REVEREND DR.
JAMES A. KEETON, JR.

The Reverend Dr. James A. Keeton, Jr., a second-generation AME minister, serves as the Senior Pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, bringing over 20 years of dedicated Christian ministry experience. From childhood moments of “playing church” with sweet tea and saltines to now leading with spiritual depth and visionary leadership, Dr. Keeton's journey has been marked by divine preparation and purpose. An Itinerant Elder in the AME Church, he has pastored congregations across multiple states and holds several leadership roles within the Palmetto Annual Conference. A scholar and transformational leader, Dr. Keeton holds degrees from Albany State University, the National University of Ireland, Duke Divinity School, and Boston University, with additional study at SMU. Honored for his contributions to religion by the MOJA Arts Festival in 2024, he is also a writer, mentor, and lifelong learner. Dr. Keeton is married to Leslie Gooch Keeton, and they are proud parents of two sons, Tyson and Jeston.