three solo photography shows and his photographs have been published in numerous publications. He is presently working on a documentary  and photo series  Seeing the Future of the Church in the Rainbow. Dr. Watkins is also working with Dr. Bill Brown on his seventh book The Word Made Image: Scripture, Photography, and the Creativity of Justice, Fortress Press, projected, Fall 2025.

In recent years, Watkins has been the artist in residence for Pride in the Pews at Spelman College,Velvet Note and St. James Live, both nationally recognized jazz clubs.  He also been awarded a Louisville Institute Sabbatical Grant, Collegeville Institute Sabbatical Residency Grant, Governor’s Teaching Fellowship, Lilly Teaching Fellowship, Fulbright Hayes Fellowship for study in Ghana, a Wabash Teaching Fellowship, and various awards and grants to study in Kenya, Tanzania, Egypt, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Ghana. Dr. Watkins is married to Dr. Vanessa C. Watkins, they have been married since 1982 and have three adult children. 

More About Dr. Watkins:

Atlanta gathering focuses on LGBTQ inclusion in Black churches
New exhibition in Decatur shines light on Black faith community's position on its queer members
Exhibit explores African American church’s relationship to LGBTQ community
Historic Promotion of Dr. Ralph Basui Watkins to Full Professor
A lens on Black lives and the fight for justice
“Seeing the Future of the African American Church in the Rainbow” / Multi-hyphenate casting director Erica Arvold / Concerts in the Park: A Latin Celebration

Contact Dr. Watkins

Email: ralphwatkins@me.com

Phone: (404) 882-1205

© Copyright 2024
Dr. Ralph Basui Watkins