Dr. Andre E. Johnson

About

Dr. Andre E. Johnson is a Professor of Communication and the Interim Associate Director of Graduate Studies for the School of Communication and Media. He is also the editor of the Journal of Communication and Religion—the flagship journal for religious communication scholars. In addition to his primary role at the University of Memphis, he is an affiliate faculty member at Christian Theological Seminary and a co-director of the Colored Convention Project. Dr. Johnson's research explores the intersection of rhetoric, race, and religion. He teaches classes in African American public address; political and religious communication; rhetorical theory, criticism, and history; interracial and sports communication; prophetic rhetoric; and the rhetoric of social movements.

Dr. Johnson is an award-winning author whose work has significantly contributed to the understanding of the African American prophetic tradition and contemporary social movements. His critically acclaimed book, The Forgotten Prophet: Bishop Henry McNeal Turner and the African American Prophetic Tradition (2012), examines the life and influence of Bishop Turner, shedding light on his enduring legacy. Alongside co-author Amanda Nell Edgar, Dr. Johnson penned The Struggle Over Black Lives Matter and All Lives Matter (2018), a thought-provoking exploration that garnered national recognition and awards. In 2020, he released No Future in This Country: The Prophetic Pessimism of Bishop Henry McNeal Turner, which won the prestigious top book award from both the Religious Communication Association and the African American Communication and Culture Division of the National Communication Association. His 2024 book, The Summer of 2020: George Floyd and the Resurgence of the Black Lives Matter Movement, co-authored with Amanda Nell Edgar, examines the social dynamics of the summer of 2020.

Dr. Johnson’s diverse research agenda encompasses a broad range of fascinating topics. Currently, he is involved in several projects exploring the complex relationship between rhetoric and preaching, investigating how these fields intersect with theology, religion, and the political landscape. He also examines the significant religious oratory associated with the Colored Convention Movement. His scholarly contributions have garnered recognition, as evidenced by his receipt of prestigious top-paper awards at national, regional, and state academic conferences. Outside of academia, he is a highly sought-after preacher, lecturer, social justice advocate, and workshop facilitator, known for his passionate engagement and impactful communication.

Education

Ph.D.-Communication, University of Memphis
M.Div.-Religious Studies, Memphis Theological Seminary
B.S.-Communication, University of Tennessee at Martin