A Life of Faith, Leadership, and Empowerment

Rev. Tyesha Nicole Harden will be the featured speaker at Shaw University’s Martin Luther King Jr. celebration on Thursday, Jan. 16, at 11 a.m. in the Thomas J. Boyd Chapel. Her message is sure to inspire those committed to continuing Dr. King’s legacy of justice, equality, and empowerment in the community.

Rev. Harden is a dedicated servant-leader whose work is fueled by her commitment to spiritual care, transformative education, and community empowerment. With a background rooted in both law enforcement and pastoral ministry, Rev. Harden brings a unique perspective to her service as a pastor, social worker, and life strategist.

Rev. Harden earned her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Livingstone College before going on to pursue a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School. While at Duke, she distinguished herself as a leader, serving as Vice President and President of the Black Seminarians Union. Additionally, she represented her peers as a Divinity Student Council member, worked as a Duke Divinity Ambassador for the Annual Fund, and contributed to the Divinity School’s Admissions and Financial Aid Committee.

Her commitment to pastoral care is reflected in her extensive training, including the completion of three units of Clinical Pastoral Education and a specialty certificate in Palliative Care. These experiences have deepened her ability to provide compassionate care in times of crisis.

Rev. Harden’s professional career has been equally diverse. Before entering ministry, she worked as a Detective with the Salisbury, NC Police Department and as an Investigator for the South Carolina Lancaster County Department of Social Services. She further demonstrated her dedication to justice and healing through her work as a Trained Child Forensic Interviewer at the Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center and as Secretary for the Domestic Violence Taskforce.

In ministry, Rev. Harden has served in a variety of roles. She has been the Pastor of Mt. Herman A.M.E. Zion Church and the Minister of Christian Education at Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, Georgia, under the leadership of Dr. Cynthia L. Hale. Throughout her ministry, she has been a staunch advocate for social justice and community development, contributing to local and connectional initiatives within the A.M.E. Zion Church.

Currently, Rev. Harden serves as the Pastor of Macedonia A.M.E. Zion Church in Gulf, North Carolina. In addition to her pastoral duties, she continues her work as a social worker and life strategist, empowering individuals and families to thrive. She also remains an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

At the heart of her ministry is her role as a devoted mother to four children—Tre’, Tianna, Sean, and Phylissa. Rev. Harden’s journey, shaped by faith and perseverance, is a testament to the sustaining power of God’s grace. Guided by the words of Psalm 124:1, “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side—Let Israel now say—,” she embodies the transformative strength of unwavering faith.

The celebration service is open to the public.