Fifth Annual
Frederick Douglass Institute Lecture

Educator, minister, and social justice advocate Dr. Kyle J. Boyer delivered the Fifth Annual Dr. Clifford E. DeBaptiste Frederick Douglass Institute Lecture on October 10, discussing “America’s Alternative: Embracing the Prophetic Possibilities of Frederick Douglass.”

Dr. Boyer became pastor of the Mount Carmel Church of God in Christ in West Chester in 2023. A native of Chester County, he received his spiritual development and foundation at Mount Carmel and began his preaching ministry in 2006.

He holds degrees from George Washington University, the University of Pennsylvania, and United Lutheran Seminary. Following his undergraduate studies, he continued serving at Mt. Carmel, engaging in youth ministry at the local, district, and regional levels and was ordained as an elder in the Church of God in Christ in 2012. He has served as the vice president of the West Chester Ministerial Alliance and is a member of the Main Line Black Interdenominational Minister’s Alliance.

He is the author of two books: Reflections for the Call: A Devotional for Young Preachers and The Prince, the Priests & the Prophets: The Need for Prophetic Leadership in America.

Dr. Boyer has taught at the middle and high school levels, worked as a secondary administrator, and previously served as an elected member of the Tredyffrin/Easttown Board of School Directors. He also served on numerous community boards including one term as president of the West Chester, PA, branch of the NAACP.

The Frederick Douglass Institute hosts the Annual DeBaptiste-Douglass Lecture Series as a tribute to Frederick Douglass, the great abolitionist, orator, and statesman. This annual lecture examines issues of social justice to improve the present by learning from the past. Commemorating the abolitionist’s last public lecture on WCU’s campus, the lecture is made possible through the generous gift of Dr. Clifford DeBaptiste, the first African American mayor of West Chester Borough and a recognized champion of education.

Dr. Kyle J. Boyer delivered the fifth Annual Dr. Clifford DeBaptiste Frederick Douglass Institute Lecture in October.