Reverend Dr. Ray Hammond is a true visionary and leader, co-founding Bethel A.M.E. in Boston alongside his wife, Gloria. The son of a Baptist preacher and a schoolteacher in Philadelphia, Rev. Hammond's early years instilled in him a deep sense of purpose and a passion for service. He attended public schools before going on to earn degrees from Harvard College and Harvard Medical School, as well as a master’s degree in religion from Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, where he focused on Christian and medical ethics.

Rev. Hammond is a man of many hats, with a heart for social justice and a deep commitment to his community. He is the co-founder and chairman of the Ten Point Coalition, an ecumenical group of Christian clergy and lay leaders mobilizing the Greater Boston community around issues affecting black and Latino youth. He is also an Executive Committee member of the Black Ministerial Alliance, chair of the Boston Opportunity Agenda, a Strategy Team member of the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization, and a member of the Boston Green Ribbon Commission. He serves as a trustee of the Yawkey Foundation, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, BMC Health System, and the MATCH School. He previously served as chairman of The Boston Foundation.

Rev. Hammond's contributions to the world of social justice and community building are significant, and his impact is felt far and wide. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and has received numerous honors and honorary doctorates, a testament to his unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.

Rev. Hammond is a warm and compassionate man, with a heart full of love and a spirit full of grace. He is a true inspiration to all who know him, and his tireless work on behalf of his community is a testament to his unwavering dedication to justice, equity, and compassion.