Cleve V. Tinsley

Professor Cleve V. Tinsley IV is an esteemed scholar examining pressing issues in Black religion, cultural productions, and African-American identity. He serves as an Assistant Professor of History and Political Science at Virginia Union University, where he also holds the position of inaugural Executive Director of the Center for African-American History and Culture. His academic pursuits are deeply rooted in exploring the historical significance and meaning of African-American formations and freedom struggles. Professor Tinsley's research interests are broad yet interconnected, focusing on the intricate relationship between race and religion in African-American history. His work delves into the cultural productions that have shaped African-American identity over the centuries. He is particularly interested in how these cultural and religious expressions have contributed to the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality. In addition to his academic roles, Professor Tinsley is a published author. He co-authored "Embodiment and Black Religion: Rethinking the Body in African-American Religious Experience," a significant contribution to the field that challenges traditional perspectives on the body in religious contexts. Currently, he is working on his first monograph, "Making Black Lives Matter: Religion and Race in the Struggle for African-American Identity," which promises to offer new insights into the complex interplay of religion and race in contemporary society. Through his teaching, research, and writing, Professor Tinsley continues to illuminate the vital narratives of African-American history and culture. His work not only enriches academic discourse but also contributes to a broader understanding of the ongoing struggles for justice and identity within the African-American community.