The Reverend Clarence James is truly a preacher and prophet in this present age. Not only are his lectures enthusiastically presented, they are felicitous. He presents a practical model for living for a Godly life in an ungodly world. When I could sit, I sat spell-bound, on the edge of my seat, waiting with baited breath for his next profound utterance. May God bless him with a long life and increasing wisdom as he selflessly shares that which the Lord has laid on his heart.

The Reverend Clarence James brought to Jackson State U. a message of concern and hope. He stresses the need for a strong sense of history, appreciation for the motherland of Africa, and specific strategies for building strong black male leaders. Though Rev. James emphasis is on manhood, he does not de-emphasize the historical and positive role women played to the strength and stability of the family. In fact, he extols the role of black women and sees black male leadership building as a way of complementing an extending his positive influence. The groundwork he laid will be used to develop effective programs to enhance families and especially youth.

Rev. James' presentation concerning the black male during our annual Afro-American Studies Conference opened the door of our minds and led us into new ways of thinking and hopefully new ways of acting. His blend of scholarship, spiritual centership, and concern for people put into perspective new understandings about the black male. His presentation was truly the highlight of the conference.

Rev. James is a man of great men and greater generations. He has inspired me academically, spiritually and culturally. He is a man that represents true Christian and African values not only through his words but also by his actions. His presence demands undivided attention and respect, he is an individual that could be described by every positive attribute in the American dictionary. I count it as an honor and privilege to have learned under him and built a friendship with him that I am sure will last forever.

Reverend James’ lecture at Temple University on `Homosexuality and the Black Community’ was quite impressive. His scholarly engagement of the issue was thorough, as he approached it from historical, biological, cultural, and ethical standpoints. Reverend James’ rational and systematic case against the spread of homosexuality in the Black community was compelling and unarguable. This was a truly fine and unforgettable lecture that must be heard by all. Indeed, Reverend James is an African man whose great knowledge, and unapologetic commitment to the well-being of his community, deserve our full attention.

"In what may have been one of the most powerful lectures ever presented at Temple University, Reverend Clarence James, one of the early student developers of the Harvard University African American Studies Department, critiqued the history of homosexuality from the ancient Greeks to contemporary times. In James' analysis the African American community is threatened by the rapid increase in HIV infections among black women as a direct results of many homosexual men having sex with infected men and then having sex with women. An overflow crowd questioned him on many issues which he handled with dignity, respect, and brilliance. I was impressed by Reverend James' decorum despite several attempts to shout him down. Students were heartened by his cool, rational, and historical approach to the issue of homosexuality in the black community."

Reverend Clarence James came into my life a stranger, but it only took mere seconds for him to place me at ease with his sincerity and recognize a man who will be a lifelong friend. More than a teacher, he became a parental figure lacking in the lives of those of who have gone without such a strong presence. The most important lesson I learned from him wasn't contained or limited to any textbook. Rather, it was in how Reverend James sustained his grace during the most trying of times.

Whereas many would speak what it is you would like to hear, Rev. James is a rarity. He eloquently speaks from the heart on what it is you need to hear. He is not motivated by any malice or ill will in doing so, but for a love of achieving benevolent duties. For his commitment towards embettering through tough love as opposed to pacifying me with random kind words, I will be eternally grateful for teaching me how to live my life with the utmost honesty. Honor and unwavering principle by any other adjective would simply be Reverend Clarence James. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., would be proud indeed. His dream is realized in his student.

I have just had the experience of participating in the Urban Black ChurchClass taught by Rev. Clarence James this fall semester. I say participate because that is just what we did. We were thoroughly involved in the learning process. It was a class in which all that I had learned in seminary was brought together with all that I had experienced as an African American clergy person. Like no other class this course made sense of the dichotomies that existed between what I was being taught and what I understood in my cultural worldview. I thank God for the opportunity to learn under such a dedicated and inspirational man of God as Rev. James. I pray that other students, of all ethnicities will have the opportunity to sit at the feet of this man and learn of his wisdom.