(Talladega, AL) Rev. Dr. Herman "Skip" Mason Jr., an esteemed historian, author, and educator, will deliver Talladega College’s Black History Month Convocation address on Thursday, February 9, at 11 a.m., in DeForest Chapel.
Dr. Mason, who serves as senior pastor of historic West Mitchell Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Atlanta, Georgia, will reflect upon “Black Excellence: Reconstructing Bridges and Navigating New Barriers.” Program highlights will include a performance by the Talladega College Choir.
“Dr. Mason has helped preserve Black history and promulgate Black excellence through his writings and through his work as a pastor, an educator, a college administrator and a key contributor to numerous historic projects,” said Talladega College President Gregory J. Vincent. “As a student-centered institution committed to excellence, Talladega College is thrilled to welcome Dr. Mason as our convocation speaker. We believe his message will resonate with and inspire our entire campus community.”
A seasoned educator and administrator, Dr. Mason has served as professor of history, college archivist, director and dean of students, and vice president of student services at Morris Brown College and Morehouse College. He currently serves as the director of library services and assistant professor of African American history and religion at Voorhees College.
The Atlanta, Georgia, native has authored numerous books, including Black Atlanta in the Roaring Twenties, Black Entertainment in Atlanta, African American Life in DeKalb County, Black American Series: East Point, Georgia, and Politics, Law and Civil Rights in Atlanta. He has also curated major exhibitions, including the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Centennial Exhibition; Crowns and Gowns: The Legacy of the Homecoming Queen; and Hidden Treasures: Black Photographers in Atlanta.
Most recently, under Dr. Mason’s leadership, Voorhees College opened its museum documenting the college’s history. Dr. Mason also serves as the liaison for museums for the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Additionally, his scholarly endeavors include serving as a historical consultant on numerous PBS documentaries.
Dr. Mason earned a bachelor’s degree at Morris Brown College. He continued his education at Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta University), where he earned a master's degree in library and information science with a concentration in African American studies and archives/museum management. Subsequently, he obtained a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from the Interdenominational Theological Center.
He served as the 33rd general president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and as a member of the National Board of Directors of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Foundation in Washington, D.C. Dr. Mason is a member of numerous fraternal, social and civic organizations, including Sigma Pi Fraternity and St. James Lodge No 24/Prince Hall.
An avid genealogist, Dr. Mason enjoys reading, traveling, collecting black memorabilia and photographs, listening to music and researching his family history. He is the founder of Skip Mason Vanishing Black Atlanta Facebook Page and Book Club. Dr. Mason is the father of two wonderful young adults, Jewel and Jodari. He gives thanks to God for his journey.
