Who is Bishop O.C. Allen III?

After being titled the coolest Pastor in America and having a awesome family, this Atlanta pastor and bishop of many, many across the U.S. continues to use his platform to minister to thousands of residents in Atlanta and beyond in religion and human equality. Bishop Allen is a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AID, appointed by the Obama Administration and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Bishop Allen was also appointed the Southeast Chair of the Democratic National Committee LGBT Advisory Board. As community activists, he supports local and national organizations that spread awareness on HIV/AIDS, economic empowerment and human rights. This celebrated pastor and bishop centers his busy life around his two lovely children, husband, family and church.

Just by taking a look at his bio you will see that he is first a man that is always on the move and a visionary that is motivated to helping build and change lives. Bishop's bio reads: Bishop Oliver Clyde Allen, III is a religious trailblazer, author, human rights advocate, national LGBT community leader, entrepreneur and Presiding Bishop of the United Progressive Pentecostal Fellowship of Churches. The UPPC oversees senior pastors, ministers, churches and faith-based organizations throughout the United States and abroad. There is also an international presence of the organization in Central and South America. He is the Senior Pastor and Founder of the internationally known Vision Church of Atlanta. The Vision Church of Atlanta is one of few churches in America that combines a theology of inclusion while staying rooted to Black Biblical traditions. Bishop Allen is best known for his creativity in ministry, oratorical gifts, scholarly and dynamic preaching, authenticity and innovative leadership. He is the author of a motivational self-help book, “Master Your Emotions”.

He is also the Executive Director of The Vision Community Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization created to address socioeconomic and health gaps in the greater Atlanta community. The Vision Community Foundation has annually feeds over 20,000 families through its weekly, “Bread of Life” program, over 3000 women and children in its local shelters program, provided clothing and toys specifically for homeless children, provided GED training for students completing diplomas, provided Breast Cancer awareness education, and provided HIV/AIDS counseling and testing. The Vision Community Foundation hosts the annual “Atlanta Black-Pride Community Festival,” which provides education and entertainment for over 30,000 people.

Bishop Allen has been honored by a host of community and national groups including the Georgia House of Representatives in 2012. In 2014, Bishop Allen inducted into the prestigious Martin Luther King Jr. International Board of Preachers of Morehouse College. As a strong proponent for social and economic justice, he created and hosted a national Economic and Business Conference for LGBT Entrepreneurs in conjunction with the efforts of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Bishop Allen served as a regional spokesperson for the National Black Justice Coalition LGBT Economic Empowerment Tour for communities of color. He has worked closely with the U.S. Small Business Administration to provide support to LGBT and other minority entrepreneurs in the community. In April 2015, the Georgia District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration awarded Bishop Oliver Clyde Allen, III will take home the 2015 LGBT Business Champion of the Year Award. Bishop Allen was invited by the White House and the Obama Administration to participate in the annual Presidential Easter Prayer Breakfast.

Oliver Clyde Allen was born on January 24th, 1973 in Los Angeles, California. He studied at Morgan State University, Morehouse College, and Harvard University-Harvard Extension School where he majored in Philosophy and Religion. He is married to his life-partner, Mr. Rashad Burgess of Chicago, Illinois. Rashad Burgess is currently the Community Liaison for Gilead Sciences, Inc. and was formerly the branch Chief of the Capacity Building Branch at the CDC’s division of HIV/AIDS Prevention. They are the proud fathers of 2 beautiful children, Joshua and Caylee. In 2013, Bishop Allen and his family made history by being the first Same Gender Loving couple to be selected as one of Ebony Magazine’s “top 10 Coolest Black Families” in America.

Now you have read his boi and after reading it you should now know that he is not just a man with a church! I have been very fortunate to know him and his family and i must say what a honor and indeed please. Now while having the chance to be at the 2016 UPPC Holy Convocation this year Bishop Allen and 1st G were still working and traveling. from the plane to church and from the church to the plane, just to know that these man are always on the moving advocating for not just the #LGBTQ but for all lives because #ALLLIVESMATTER. Next year I am looking for BIGGER and BETTER things to come from the UPPC what a awesome family and ministry to be apart of.