Rev Foluso Enwerem

Former & Current Student

We may have met before, but my earliest memory of Robert, goes back thirty-two years to 8-10 June 1993. Robert convened, and I (as local pastor in Sheffield and area bishop) facilitated at my local church one of the first Black Theology Conference in the UK. Guest speaker was Dr Randall Bailey who presented me with a cherished New Revised Standard Version of the Holy Bible with the Apocryphal / Deuterocanonical Books. On many levels this event represented a moment of epiphany for me as a youngish forty one year old Black British Pentecostal Pastor and Bishop! Robert then has long been in my orbit in an association with points of theological and philosophical convergences and divergences. I well recall...

- The publication of Jesus is Dread and the provocation it represented for UK Black Pentecostal Churches;

- Robert's contribution to creating the first Journal of Black Theology in Britain;

- When we played cricket for the University of Birmingham staff;

- The challenge Robert represented to Queen's Foundation and elsewhere that bore fruit for others to experience better and more conducive spaces to thrive;

- The vigour and vibrancy Robert brings to areas of interest through his books, documentaries, presentations, broadcasting and personality.

Robert's contribution to the development of the discipline of Black Theology in Britain and beyond is indisputably challenging and profound. May his genius for troubling waters continue to provide us with material to agree and disagree but most of all to creatively engage with. Happy 60th birthday Robert!

Bishop Dr Joe Aldred

Who would’ve thought all those years ago at Stoke Park school that we’d be here celebrating ‘Professor’ Robert Beckford’s 60th Birthday? (Though knowing you, maybe we should’ve seen it coming!)

Six decades in, and you’re still proving that legacy isn’t about how much time passes—it’s about how you fill it. Scholar, leader, legend—you’ve already left your mark in so many ways, and yet, somehow, it feels like you’re just getting started.

Here’s to the next chapter: more groundbreaking work, more wisdom to share, and more of that unstoppable energy.

Wishing you a birthday season as bold and brilliant as you are!"

Dawn Lewinson

Friend and former student

Lynda Jayne Burnhope

PhD student

I consider Robert to be a friend and a theological mentor. I first encountered Robert when I studied at London Bible College, which went on to become London School of Theology. Whilst writing my final year dissertation on the disproportionate numbers of young black men in the criminal justice system and whether Black theology could change that, my tutor sent me to Birmingham to seek out Robert. I duly turned up at the Queens Foundation in Birmingham where Robert pointed me in the right direction with professionalism and candour. Because of Robert’s influence and his encouragement to think critically about my faith, and to contextualise it, I came back to The Queens Foundation to pursue further studies in black theology.

Not only is Robert a dear friend who listens to all voices before giving his erudite opinion. He is also a modern-day prophet. He puts his head above the parapet and calls out injustices wherever they occur. His analysis of current situation is accurate and cutting. An example of this is his critique of the need for the majority of Pentecostal pastors to undergo theological training. This is how he puts it. “If you went to the hospital for an operation and when you ask the surgeon where he studied, his reply is, that he didn’t but learned on the Job through trial and error. You would run a mile. Similarly, when you go to Churches, why should you allow untrained pastors to operate on your soul?”

Robert reminds me of an archetypal Old Testament prophet, who is usually a lone voice in the wilderness calling out the wrongs of people in power and influence. And is usually only called upon after the fact. His books, movies, and documentaries are a testament to his unwavering fight for justice and the dismantling of racial hegemony in the west.

Alton P Bell

Pastor of Wembley Family Church, Chair of the Movement for Justice and Reconciliation, Trustee at London School of Theology.

As a doctoral researcher under his supervision at Queen’s, I have witnessed first-hand his unwavering commitment to excellence, equity, and the transformative power of education. Professor Beckford has been more than an academic mentor — he has been a consistent advocate for my voice, pushing me to interrogate, deepen, and refine my ideas with both critical rigour and cultural grounding.

His leadership exemplifies what it means to occupy academic space with purpose. He mentors with integrity, guides with vision, and empowers with intention. In a landscape where many are navigating marginalisation, Professor Beckford’s presence as a scholar-activist has been both affirming and catalytic.

His pioneering work in Black Theology and cultural engagement continues to shape the field, opening doors for others while never losing sight of community relevance and social justice. I count it a privilege to be mentored by someone whose scholarship and humanity align so powerfully.

Thank you, Professor Beckford, for your enduring impact on my journey and on the wider academy.

Written Tribute for Professor Robert Beckford

By N “Camz” Campbell

Dr Rachel Starr

To know Professor Robert Beckford’s work – academic and activism, books television, and music - is a privilege. To know Professor Beckford the person is an inspiration. To work with Professor Beckford is a true blessing. I am fortunate enough to say I know Robert in all these capacities. We met when I had first returned to London after studying in America – and Robert opened the door for me to make a way as the organic intellectual I am today. For that I am forever grateful.

