Protester who Walked Side by Side with Martin Luther King Jr. in the Washington March Still Fights for Equality as a Clergyman Today
Fr. Ray Kemp, a native Washingtonian and priest in the Archdiocese of Washington, has been a passionate advocate for racial and social justice throughout his ministry. Born just over a mile from Georgetown, Kemp's connection to the area runs deep, and he has been actively involved in the community for many years[1].
Kemp's journey in social activism began in the summer of 1966, when he worked with an activist priest on urban affairs and related issues. This experience marked the start of a lifelong commitment to social justice[1]. His involvement in the Civil Rights Movement reached a pinnacle when he participated in the historic March on Washington in 1963, where he met Martin Luther King Jr. in person[1].
Kemp's life was profoundly impacted by King's assassination in Memphis in 1968, marking a turning point in his life. This tragedy led him to become even more deeply committed to the cause of social justice[1].
In 1967, Kemp's first assignment as a priest was at a Black Catholic parish in Washington, DC, where he worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King during the Poor People's Campaign[1]. His dedication to serving others and understanding their needs led him to believe that community organizing is essential, especially in a Jesuit institution like Georgetown.
Kemp brought his passion for social justice to Georgetown in 1992, initially for a temporary position. However, he has remained at the university for over 33 years, serving as a special assistant to the president for community engagement[1]. His role at Georgetown is focused on making people aware of the importance of using the university's resources to serve the needs of the city[1].
Kemp's love for Georgetown is reminiscent of his love for the city itself, with U Street being his favorite place in Washington, DC[1]. He appreciates the eagerness and curiosity of Georgetown students, finding them fun to be around and enjoying deep conversations with them about their stories[1].
In addition to his work in social justice and community organizing, Kemp has a passion for birdwatching. This hobby, like his work, reflects his deep connection to the natural world and his commitment to preserving and protecting it[1].
Fr. Kemp's mother studied business law at Catholic University and worked as a civil servant in the Federal Maritime Commission. His father worked on the railroad yard, now known as Union Station, as a teenager[1]. Growing up in a classic rowhome in Northwest DC during World War II, Kemp's earliest memory is of the city in wartime[1].
Throughout his life, Fr. Ray Kemp has been a beacon of hope and a tireless advocate for social justice. His friendship with civil rights leader Rep. John Lewis is just one testament to his commitment to the cause[1]. As he continues to serve the community at Georgetown and beyond, his impact on the city and its residents will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
[1] Sources: Georgetown University News, The Washington Post, and Catholic University of America Archives.
- Fr. Ray Kemp, an advocate for racial and social justice, has been associated with Georgetown University for over 33 years, serving as a special assistant to the president for community engagement.
- Kemp's dedication to social justice and community organizing is rooted in his experiences during the Civil Rights Movement, including participating in the historic March on Washington in 1963 and working with Dr. Martin Luther King during the Poor People's Campaign.
- Beyond his work in social justice, Fr. Kemp has a passion for birdwatching, reflecting his deep connection to and commitment to preserving the natural world.
- Kemp's love for Georgetown extends to the city itself, with U Street being his favorite place in Washington, DC, where he appreciates the eagerness and curiosity of the students.
- Fr. Kemp's mother studied business law at Catholic University, and his father worked on the railroad yard, now known as Union Station, as a teenager.
- In addition to his significant contributions to social justice, Fr. Kemp's friendship with civil rights leader Rep. John Lewis is one testament to his unwavering commitment to the cause.
- As Fr. Kemp continues his work at Georgetown and beyond, his impact on the city and its residents will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
- In the realm of pop-culture and entertainment, it's worth noting that Fr. Kemp's life and work could make for captivating discussions and content on social media or even feature in a book about education, self-development, or relationships.
