Draft:Dr. Iva E. Carruthers



Iva E. Carruthers (born April 5, 1945) is an American author, former educator, theologian, and national social activist for African Americans.

Carruthers was born on April 5, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois. Carruthers attended the University of Illinois at Chicago, graduating in 1967 with bachelor's degrees in sociology and French. After completing her undergraduate studies, Carruthers enrolled at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, receiving both a master's in counselor education and a PhD in sociology in 1972. She also received her master's degree in theological studies from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary and a doctor's degree of humane letters from Meadville Lombard Theological School.

Carruthers is the author of The Church & Reparations: An African American Perspective, co-author of several books, including, Till a Discussion Study Guide , The Breach: Bearing Witness: Report of the Katrina National Justice Commission , and co-editor of Blow the Trumpet in Zion!: Global Vision and Action for the 21st-century Black Church. Her many study guides on African American & African history were developed as a co-producer of a multi-year educational television program.

Carruthers is a professor emerita and former Chair of the Department of Sociology at Northeastern Illinois University.

Carruthers is General Secretary of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference (SDPC), an interdenominational organization within the African American faith tradition focused on justice and equity issues. SDPC is both a 501c3 and United Nations Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). As founding CEO and a trustee of SDPC, she has steered the organization as a unique, influential and esteemed network of faith based advocates and activists, clergy, and lay.

Carruthers is also a member of the National African American Reparations Commission (NAARC) and is working on initiatives related to the United Nations International Decade of People of African Descent.

Carruthers is a frequent guest speaker before various national and international forums, including United Nations Civil Society Forums.

Carruthers currently serves as a Life Trustee for the Chicago Theological Seminary.

Her many awards and appointments include the 1999 Life Achievement Award by Northeastern Illinois University, and “Year 2000 Woman Entrepreneur of the Year” award given by the National Foundation of Women Legislators and the Small Business Administration. She was inducted into the National History Makers, and was a recipient of Ebony (magazine) Outstanding Mother Award for Mentoring in 2001.