The Reverend Dr. Timothy E. Tyler serves as the Pastor of First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) in Los Angeles, California, one of the nation’s oldest and most influential African American congregations. A visionary pastor, gifted preacher, and passionate advocate for justice, Dr. Tyler is committed to proclaiming the Gospel while addressing the spiritual, social, and economic needs of the community.
Dr. Tyler earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio; a Master of Divinity degree from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia; and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications/Journalism from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia.
Throughout his ministry, Dr. Tyler has distinguished himself as a courageous advocate for social justice. He is perhaps best known for leading the community’s fight for justice following the tragic death of Marvin Booker, a homeless man who died while in the custody of Denver Sheriff’s deputies in 2010. After years of community organizing and legal advocacy, Mr. Booker’s family was awarded a $6 million settlement—the largest excessive-force settlement in Denver’s history at that time.
An accomplished preacher and public speaker, Dr. Tyler has organized and facilitated numerous community forums and public conversations addressing critical issues such as racism, homophobia, xenophobia, misogyny, housing inequity, and gentrification. His leadership reflects his conviction that the Church must serve as both a spiritual refuge and a prophetic voice for justice. His commitment to movements such as Black Lives Matter demonstrates his belief that faith communities and neighborhoods are called to work together to advance equity and human dignity.
Among his many civic accomplishments, Dr. Tyler was one of the two sponsoring petition signers for Colorado’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Act, which was approved by Colorado voters.
Dr. Tyler has served on the Community Advisory Committee for the Denver District Attorney’s Office and was appointed to the Colorado State Judicial Performance Commission in 2011. He was later appointed by Governor Jared Polis to serve on the Colorado Executive Clemency Advisory Board.
Within the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Dr. Tyler serves as the Chairman of the Dean of Instruction for the Fifth Episcopal District. In recognition of his preaching ministry and leadership, he was inducted into the 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College.
Dr. Tyler is married to Dr. Dwinita Mosby Tyler, a nationally recognized leader in equity and inclusion. Together they are the proud parents of Jasmine, Imani, and Chinelo.
He is also a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Reverend Dr. Timothy Tyler was interviewed by The HistoryMakers April 10, 2025
