Erskine (center) celebrates the award with family and AJA members.Professor of Theology and Ethics Noel L. Erskine has received the Atlanta Jamaica Association’s (AJA) 2016 Black History Month Award. The association honored Erskine at its annual Black History Month celebration on February 6 at St. Timothy United Methodist Church in Atlanta.

At the event, AJA Immediate Past President Errol Ritchie recognized Erskine as a founding member and past president of the association, and applauded his many contributions to the study and understanding of black theology and its relevance, as well as his involvement in activities promoting Jamaican culture. Jewel Scott, Jamaica’s honorary consul in Atlanta, also praised Erskine for providing young people of Caribbean descent with an increased appreciation for their heritage.

In his acceptance speech, Erskine urged those present to unite to help Jamaicans at home and abroad become the people that God has called them to be, expressing love and concern for those on the margins of society.

Originally from St. Thomas Parish in Jamaica, Erskine has been a member of Candler’s faculty since 1977.

Read more about Erskine’s award.

Read Erskine's recent essay on the sacredness of rap and reggae to black experience.