The Rev. Dr. Traci Blalock Phillips is the pastor of Living Waters Christian Center and a former pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. An accomplished writer and author, her literary debut Mistakes Made…Lessons Learned, chronicles her pivotal journey and re-connect to Jesus, The Christ. Dr. Blalock Phillips’ second publication is entitled, Death: A Midnight Experience, a self-help book intended to bring forth healing for mothers who have lost children to death by murder, suicide, illness, drug addiction, accidents, and natural causes. Soon to come is the release of "From the Playpen to the Penitentiary (FPTP)", a series that examines the relationship dynamics of the African American mother and her male child as it relates to his development and transition into manhood. Dr. Blalock Phillips' doctoral work illumined a phenomena in the "village", which birthed a theory, she titled, The Theory of Afromanticism. The (FPTP) series couches the Theory of Afromanticism as it explores challenges present only within mother/son relationships juxtaposed to her perceived inadequacies (in relationship with God or not) and the weigh-in of public opinion of family, community and society.
Dr. Blalock Phillips' life's work of advocacy is evident in the various capacities she serves. She is the Founder/Executive Director of Chasing A Better You Ministries, Inc.; a non-profit ministry of empowerment that provides support for parents experiencing the incarceration of their children. She also served as the Executive Director of L.I.F.T. Women’s Resource Center, a resource center that provided services to women and men in the Metro Detroit area experiencing issues with homelessness, domestic violence and drug treatment. Additional experience includes program manager of the Wayne County Prison Re-entry Program, a residential program designed to provide housing for recently paroled men. Dr. Blalock Phillips conducts in-person and internet presentations for seminaries, post-secondary institutions, religious and non-profit organization audiences.
Dr. Blalock Phillips’ passion for God’s people includes a focus on prison ministry and family. She has done extensive research regarding the effects of incarceration which includes the development of a non-denominational model to establish support group styled prison ministries. Dr. Blalock Phillips’ outreach ministry included monthly worship at the Wayne County Jail in Detroit, Michigan and a weekly worship as Volunteer Assistant Chaplain at the Macomb Correctional Facility in New Haven, Michigan. Additional media presence includes former radio host for Java with Jesus. Her listening audience included the continent of Africa and the United Kingdom.
Dr. Blalock Phillips received her Bachelors of Science and Master’s degrees from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida. Dr. Blalock Phillips earned the degree of Doctor of Ministry from Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. Her professional career includes over 20 years of experience as a public school educator and state department grant administrator. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Michigan Literary Network.
Dr. Blalock Phillips is married to Keith Phillips and together they have three children, Mi’kel, Devyn & Robinee’ and four grandchildren, Ashanti & Aaliyah twins, Devyn Jr. & Dayvon.