Dr. Brad Braxton is the Founder of The Open Church of Maryland. He holds a Ph.D. in New Testament studies from Emory University, where he was a George W. Woodruff Fellow, a Master’s degree in theology from the University of Oxford, where he was a Rhodes Scholar, and a B.A. degree in religious studies from the University of Virginia, where he was a Jefferson Scholar and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He is the author of three scholarly books and numerous articles and essays. His writings explore the role of religion, race, and culture in promoting a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive world. His books No Longer Slaves: Galatians and African American Experience and Preaching Paul are frequently used in divinity school courses.
Dr. Braxton is also a seasoned scholar, educator, and diversity, equity, and inclusion professional. In addition to providing visionary oversight for The Open Church, Dr. Braxton serves as the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at St. Luke’s School, a highly regarded, coeducational Episcopal day school in New York City. Additionally, Dr. Braxton has held professorships at Southern Methodist University, Vanderbilt University, and Wake Forest University, as well as recent lectureships at Georgetown University, Harvard Divinity School, and McCormick Theological Seminary.
His leadership has extended beyond the academy to the arenas of museums, philanthropic organizations, and faith-based communities. He formerly served as the Director of the Center for the Study of African American Religious Life at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC, the Program Officer for Religion in the Public Sphere at the Ford Foundation in New York City, and the Senior Minister of the Riverside Church in New York City.
His wife, Lazetta Rainey Braxton, is a nationally recognized Certified Financial Planner and Co-Founder and Co-CEO of 2050 Wealth Partners, a firm that provides wealth management and comprehensive financial planning. They are the proud parents of a daughter, Karis.