Dr. L. LaSimba M. Gray, Jr. is the pastor of New Sardis Baptist Church in Germantown. He is president of the Memphis Satellite Office of Rainbow PUSH Coalition, and has served on the Tennessee Human Rights Commission under three governors. He teaches at Memphis Theological Seminary and Bluff City Christian College in Memphis. He is author of three books including "Deacons for Defense and Justice." He holds a Master of Education from the University of Memphis, a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Mary, have four daughters and five grandchildren.