More important, however, is the blessing of witnessing the infinite ways in which Robert uses his incredible mind, creative brilliance, and indefatigable spirit to create opportunities for all who cross his path. Where there is a need for social change, Robert is leading the charge. When we need hope, Robert’s characteristic sense of humour lightens our burdens. Where there is a need to speak truth to power, Robert’s eloquence and moral courage set him apart. Indeed, Robert’s commitment to maintaining his integrity, when all about him are losing theirs, is the hallmark of his life’s work and a model for us all to follow. Robert is the embodiment of Christianity’s promise – the eternal hope infused becoming of justice, love and grace. As we celebrate his life and contributions tonight, my hope is that our real tribute is to honour and continue Robert’s legacy in our own words and deeds.

Dr Gabriella Beckles-Raymond

We are delighted that we have the privilege of coming together to celebrate this most significant milestone, and for the opportunity to honour, recognise and award you for the selfless service and activism given to our community, near and far, over these many decades.

You have brought change and influence to so many lives; you have challenged and led us out of pedestrian thinking, and dared us to imagine and explore beyond our comfort zone, thereby deepening our knowledge and experience of our history and journey of faith.

Your vision and hopes are never diminished.

We have seen and witnessed the energy and unfailing commitment of your service and giving. So it is fitting that you take a short rest today in this celebration to hear the gratitudes we all wish to express.

It is right to say that although we are good at celebrating  people in death and to heap accolades then, we are not quite so good (in fact very poor) at doing so in life.

So we joyously celebrate without reservation or apology today.

May God’s leading and blessings continue to brighten your paths and enrich your vision today and every day.

Advisory Board, Centre for Black Theology, Queen's Foundation

I rang him out of the blue and asked him to be one of the speakers at the first event I wanted to hold at Holy Trinity, a ‘round table’ event about black theology. I knew he must be busy, so did not expect him to say “Yes”. However, he did accept, along with some other academics, and the event was a great success. Robert Beckford spoke about the role of the church in black Christianity. He was wonderful. He speaks theology in a way people can understand.

Robert spoke at many events at Birchfield. He was never too busy to come. He has appeared at more of the ten or so annual ‘Arise’ services than any other speaker. He is warm, knowledgeable and approachable. He has become a good friend. He always rings back if he is busy when I contact him. It has been a privilege to know him.

One of the things I love about Robert Beckford is that, despite his great academic knowledge, he is very warm, with a common touch – and the Church needs this to attract more men.

I can go a long time with speaking to Robert, then pick up the ‘phone and it’s as if we spoke yesterday.

When I listen to him now, he is still as relevant as he was sixteen years ago when I first spoke to him. He is a touchable, relevant theologian for our time.

Revd Canon Eve Pitts

Well, I’ve got a story too. You know Robert’s a proper polymath — brain like a Jamaican machete, always ready. And I’m one of the lucky ones who’s benefited from it.

Picture this: I’d just enrolled at King’s College London, ready to explore my PhD on the Ethiopian Eunuch. Only to be told by my appointed supervisor I couldn’t pursue that topic.

I told Robert.

He looked at me, and quipped, “Cha, come with me!”

“But Robert,” I replied, “Biblical Studies isn’t even your field!”

He fired back, “You know Hebrew and Greek, don’t you?”

“Well… yes.”

“Then follow me!”

And just like that, I dropped everything and followed him to Canterbury. No regrets. None. That PhD is one of my proudest achievements – and I owe it to Robert’s unshakeable belief in me. Honestly, if I had to do it all again, I’d choose him in a heartbeat. I retell this story wherever I go, like gospel.

So, Happy Birthday, Robert! May your life continue to bloom so wildly that your very shadow inspires freedom in those it touches. Because that’s what you are – a free child of God, calling others into the light.

Dr Gifford Rhamie

PhD student and work colleague on several initiatives

Rev Ronald Nathan

It is with deep gratitude and profound respect that I pay tribute to Professor Robert Beckford ,  a man whose life and work have inspired, challenged, and uplifted so many, including myself.

I’ve had the honour of knowing Robert for over 30 years. Our journeys crossed in church and the academic halls, but our connection was born in something far deeper, a shared commitment to justice, faith, truth-telling, and the transformation of Black lives and communities. From the early days, Robert was more than just an academic , he was a role model, a pioneer, and a prophetic voice, unafraid to challenge the dominant narratives and uplift voices from the margins, be it in communities or prisons.

