Morehouse College has unveiled the portrait of its first openly gay bishop. The oil painting has been permanently placed among the HBCU’s figures of liberation like Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi and Abraham Lincoln.
This marks the first time that Morehouse unveiled a portrait of an openly gay bishop
Bishop O.C. Allen’s oil portrait, which was painted by artist Dwayne Mitchell, was unveiled during the Bayard Rustin Crown Forum on March 19, according to a press release shared with Blavity.
Allen’s portrait was placed alongside two other Black queer clergy leaders, Rev. Dr. Brandon Crowley and Father Darrell Tiller. Two queer figures, Pauli Murray and Bayard Rustin, were previously represented.
“This moment is both personal and political. To be honored at Morehouse College, a place that has shaped Black legacy and liberation, reminds me that our lives and truths cannot be erased, even in oppressive times,” Allen said in an interview with Gaye Magazine.
“In a climate where Black queer people are debated, denied, and legislated, this moment stands as quiet resistance and loud affirmation,” he added. “It says that faith, identity, and truth can coexist, and that we belong not just in the margins of history, but on its walls; we are the story. And my life is proof that what they tried to silence, God will still put on display.”
Bishop O.C. Allen is a former Morehouse student
Allen studied religion and philosophy while attending Morehouse. He helped create one of the first safe spaces for Black gay students at the HBCU.
Allen also founded The Vision Cathedral of Atlanta, where he serves as senior pastor, and presides over the United Progressive Pentecostal Church Fellowship. He is also a human rights advocate, as he is currently on the Board of Directors for the Human Rights Campaign.
The Bishop has also worked in efforts to raise awareness of public health and fight HIV stigma through his initiative Prevention from the Pulpit, as well as on the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS, where he was appointed by former President Barack Obama.
“His portrait now stands as a permanent witness to students, faculty, and visitors that Black queer clergy not only exist, but lead, build, and shape the future of faith and culture,” the press release stated.
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