Prominent Cleric Continues Civil Rights Advocacy, Having Participated in the 1963 March on Washington Alongside Martin Luther King Jr.
Fr. Ray Kemp: A Pillar of Social Justice at Georgetown University
Fr. Ray Kemp, a native Washingtonian and lifelong resident of the nation's capital, has been a beacon of social justice at Georgetown University for over three decades. Born just over a mile from the university, Kemp's connection to Georgetown runs deep, and he has been an integral part of the institution for 33 years as of 2025.
Kemp's journey towards social justice began early. He was deeply moved by Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech at the March on Washington in 1963 and later worked alongside Dr. King during the Poor People's Campaign at a Black Catholic parish in Washington, DC. His passion for racial and social justice was further ignited during his time working with an activist priest on urban affairs and various issues, including race, poverty, and community organizing in 1966.
Kemp's social justice work continued to evolve throughout the years. He started his activism at St. Louis University during a summer social justice course in 1965. Following this, he returned to his hometown and became a priest in the Archdiocese of Washington, DC.
In 1992, Kemp was invited to work at Georgetown University, where he has since served as the Special Assistant to the President for Community Engagement and as an adjunct theology professor. Through these roles, he actively connects Georgetown to the wider DC community and fosters dialogue grounded in Catholic social teaching.
Kemp's work at Georgetown is multifaceted. He plays a significant mentorship and leadership role in the Community Scholars Program and the Georgetown Scholars Program, where he guides students to understand the underlying causes of social issues and encourages them to engage in social justice activism. He fosters a sense of community organizing, emphasizing human dignity from all walks of life and promoting connections across diverse groups in the DC area.
Fr. Kemp's dedication to social justice extends beyond the classroom. He is passionate about advocating for racial and social justice, aligning with the Jesuit mission of service "for others" and reflecting Georgetown’s commitment to addressing historical injustices and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Through his work, Fr. Kemp continues to make a significant impact on the Georgetown community and the wider Washington, DC area. His legacy as a pivotal figure in Georgetown’s ongoing mission to be an active player in social justice both locally and nationally is undeniable.
[1] Georgetown University News, "Fr. Ray Kemp: A Lifetime of Service," [accessed 2025-03-01] (https://www.georgetown.edu/news/fr-ray-kemp-a-lifetime-of-service)
[2] The Hoya, "Fr. Ray Kemp: A Champion for Social Justice," [accessed 2025-03-01] (https://www.thehoya.com/fr-ray-kemp-a-champion-for-social-justice/)
- Fr. Kemp's work at Georgetown expands to policy-and-legislation, advocating for education-and-self-development and personal-growth policies.
- The home-and-garden magazine highlighted a community garden project he spearheaded in the DC area, promoting sustainability and lifestyle changes.
- Fr. Kemp's social media presence is a platform for discussing war-and-conflicts, highlighting the need for peaceful resolutions and advocating for those affected.
- In his career-development workshops, he covers various topics such as entertainment, sports, sports-betting, politics, and general-news, emphasizing the importance of understanding each sector in shaping societal perspectives.
- Fr. Kemp's stance on social justice extends to car-accidents, rallying for increased police accountability and fair treatment of victims.
- The university's business department invites him to share his insights on corporate ethics, focusing on law and corporate responsibilities in addressing social-issues.
- Fr. Kemp's efforts to create a well-rounded curriculum also include inviting speakers on crime-and-justice and providing resources for students seeking knowledge on these topics.
- Collaborating with the DC community, Fr. Kemp organizes continuing education programs focusing on crime-prevention and domestic-violence awareness.
- He has delivered speeches at university forums on societal topics such as racism, sexism, and poverty, advocating for their eradication and promoting equality.
- Fr. Kemp's significant impact can be seen in various aspects of life, from his role in leadership and education to making essential contributions to the realm of media, politics, and community development.
