Tuscaloosa Pastor of the Week: Pastor Camisha Thomas-Shabazz

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Praise 93.3. & 790 WTSK presents our Tuscaloosa Pastor of the Week Pastor Camisha Thomas-Shabazz, senior pastor of Tabernacle A.M.E. Zion Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

From a tender age, Camisha Michelle Thomas-Shabazz exhibited an unwavering passion for the fine arts and a steadfast commitment to her faith, which would shape the trajectory of her life's work. Born on February 13, 1972, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Ms. Wanda G. Thomas and Mr. Freddie L. Howard, Camisha's early inclinations toward singing and the arts became evident when she eagerly joined the adult choir at her home church at just two years old.

Camisha's educational journey began within the Birmingham City School System, where she attended Jackson Elementary and Ramsay High School. Her artistic talents and academic dedication led her to Jacksonville State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Drama on August 13, 1993. Her formal education in drama paved the way for a flourishing career in theater, where she performed in productions such as "Love Shouldn't Hurt So Bad," "Black Nativity," "Mark Twain Musical Drama," and "Himself and The Ladies; Mark Twain Memoirs," among others. Her versatility as an actress, stage manager, director, and assistant director garnered her recognition and respect in theatrical circles from Alabama to New York City.

Parallel to her artistic endeavors, Camisha's deep-rooted faith played a significant role in her life. A professed Christian, her spiritual journey reached a pivotal moment on her birthday in 2000 when she felt the call to ministry at Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church, her lifelong spiritual home. Her active involvement in church activities saw her serve as Youth Director in 1994 and later as the Birmingham District Youth Director from 1998 until 2013. In September 2004, she was appointed to the Brown Homewood Mission and shortly after, in September 2005, she became the pastor of Mount Hermon A.M.E. Zion Church in Tarrant, AL, where she served for eight years before moving to Thompson Chapel for two years.

Rev. Shabazz's commitment to her ministry and community did not stop there. In 2005, she formed and continues to direct the Ladies of Zion Choir, uniting women across Huntsville, Birmingham, and Tuscaloosa in a shared musical and spiritual fellowship. Her dedication to her faith and community was further solidified when she was ordained as a Deacon in 2006 and as an Elder in 2009. She graduated with a Master of Divinity Degree from Hood Theological Seminary in May 2015 and currently serves as the pastor of Tabernacle A.M.E. Zion Church in Tuscaloosa, AL, under the guidance of Presiding Elder Dr. Jeffery L. Cammon and Bishop George D. Crenshaw. Affectionately known as "Pastor C," she continues to inspire her congregation with her profound faith and leadership.

Rev. Shabazz's professional life is equally impressive. She currently holds the position of Mental Health Coordinator/Community Resources Liaison in the Probate Court of Tuscaloosa, AL, a role specifically created for her by Probate Judge Rob Robertson. Her previous roles include Registrar/Project Director of John Herbert Phillips Academy IB School, Paralegal with the Jefferson County DA's Office, and various positions within the City of Birmingham’s Municipal Court/Birmingham Law Department over a span of 12 years.

In addition to her professional achievements, Rev. Shabazz is actively involved in several community organizations. She serves on the boards of the Tuscaloosa Mental Health Alliance, the "Where is God When Life Happens" Organization comprising 14 interfaith churches, and the West Alabama Coalition for the Homeless. She is also a Graduate of Leadership Tuscaloosa Class of 2024, a member of the Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation Advisory Committee, and part of the Tuscaloosa PD Crisis Intervention Training Steering Committee. As COO of Undiscovered Treasures, a non-profit organization, she works tirelessly to reduce recidivism and support prisoner re-entry into society.

Rev. Shabazz is a proud mother to her son William, daughter-in-love San, and grandmother to Cyaire and Akari. Through her work, she strives to live by the principles of I Corinthians 13, reflecting God's love, grace, and favor in all her endeavors. Her life is a testament to the power of faith, the arts, and unwavering dedication to community service.