R&B Pastor: Rev. Julian "J-Kwest" DeShazier

Reverend Julian DeShazier brings all his talents to ministry, as a pastor, activist, and performer. He speaks to us about his work at University Church in Chicago, as well as his new album, Lemonade.

DeShazier is the Senior Pastor at University Church, a UCC congregation in the Hyde Park neighborhood on the edge of Chicago's south side. In our conversation, we discuss his involvement in the multi-year process to bring a trauma center to the area. 

We also talk about his work as an activist for human rights for people of color. This is work that deeply informs his approach to ministry, as well as his approach to music.

We then shift our conversation to Hip Hop. In addition to being a pastor, DeShazier has performed for a number of years as "J-Kwest." He has just released a solo album, Lemonade. The album speaks to the times and the experiences of life on the South Side.