ABOUT PARNELL M. LOVELACE JR.

Known as the “People’s Bishop,” Dr. Parnell M. Lovelace, Jr. has been a guiding force in Sacramento’s faith and civic life for more than three decades. As Founding and Senior Pastor of Center of Praise Ministries, which he planted in 1989, Bishop Lovelace has built a multi-ethnic, multi-generational congregation rooted in grace, empowerment, and service to all.

Raised in Sacramento, his ministry reflects the influence of local faith leaders who mentored him, including Pastor Willie P. Cooke, District Elder Robert Holman, Sr., and Pastor Jack Hayford. His leadership blends pastoral care with social consciousness, merging theology and community development to meet the needs of the disenfranchised and the marginalized.

Under his direction, Center of Praise has grown into a vital hub for education, health, and hope. The church leads initiatives that address chronic disease, reduce infant mortality, and promote mental health and financial stability. Its community impact includes international outreach to Africa and Haiti, youth tutoring, and partnerships with organizations like First 5 Sacramento and Health Net. The ministry also owns three properties serving downtown Sacramento — its Cathedral, Legacy Center, and Youth and Administration Center — each dedicated to holistic service.

Beyond the pulpit, Bishop Lovelace serves as Vice President of Community at Jessup University and leads the African American Ministry Doctoral Program at Biola University. Through faith, mentorship, and integrity, he continues to shape Sacramento’s spiritual and social fabric — reminding us that true ministry happens after Sunday morning and far beyond the walls of the church.

ON LEADERSHIP AND INFLUENCE

What does “Black Power and Influence” mean to you?
I believe power and influence are defined by a Black leader’s willingness to serve our community with care and respect. A true leader understands that the African principle of Ubuntu teaches that we are interconnected and empowered through one another.

Leadership Lesson:
One of the most important lessons shared by one of my mentors was this: “You have those that are with you, and those that are for you. Everyone with you is not for you. To be successful, you must know the difference.”

Who inspires you most and why?
My late parents, Parnell M. Lovelace, Sr. and Eara E. Lovelace, modeled unconditional love and service to everyone. I seek to carry that forward through exemplifying and imparting redemption, justice, and empowerment to all people.

What are the biggest opportunities you see for Sacramento’s Black community in the years ahead?
The greatest opportunities involve identifying economic, educational, and entrepreneurial thresholds within our own institutions — our churches, schools, and businesses — that serve as beacons of hope. We must remain optimistic, focusing our energy on what we have rather than what we lack. We are, indeed, better together.

ON EVERYDAY LIFE

Song/Artist On Repeat: The Spinners, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and anything 70s soul.

Recharge Ritual: Cooking for the family and watching Judge Judy reruns.

Weekend in Sacramento: Reading and sitting in my backyard.

Hidden Passion: Collecting sweetgrass baskets, paintings, and quilts by Gullah/Geechee artists.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our “Onyx 25” sponsors for their generous support: