Pastor Michael A. Walrond, Jr.

Michael A. Walrond Jr. is the Senior Pastor of First Corinthian Baptist Church (FCBC) in Harlem, New York. Walrond—affectionately known as Pastor Mike—is quickly rising as one of the most prolific and sought-after teachers and preachers in the country. Considered a visionary, cultural architect, and game-changer by his peers, Walrond has catalytically changed the traditional prospective of Christian understanding and culture. His various community and social justice initiatives include becoming leader of Mayor de Blasio’s Clergy Advisory Council in NYC, the Micah Clergy Roundtable of NYC, A.C.T. Social Justice Ministry, anti-“stop and frisk” campaign and direct involvement in the passing of the “New York City Living Wage” legislation through New York City Council. He serves as a Trustee and adjunct faculty member of Chicago Theological Seminary and served as weekly columnist for the New York Amsterdam News. His tireless work has been recognized by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, MSNBC, HLN, and CNN as well as recognition by Newsweek Magazine as “One of the Lord’s Foot Soldiers”. Walrond has received numerous honors, accolades and recognitions including induction into Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers as a “Distinguished Preacher.” In 2014 he was a recipient of The Root 100 Award, a list of the top 100 most influential African Americans under the age of 45. He is married to the Rev. Dr. LaKeesha N. Walrond, who serves as Executive Pastor of FCBC, and they are the proud parents of two beautiful children, Michael III and Jasmyn Dominique.