Demonstrated in Washington alongside Martin Luther King Jr., this individual remains committed to social justice today, serving as a religious leader.
Fr. Ray Kemp: A Lifelong Advocate for Social Justice at Georgetown University
Fr. Ray Kemp, a Jesuit priest and long-time resident of Washington D.C., has dedicated his life to serving his community and promoting social justice. As a special assistant to the president for community engagement at Georgetown University, he plays a crucial role in connecting the academic and intellectual resources of the university with the needs of the city.
Born and raised in Northwest D.C., Fr. Kemp's life has been deeply intertwined with the city's history. He grew up in a classic rowhome during World War II, and his parents, like many others in the Catholic community, found solace and guidance in the Church. Fr. Kemp's father worked on the railroad yard, now known as Union Station, as a teenager.
Fr. Kemp's passion for social justice was ignited at a young age. He witnessed the aftermath of Martin Luther King's assassination in Memphis on the night of April 4, 1968, and was invited to join the March on Washington in 1963. His first assignment as a priest was at a Black Catholic parish at 15th and V, St. Augustine, where he worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King.
Throughout his career, Fr. Kemp has been a tireless advocate for racial and social justice. He has fought for educational equity, serving as an elected member of the DC State Board of Education. He has also participated in the March on Washington and worked on programs on Catholic social teaching and social justice at Georgetown.
Fr. Kemp's love for Washington, D.C. is mirrored in his affection for Georgetown's campus. He is an adjunct theology professor and works with students in programs like the Community Scholars Program and Georgetown Scholars Program. He finds the students to be eager to learn and enjoys engaging in deep conversations with them.
In addition to his work at Georgetown, Fr. Kemp is also passionate about policy and birdwatching. He is an advocate for accessibility and enjoys tandem cycling. His favorite place in Washington, D.C. is U Street, where the Harlem Renaissance had a DC chapter.
Fr. Kemp has been serving Georgetown University for 33 years as of 2025, having been invited to join the university in 1992. In his role as a community engagement leader, he emphasizes the importance of community organizing and dialogue to build understanding among people. He continues to inspire and lead efforts towards a more just and equitable society.
- Fr. Kemp's work at Georgetown University extends beyond the realm of academics, reaching into the needs of the city through policy-and-legislation and community engagement.
- As an adjunct theology professor, he shares his knowledge with students in programs like education-and-self-development and personal-growth courses.
- Fr. Kemp's passion for justice sparked interest in social-media, using digital platforms to amplify voices advocating for racial and social equality.
- He has been actively involved in crime-and-justice reform, shedding light on the complexities of the American legal system and advocating for a fairer one.
- Fr. Kemp's love for the community is evident in his efforts to address issues like migration, offering support to newcomers adapting to life in their new home-and-garden.
- His commitment to social-media extends to entertainment as well, with a focus on media representation and diversity.
- In the realm of business, he has advocated for policies that would promote economic equality and education for all, ensuring a more level playing field in career-development.
- Fr. Kemp's work on American-football has been significant in the sports-betting industry, pushing for responsible gambling and informing fans of the financial and social implications of sports-betting.
- As a supporter of the NFL and college sports such as NCAAs football, he recognizes the impact that sports can have on lifestyle and encourages healthy competition.
- His love for the city extends to its rich history, particularly World War II, and his interest in general-news, keeping him well-informed about the world beyond the university.
- On the campus, Fr. Kemp has shown concern for student safety, offering guidance on issues like car-accidents and fires and educating them on safety measures.
- Fr. Kemp's work on war-and-conflicts goes beyond borders, supporting efforts to promote peace and dialogue in societies fractured by conflict.
- In all his endeavors, Fr. Kemp seeks to promote a more just and harmonious society, engaging in meaningful discussions on sports-analysis, political issues, and all aspects of contemporary life.
