Eugene Rivers — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Serves as Pastor at Azusa Christian Community since 1985.
Founded the Azusa Christian Community in Dorchester in 1984.
Founded the Ella J. Baker House in Dorchester as a community youth center.
Co-founded the Boston TenPoint Coalition in 1992 to reduce urban violence.
Recognized as a thought leader in Black economic empowerment and urban renewal.
Served as co-chair of the National TenPoint Leadership Foundation.

Biography

Eugene "Rib" F. Rivers III, born April 9, 1950, in Boston, Massachusetts, grew up in Chicago, Illinois, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended Murrell Dobbins Vocational High School, graduating in 1968. Rivers claims to have been a gang member in Philadelphia before being mentored by Reverend Benjamin Smith.