Rev. Jamal Harrison Bryant

Rev. Jamal Harrison Bryant is an American minister, author, and former political candidate. Bryant obtained his master's of divinity degree from Duke University and a doctorate of ministry degree from the Graduate Theological Foundation. He founded the Empowerment Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore, Maryland, in 2002, which quickly became the fastest-growing AME church in the denomination's history. The Empowerment Temple, which started with 43 members, has reached over 10,000 members in its first seven years. The church focuses on empowering believers spiritually, developing them educationally, exposing them culturally, activating them politically, and strengthening them economically.

In addition to his role as a pastor, Bryant has appeared on several television programs, including C-SPAN, and has been discussed in various media outlets like "USA Today." Bryant hosts the podcast "The Jamal Bryant Podcast: Let's Be Clear" and has authored two books, "World War Me: How to Win the War I Lost" and "The Big Idea: When God Impregnates Your Imagination." Bryant has been recognized for his contributions to the community, receiving the NAACP Image Award's Chairman's Award in 2015.

Bryant has also made significant strides in promoting educational and economic development within his community. He opened an elementary school and adult learning facility, taught every member to be creditworthy, and provided tools for them to become entrepreneurs. His commitment to civic engagement is evident in the fact that the Empowerment Temple has registered more voters than any other church in the city of Baltimore.