Who Is Dr. Debora C. Hooper?

For many are called, but few are chosen. This is the scripture that best describes Rev. Dr. Debora C. Hooper, a unique gift to the Body of Christ, with a unique background.  Dr. Hooper, unlike most preachers, hails straight from the hip-hop world!  At the young age of 13, she became formerly known as M.C. Debbie D, one of the world’s first pioneer female rappers from the (South) Bronx, New York. Although she has recorded several rap albums, her most notable work was with Us-Girls in the hip-hop movie, Beat Street (Orion Pictures), produced by renown actor and singer, Harry Belafonte.  Lastly, she is accredited as a pioneer female m.c. in the hip-hop book, Yes, Yes Yall!, which is used in schools and black colleges throughout America for studies on the culture of hip-hop.
















At the age of 25, the entertainment world became a dark place for Dr. Hooper and she sensed a need for a change in her life. Surrendering her former career, she gave her life to the Lord Jesus Christ and began to embark upon her spiritual journey and destiny. Through a strong commitment to prayer and Bible study, God began to do a “quick work” with Dr. Hooper and she soon emerged as a prolific Itinerant Evangelist in the Body of Christ. In 1999, she was appointed National Evangelist and National Head of the Department of Evangelist of the Pilgrim Assemblies International in Brooklyn, New York, under the leadership of Chief Prelate, Archbishop Roy E. Brown.  Secularly, Dr. Hooper holds one Associate Degree from LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City, New York and five Theological Degrees (all summa cum laude) with the highest being a Doctor in Ministry (D. Min.) from the Hugee Theological Institute in Harlem, New York.  In addition, while attending Hugee, she matriculated to a faculty member and a Professor of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies, specializing in Biblical Studies and Greek New Testament.  Lastly, she is often called upon to share her biblical knowledge as a presenter in various theological and ministerial panels, as well as a Professor of Theology at accredited Bible schools.  


For fourteen years, Dr. Hooper served as a Youth Spiritual Supervisor and Associate Minister of the Pilgrim Cathedral of Harlem under (late) Bishop Charles J. Reed (former General Secretary of Pilgrim Assemblies).  While doing so, she became profoundly equipped with the skills of leadership and ministerial protocol. These proficient skills, along with two decades of full-time evangelistic experience, would eventually prepare her to become the first African American, and woman, to write a practical and relevant, non-denominational ministry handbook for new and aspiring pastors and ministers. This book, entitled Hooper’s Evangelist & Minister’s Handbook (Everything You Need To Know Before You Go) is now noted among clergy as a “must read” for all ministers who seek serious clergy development.  Along with this book, Dr. Hooper holds annual Ministry Mentoring Workshops, has been a Columnist for The Christian Observer (NJ) and the Ministry Etiquette Columnist for Preaching Woman.com. (Click link for articles) Her extraordinary ministry achievements have also afforded her opportunities to be featured in The Amsterdam News, The Word Network and The New York Times. (Click link for her NYT article on The Stained Glass Ceiling, addressing challenges with women in ministry). 


Lastly, Dr. Hooper is the Pastor and Founder of Greater Works Worship Center located in The Bronx, New York. Her church is an affiliate of the United Covenant Churches of Christ where Bishop Eric Garnes is the Presiding Prelate.  She is also the Founder of Debora Hooper Ministries based in Orange, New Jersey.  Follow her @deborahooper on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn & YouTube.


*Note:  This bio is for website purposes only.  Please request a shorter version for your program.
Dr. Hooper's Past-to-Present Interview
 with Bennie Randall
Dr. Hooper rapping as M.C. Debbie D in Beat Street
Beat Street Movie Soundtrack Album
Dr. Hooper's rap is featured with Us Girls (Includes Sha-Rock & Lisa Lee)