James D. Key

Retired U.S. Army Chaplain & Ordained Minister; Senior Pastor at Second Baptist Church Los Angeles; Author of "A Long Way From Crenshaw"

Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Christian, Education, Faith & Religion, Faith & Religion, Journalist, Leadership, Motivational, Overcoming Adversity, Personal Growth, Political, Religious Leadership, Storytelling
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James D. Key Biography

Rev. Dr. James D. Key is a retired U.S. Army chaplain, ordained minister, author, and public speaker whose career encompasses military service, pastoral leadership, and civic engagement. Key earned a Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Northridge, a Master of Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary, and both a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Howard University School of Divinity. He entered the preaching ministry while working as a sales representative in Southern California and was ordained at Trinity Baptist Church in Los Angeles through the Ordination Council of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., and the American Baptist Churches, USA.

Key retired as a chaplain (colonel) in the U.S. Army after 23 years of service. His military and civilian pastoral assignments include Senior Command Chaplain for the National Capital Region; Senior Pastor, Gospel Service at Fort Riley, Fort Belvoir, and Yongsan Seoul; Senior Pastor, Christian Service in Baghdad; and Senior Pastor at Little Zion Baptist Church in Smithfield. Key delivered the invocation at President Joe Biden's farewell military ceremony and offered prayers at high-profile events in Washington, D.C., including Arlington National Cemetery. He was selected to deliver the committal statement and closing benediction at the Final Military Honors Ceremony for former Vice President Dick Cheney.

Key has received several awards and honors, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Los Angeles NAACP Men of Valor Award, Los Angeles Dodgers' Military Hero of the Game, Outstanding Graduate Award from the Pan-African Studies Department at CSUN, and Western Regional College Brother of the Year from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. His writing and commentary on race, politics, relationships, honor, and faith have appeared in outlets such as USA Today and American Forces Network Korea.

Key is the author of "Touch and Go: From the Streets of South-Central Los Angeles to the War in Iraq" and "A Long Way from Crenshaw: Lessons and Stories about Race, Love, Honor, and Faith for These Changing Times." "A Long Way from Crenshaw" examines life challenges, human resilience, and personal growth, presenting forty lessons and stories from Key's experiences.

Key serves as the ninth pastor of Second Baptist Church, the oldest African American Baptist church in Los Angeles. Founded in 1885, Second Baptist Church of Los Angeles has played a significant role in the city's spiritual, civic, and cultural life. Its historic Griffith Avenue sanctuary, designed by architect Paul R. Williams and opened in 1926, remains a Los Angeles cultural landmark. Civic leaders, including Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, and Councilmember Curren Price, have recognized Key's appointment, reflecting the church's ongoing influence in the community.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/22/2026.
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Touch-And-Go From the Streets of South Central Los Angeles to the War in Iraq
Touch-And-Go From the Streets of South Central Los Angeles to the War in Iraq
A Long Way from Crenshaw Lessons and Stories About Race, Love, Honor, and Faith for These Changing Times
A Long Way from Crenshaw Lessons and Stories About Race, Love, Honor, and Faith for These Changing Times
Touch-and-Go: From the Streets of South Central Los Angeles to the War In Iraq
Touch-and-Go: From the Streets of South Central Los Angeles to the War In Iraq

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  • What topics does James D. Key speak about?

    James D. Key is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Christian, Education, Faith & Religion, Faith & Religion, Journalist, Leadership, Motivational, Overcoming Adversity, Personal Growth, Political, Religious Leadership, Storytelling

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James D. Key is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book James D. Key for your event is available upon request. James D. Key generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Shawn Rene Zimmerman, Montel Williams, Keith L. Brown, Arno Michaelis and Rick Tumlinson. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling James D. Key for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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