Robert’s encouragement and belief in me came at a critical juncture in my life. It was he and professor Emmanuel Lartey who first suggested that I consider a theological response to the struggles of young Black men entangled with crime and the criminal justice system. That simple, powerful suggestion would become the catalyst for my PhD journey at the University of Birmingham – where Robert became my first supervisor. He didn’t just supervise a thesis; he shepherded a vision, supported a calling, and helped me navigate the often intimidating terrain of academia .

What a journey it has been.

Growing up in the heart of Handsworth, I had internalised the myth that the academy was not a place for people like me. But Robert shattered that myth. Through his own scholarship, his unapologetic voice, and his deeply rooted spirituality, he demystified the world of academia and made it accessible for many of us who dared to dream. I remember vividly attending his book launches, soaking in the boldness of his ideas and the richness of his cultural and theological insights. I had the privilege of speaking at one of those events, God and the Gangs, which left a lasting impact on my own trajectory as a critical thinker and practical theologian.

Today, as Robert marks this milestone birthday, I celebrate not only the scholar but the whole man: the son, the husband, the father, the brother, the broadcaster, the author, the truth-teller.

You are indeed blessed, Robert  and you have been a blessing to so many people across the world. You’ve never just spoken truth to power , you’ve lived it. And in doing so, you’ve helped raise up a generation of thinkers, doers, and dreamers who now walk more confidently because you walked before us.

So, with love, respect, and gratitude, I say:

One love, my friend.

Continue to walk in your calling, and thank you for helping others find theirs. 🙏🏿👊🏾

Dr Carver Anderson

A friend and Robert Beckford was my first PhD supervisor in 2001

Dr William Ackah

Academic colleague

Mrs Julia Jewell

I taught Robert at Secondary School in Coventry

I honour you and thank you for the amazing work that you have done and continue to do. You truly are an inspiration, a theological father shining a light that leads the way for so many. I feel privileged and truly grateful to have listened and learnt from you over these past three years of my MA in Theology and Transformative Practice. Your voice reverberates with wisdom and weight. When I recall your words and teaching, it's like a hand on my back saying come on, you can do it! I remember you saying, ‘Don’t be afraid to do creative work’; those words have repeatedly returned to me throughout this journey. You also said ‘What you’re writing and thinking may be liberation for the next generation, the audience you are writing for may not be born yet.’ That has stayed with me and inspired my research project.

In the midst of a crooked and twisted generation you shine as a light in the world Professor Robert Beckford. May the Lord continue to cause his face to shine upon you giving you peace, protection and power!

Mrs Natalie Chen

Current student

Miss Angela Hill

Current student

Rajeev Gupta

BBC Producer

Sebert Thomas

Student, Queen's Foundation

Jennifer Hamilton,

Student, Queen's Foundation

Keon Williams

Student, Queen's Foundation

Dawn Martin

Student, Queen's Foundation

Rev Dr Stephen Jennings

The Rev Steve Chalk

Founder, Oasis Charitable Trust

Chazen Family Distinguished Chair in Art  

Department of Art 

Associate Dean for the Arts, School of Education

Bro Keith

I’m Bishop Delroy Henry, National Education Director for the New Testament Church of God in England and Wales.

I count it a personal honour to celebrate the life, work, and witness of Professor Robert Beckford.

He has been — and continues to be — an inspiration to me personally: a man of deep thought, academic rigour, prophetic insight, and an unrelenting commitment to justice.

As part of the Christian Aid delegation at COP26 in 2020, held in Glasgow, I was stirred by his boldness. There, Professor Beckford stood with conviction — speaking truth to power and calling on the Christian Aid representatives, as well as the broader Christian community, to take action on climate justice.

Micah 6:8 echoed loudly in my spirit throughout that day. It ignited a fire in me — and in many others — to raise our voices, to stand, to march, to speak with moral clarity, and to pray with passion without ceasing.

He has also been a defining voice among our Black Majority Church (BMC) leadership community. His contributions to our BMC Committee are invaluable — always sharp, always challenging, always laced with his signature sharp-witted humour.

And let us not forget his scholarship, and his love for theologically rich songs with inspiring music. His literary contributions — including to the Oliver Lyseight Annual Lecture Series (Book 1: Challenges of Black Pentecostal Leadership in the 21st Century – From Maintenance to Mission: Resisting the Bewitchment of Colonial Christianity) — will continue to shape thought and theology for years to come.

Professor Beckford, thank you — for your courage, your intellect, your humour, and your unwavering commitment to justice.

I speak on behalf of the NTCG — a Relevant, Relational, and Reimagining denomination that strives to be:

Networking strategically,

Theologically sound in leadership,

Community-focused,

Growing and resourcing healthy, vibrant churches.

We honour you today. God bless you, sir.

Bishop Delroy Henry

National Education Director for the New Testament Church of God in England and Wales.