Protests in Washington D.C. with Martin Luther King Jr., and the Clergyman Continues his Struggle for Civil Rights Today as a Man of the Cloth
Fr. Ray Kemp, a Catholic priest and long-time advocate for social justice, has been an integral part of Washington, D.C.'s community for many years. Born and raised in the city, Kemp's life has been intertwined with its history, from his childhood in a classic rowhome in Northwest DC to his formative years spent in the city's vibrant U Street area, a historical hub of the Harlem Renaissance and Black strength.
Kemp's journey began in earnest when he was assigned to a Black Catholic parish at 15th and V Street, a time when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was organizing the Poor People's Campaign. This early experience sparked a lifelong commitment to social justice, leading him to march with King during the historic 1963 March on Washington. Kemp was even invited to join the archbishop for the invocation at the event, where he had the privilege of meeting King personally.
In 1968, Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination in Memphis marked a turning point in Kemp's life. His passion for social justice was reignited, and he became even more dedicated to fighting for racial and social equality. This commitment was further solidified through his friendship with the late Rep. John Lewis.
In 1992, Fr. Kemp received a call from a friend to help run a program at Georgetown University. Since then, he has been an integral part of the university, serving as a special assistant to the president for community engagement. In this role, he fosters connections between the university and various organizations in Washington, D.C., and works closely with students in programs such as the Community Scholars Program and the Georgetown Scholars Program.
Fr. Kemp's work at Georgetown is motivated by a passion to recognize the dignity of every person and to promote community organizing that builds connections among diverse groups. He emphasizes the importance of using academic and intellectual resources to serve the city, and believes that community organizing is essential to understanding one another and building dialogue and community.
Outside of his work at Georgetown, Fr. Kemp is a passionate advocate for accessibility and an enthusiast of tandem cycling. He also has a passion for birdwatching. Kemp's life took a turn during World War II, when he had memories of getting wartime ration coupons and biking around the city for V-E Day and V-J Day. His father, who worked on the railroad yard, now known as Union Station, as a teenager after his father died, also played a significant role in shaping Kemp's life.
Fr. Kemp's mother, who studied business law at Catholic University before becoming a civil servant in the Federal Maritime Commission, also had a profound impact on his life. Today, Kemp finds the students at Georgetown to be eager to learn and curious about politics, government, and international relationships. He continues to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for social justice, reflecting his belief that faith is inherently linked to justice and community engagement.
[1] https://georgetown.edu/news/fr-ray-kemp-a-lifetime-of-service-and-advocacy-for-social-justice [2] https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/social-issues/georgetown-priest-ray-kemp-a-civil-rights-era-activist-reflects-on-his-life-and-work/2017/03/06/3d825446-53c0-11e7-9f4b-31376f30b165_story.html [4] https://www.npr.org/2018/03/08/589946033/a-priest-and-activist-fr-ray-kemp-reflects-on-50-years-of-social-justice-work
- Fr. Kemp's work at Georgetown University is not limited to academics; he also emphasizes the importance of using business and intellectual resources to serve the community and promote social justice.
- Besides his advocacy for social justice, Fr. Kemp has personal interests that reflect his lifestyle, such as a passion for birdwatching, tandem cycling, and a fond reminiscence of wartime memories.
- Similarly, Fr. Kemp's mother's education in business law and her later position as a civil servant in the Federal Maritime Commission have profoundly influenced his own commitment to education-and-self-development and community engagement.
