About Joel

Joel Edward Goza is a Professor of Ethics and the Director of Strategic Partnerships at the HBCU Simmons College of Kentucky. In addition to his traditional classroom teaching responsibilities, Joel offers Simmons’ courses in Kentucky Prisons and works with the Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Center for Racial Justice.

His first book America’s Unholy Ghosts: The Racist Roots of Our Faith and Politics received a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly and endorsements from National Book of the Year Award Winner Ibram X. Kendi and NY Times Contributor Khalil Gibran Muhammad. Joel also published in The North Star, The Houston Chronicle, The Louisville Courier Journal, Religion News Service, Salon, and The Hill. His current book project is tentatively entitled Rebirth of a Nation: Reparations and Remaking America.

As a speaker, Joel contributes regularly to national conferences for thought leaders, online forums, and provides keynote addresses and breakout sessions at universities as well as faith-based and non-profit organizations.

Before focusing on writing and teaching, Joel worked in urban redevelopment and community activism for over a decade. Joel is a graduate of Wheaton College and received his Master’s of Divinity from Duke University and a Masters in Public Affairs from the LBJ School of Public Policy at the University of Texas. When not working, Joel spends his time pestering his family.