# Tom Skinner (minister)

Tom Skinner (June 6, 1942 – June 17, 1994) was an African-American evangelist and author. While a gang member in his youth, he later became a motivational speaker and advocate for racial reconciliation and leadership development. He was also a chaplain for the Washington Redskins in the 1970s and 1980s. Skinner's work in ministry led to the establishment of the Tom Skinner Learning Center in Newark, New Jersey and the Skinner Farm Leadership Institute in Tracys Landing, Maryland.

## Early life and education

Skinner was bornand raised in New York City. He grew up in a religious household, as the son of a minister, but he later became involved in street gangs during his youth. Eventually, Skinner renounced his gang activities and dedicated himself to the Christian faith and ministry. He attended public schools in Manhattan and later pursued higher education at Wagner College on Staten Island, where he earned a bachelor's degree. He continued his theological education at Manhattan Theological Seminary, earning a master's degree in theology.

## Career

Skinner began his career as an evangelist and motivational speaker, drawing upon his personal experiences to connect with diverse audiences, particularly young people. He was the president of Tom Skinner Associates, a ministry that focused on leadership training, reconciliation, and breaking down social, racial, and generational barriers. His organization operated the Tom Skinner Learning Center in Newark, New Jersey, which emphasized leadership development for both youth and adults, and the Skinner Farm Leadership Institute in Tracys Landing, Maryland, which provided similar programs in a rural setting.
Skinner was politically left of center, often criticizing racism and societal "oppression", which caused some controversy when he spoke to largely white evangelical audiences. His keynote address at the Urbana '70 conference is often cited as a prime example of his radical calls for social action.
In addition to his work through Tom Skinner Associates, Skinner gained recognition as the chaplain for the Washington Redskins football team, serving in this capacity during the 1970s and 1980s.
Skinner was also an author, and his writings included the book If Christ is the Answer, What are the Questions?, which explored questions of faith, leadership, and personal transformation.

## Personal life and death

Skinner was married twice. His first marriage to Vivian Sutton ended in divorce. He later married Barbara Williams, with whom he lived in Tracys Landing, Maryland, after moving there from midtown Manhattan in 1992. Skinner had two daughters, Lauren Skinner and Kyla Rouse, as well as three brothers and a sister.
Tom Skinner died on June 17, 1994, at the age of 52, due to complications related to leukemia. He died at Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia. In attendance at his funeral were notable African-American leaders including Maya Angelou, Louis Farrakhan, Dick Gregory, Les Brown, and Betty Shabazz, along with members of Congress and professional football players.

## Legacy

Skinner’s archives, including an oral history from 1990, are held at the Wheaton College Library. News accounts after his death noted that he influenced a generation of Black evangelical leaders, including Kay Coles James, William Pannell, Carl Ellis, John M. Perkins, Tony Evans, and Dolphus Weary.

## Publications

* Black and Free, Zondervan Publishing House (1968), ISBN 9780310328124.
* How Black is the Gospel?, Holman Publishing (1970), ISBN 0879810610.
* Words of Revolution: A Call to Involvement in the Real Revolution, Zondervan Publishing House (1970).
* If Christ is the Answer, What are the Questions?, Zondervan Publishing House (1974), ISBN 0310328217.