The words “diplomatic,” “articulate” and “driven” may come to mind when talking to Dr. Barry C. Black, but they’re not enough to describe the man who grew up in a public housing project to become who he is today: the first African-American, the first Seventh-day Adventist, and the first military chaplain to hold the office of chaplain to the United States Senate -an accomplishment that makes all Adventists feel proud.

Black was best known as historically becoming the first African-American and first Seventh-day Adventist chief of naval chaplains in August 2000. He draws many parallels from his Navy chaplaincy to the role of Senate chaplain. Both are "a pluralistic setting of religious diversity.” Both give him “an advisory function to some very powerful people.” And both the military and the Senate are frequently “faced with tremendous challenges that relate to national security and international stability.”

Black brings to the office of the Senate chaplain a passion for learning, and he stands on his educational training as the foundation of his career. He has three master's degrees-divinity, counseling, and management-and two doctorates-theology and psychology. "I was always interested in studying in areas that I thought I could be stronger in. I'm very fortunate in that school has always been fairly easy for me. So I was able to really do most of my academic training in my spare time." His bachelor's degree in theology from Oakwood College was the catalyst.

Black is also an alumnus of Andrews University, North Carolina Central University, Eastern Baptist Seminary, Salve Regina University, and United States International University.

As Senate chaplain, Black juggles his daily activities by prioritizing. "You spend the first part of your day in a devotional period. You read your Bible, pray, reflect, meditate, and plan your day in the presence of God. And if you do that, you then are able to go through the day with a focus, and I think that with divine help you end up accomplishing far more than you would do if you jumped into your day without that quiet time." The term is open, and doesn't require reelection of any sort. "As long you are making an impact in terms of ministry, and you're happy to be there, you stay there.”

More than half of his life has gone toward serving the Lord. And that's how he wants to be remembered. After all is said and done, the cornerstone of his success has been the pursuit of his goal of pleasing God and not man.

By Lahai Allen - Adventist Review

Chaplain Black has been selected for many outstanding achievements. Of particular note, he was chosen from 127 nominees for the 1995 NAACP Renowned Service Award for his contribution to equal opportunity and civil rights. He also received the 2002 Benjamin Elijah Mays Distinguished Leadership Award from The Morehouse School of Religion. In 2004, the Old Dominion University chapter of the NAACP conferred on him the Image Award, "Reaffirming the Dream -- Realizing the Vision" for military excellence.

Chaplain Black is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and is married to the former Brenda Pearsall of St. Petersburg, Florida. They have three sons: Barry II, Brendan, and Bradford.