Biography

The Reverend Dr. Perzavia Praylow is the senior Pastor of Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC and the Director of Contextual Theology at Howard University School of Divinity. She is an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament in The Presbyterian Church (USA). Previously, Dr. Praylow was an assistant professor of American History at Augusta University and also served as an adjunct professor of History at Bowie State University, The University of Illinois, Benedict College and numerous other colleges and universities.

As the Director of Contextual Theology at Howard University School of Divinity, Dr. Praylow is responsible for directing all aspects of the Contextual Theology programs at the Divinity School including Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), Continuing Education, International Program, Spiritual Formation and Field Education.

Dr. Praylow earned a PhD in American History, an MA in Education Policy and a MA in History all from the University of Illinois (Urbana, IL), a Master of Divnity at Columbia Theological Seminary, a Masters of Sacred Theology at Lutheran Theology Southern Seminary (SC), and a BA in History at Drew University.

Dr. Praylow’s research focuses on 20th Century race relations, American religious history, African American social equality and the history of education. Her current book project is, “Educating the Talented Tenth: Fisk University Students, the Politics of Race Leadership and the Struggle for African American Equality” and she is completing a manuscript on the mission work of Black women ruling elders in African American Presbyterian churches. She serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Presbyterian Historical Society, is a member of the Presbyterian Mission Agency Mission Development Resource Committee, the District of Columbia Mayor’s Interfaith Council and has served and the Alumni Council of Columbia Theological Seminary.

Dr. Praylow is most passionate about equipping leaders and organizations for transformative and adaptive leadership and service. Through her coaching, speaking, counseling, teaching and scholarship, she endeavors to journey alongside others helping to equip them to be change agents in increasingly diverse and intercultural contexts. She is a native of Jersey City, NJ but currently calls the DC/Maryland metro area home.