Dr. Herman “Skip” Mason Jr., author, historian and pastor, is a native of Atlanta. He matriculated and graduated from Morris Brown College and continued his education at Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta University) and earned a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science with a concentration in African American Studies and Archives/Museum Management. He is also a graduate of the Phillips School of Theology of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta where he obtained the Master of Divinity and the Doctor of Ministry degrees, respectively.

Dr. Mason, a seasoned educator for more than 25 years, has served as professor of history, college archivist, director and dean of students and Vice President of Student Services at both Morris Brown College and Morehouse College in Atlanta. Currently, he is the Director of Library Service and Assistant Professor of African-American History and Religion at Voorhees College in Denmark, S.C.

Dr. Mason has curated major exhibitions and is the author of numerous books on the history of African Americans’ experience in Atlanta, Georgia and the South and has published more than 10 books, including Going Against The Wind: A History of Black Atlanta; Black Atlanta in the Roaring Twenties, Black Entertainment in Atlanta, African American Life in DeKalb County, Politics, Law and Civil Rights in Atlanta; Black American Series: East Point, Georgia and In Their Own Words: 150 Years of Wisdom from the Bishops of the CME Church (to be released in 2021). He is also the creator of the Vanishing Black Atlanta Facebook Page, with over 43,000 members, and the Vanishing Black Atlanta Book Club.

Dr. Mason served on the National Board of Directors of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Foundation in Washington, D.C. which led to the completion and dedication of the monument on the Mall in Washington, D.C in 2011. He is a member of numerous fraternal, social and civic organizations and was the 33^rd General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

An avid genealogist, Dr. Mason enjoys reading, local and international traveling, collecting Black memorabilia and photographs and listening to music. He is the father of two wonderful teenaged children, Jewel and Jodari. He gives thanks to God for his journey.

Professor Paul Gaustad

“African-American Representation in Silent Film: A Study in Contrast Between Mainstream Films and Films by African-American Producers, Actors, and Directors”

Learn About Professor Paul Gaustad