Julian DeShazier

Contact information

Field of Study: Worship, Ministry

Email: jdeshazier@mccormick.edu

Department: Experiential Education

Extension: 6340

Office: 325

Julian serves as Director of Experiential Education program here at McCormick Theological Seminary.

As a national speaker, advocate and emcee, Julian has appeared on ABC, NPR, BBC and Dr. Maya Angelou’s “Oprah & Friends” radio program. Julian is also an Emmy Award-winning musician - known to many as "J.Kwest" - featured in the video “Strange Fruit,” a commemoration of the Billie Holiday song and a meditation on racial violence. The Chicago native and graduate of Morehouse College and the University of Chicago is also pastor of University Church – a Sanctuary congregation for immigrants that also was instrumental in bringing a Level 1 Trauma Center to Chicago’s Southside community. Recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as one of “40 Under 40” leaders in Chicago, and by the Center for American Progress as one of “10 Faith Leaders to Watch” in 2018, he serves as the inaugural chair of the Community Advisory Council for University of Chicago Medicine, and is a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow since 2020. Julian is a regular contributor to Christian Century and On Scripture publications, and is a board member with Sojourners. Learn more and listen in at: www.jkwest.com // all social media: @PureKwest