LeMoyne-Owen College (LOC) is saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Clarence Christian, a renowned educator, historian, advocate, and devoted supporter of LOC.
“Our hearts are heavy, and our college family is in a season of profound mourning for the transition of Dr. Clarence Christian. He was more than just a distinguished educator and a staunch, longtime supporter of our beloved HBCU; he was a true trailblazer. A fierce advocate for equity and social justice, Dr. Christian truly ignited a flame of change throughout our community. For decades, he poured his very essence—his wisdom, his spirit, his resources—back into this community and his cherished alma mater. Now, as he rests from his labors, we extend our most heartfelt prayers and deepest condolences to his family and all who were blessed to love him during this difficult time,” says Dr. Christopher Davis, President of LeMoyne-Owen College.
Dr. Christian held a deep passion for Black history, education, and social justice. In his early years, Dr. Christian, from Horn Lake, Mississippi, wrote articles for what was then the Colored News section of the Times-Promoter, a newspaper in DeSoto County, Mississippi, which later merged with DeSoto County News in 1970 and became the DeSoto Times.
He studied at LeMoyne-Owen College and graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology in 1968. As a student, he was instrumental in leading the desegregation of mass transit and access to public libraries in Memphis.
He earned a Master’s of Social Work from the University of Chicago, and a doctorate in Philosophy and Social Research from The New School in New York City.
In addition to his advocacy, Dr. Christian made history in Memphis when he became the first Black professor of Rhodes College. He also taught at LeMoyne-Owen, Mississippi State University, and other institutions. In 2024, Dr. Christian was recognized for his significant impact in higher education and inducted into the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association’s Hall of Fame.
Dr. Christian also held the position of professor emeritus of sociology and social historian for the Tennessee Board of Regents, and he served as a lead docent and volunteer at the Desoto County Museum.
(pictured from left: Robert Dye, Dr. Clarence Christian, and Myron Lowery)
For many years, Dr. Christian’s prominent leadership and civic engagement uplifted countless members of the community. He was involved in many organizations, including the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, the Lynching Sites Project of Memphis, the NAACP, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and Second Congregational United Church of Christ.
He contributed to historic commemorations, including the annual Amistad Program at Second Congregational UCC, the 60th Anniversary Celebration of the 1968 Boycott Series with his classmates, and his final reenactment in 2025 of the history of Juneteenth with alumni and friends on LOC’s campus.
Dr. Christian was a generous supporter of LeMoyne-Owen College and its legacy of cultivating leaders. He served as the LOC Alumni Chapter’s Annual Fund Chair from 2021-2022, and as a past president of the LOC National Alumni Association.
Throughout his life, Dr. Christian was dedicated to service within our community. Our college is sending prayers and condolences to his family and loved ones.