The Rev. Dr. Maisha I. Kariamu Handy aka “Pastor K” is a minister and theologian who is dedicated to pastoral ministry and prophetic preaching. She currently serves as the pastor of Rize Community Church in Atlanta, GA. Rev. Dr. Handy was licensed (1991) and ordained (1994) to the gospel ministry at First Baptist Congregational Church of Chicago (Baptist/UCC), and is currently ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church USA.

 

A native of Chicago Illinois, she began her higher education journey at Lincoln University (MO) receiving the Bachelor of Science degree (1989). After relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, she received the Master of Divinity degree with honors from Candler School of Theology, Emory University (1994) and the PhD degree in Religion (Theology & Personality) from Emory University (2002). Dr. Handy serves as the Interim President of the Interdenominational Theological Center in the Atlanta University Center, served as the Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost (2015-2021; 2023), and  Professor of Religion and Education (2000-2021), where she has been serving for over 24 years. She has been a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. since 1987.

 

As professor, minister, and activist, Dr. Handy is committed to the struggle for justice and liberation. She is the co-author of “Getting Real” in Keep It Real: Working With Today’s Black Youth. She founded the Holla If You Hear Me! hip hop forum, a series that engages the hip hop generation, the church, and the academy in community dialogue.

 

After 10+ years of serving as the pastor of Rize, Pastor K and the Rize Leadership Team continue to work together to develop a growing and thriving Africentric church community. Rize is  committed to bringing healing and transformation to the world by the Holy Spirit and the liberating work of the revolutionary messiah, Jesus Christ!