Otis Moss III is Fall Convocation speaker
Moss’ grandfather focus of acclaimed short film, ‘Otis’ Dream’ A third-generation warrior for civil and human rights will be the speaker at Livingstone College’s Fall Convocation. The Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, III has served as senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago since 2008, but is likely also known for a narrative documentary short film titled, “Otis’ Dream.” The film, which was featured on Oprah Winfrey’s “Super Soul Sunday,” retells the story of Moss III’s grandfather, Otis Moss, Sr., who was denied the right to vote in 1946 after walking 18 miles to three different polling places. He died before he could ever vote. Moss III, who was executive producer of the film, also wrote the original screenplay and story. His grandfather’s words, “Listen here, promise me, if you ever get the chance … vote,” was the inspiration for Moss’ father, the Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr., to become actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement. He joined Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the Selma march and witnessed the signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Moss III inherited that same spirit of civil rights and social justice as he routinely preaches and practices a Black theology that unapologetically calls attention to the problems of mass incarceration, environmental justice and economic inequality. He is part of a generation of ministers committed to preaching a prophetic message of love and justice, which he believes are inseparable companions that form the foundation of the Gospel of Jesus …