ABOUT

Amid the complexities of earthly pursuits emerges Zuogwi Earl Reeves (pronounced like "Yogi" but with a Z), an Afro-surrealist visionary whose life is a masterful blend of ancestral wisdom and modern nuance. Anchored by a lineage of faith and resilience, Zuogwi draws inspiration from his esteemed parents, Rev. Justus Reeves and Deaconess Myra Sampson Reeves, whose enduring legacy laid the foundation for his spiritual journey.

He is a proud graduate of Winston-Salem State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication with a focus on Electronic Broadcasting. He furthered his academic pursuits at the prestigious Howard University School of Divinity, obtaining a Master of Arts in Religious Studies. While at Howard, Zuogwi was recognized for his academic excellence and dedication to ministry, receiving the esteemed J.H. Jackson Baptist Scholar Award. Additionally, he was named an Ethics and Justice Fellow, a distinction funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc., reflecting his commitment to advancing equity and ethical leadership in faith-based and community contexts.

Zuogwi has also been honored as a Micah Fellow and a Lucie/Wyatt Fellow through the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, where he engaged in critical work at the intersection of faith and advocacy. He is a member of the Social Justice Committee for the Progressive National Baptist Convention (PNBC) and was recently appointed to its Community Development Corporation (CDC), where he is dedicated to fostering community empowerment and economic growth. Locally, Zuogwi is working to cultivate five acres of land in his hometown and home ward (Ward 7), where he lived until 2017. This initiative reflects his commitment to sustainability, community development, and creating generational impact in the place that shaped his early life.

Ordained on November 30, 2024, under the guidance of Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith, Zuogwi's ministry represents a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation. Licensed to preach in 2015, he has served as an associate minister at the historic Shiloh Baptist Church in Washington, DC, while honing his craft through internships at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, Peace Fellowship Church in Washington, DC, and the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference in Chicago, Illinois.

A dedicated leader, Zuogwi became an initiate of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., in 2012. He served as the Basileus of the Mu Epsilon Chapter at Winston-Salem State University and as an Assistant Chaplain for the Kappa Psi Graduate Chapter. His fraternity work exemplifies his dedication to fostering brotherhood, cultural enrichment, and community upliftment.

With an extensive background in nonprofit management and education, Zuogwi has tirelessly championed first-generation students and underrepresented communities. He has overseen the management of $2.2 to $4.5 million in scholarship funds annually, a transformative initiative supported by the Gates Foundation, Ted Leonsis, and The Graham Family, culminating in a $20 million infusion over five years. Currently, Zuogwi serves as a College and Career Counselor for the District of Columbia Public Schools, where he empowers students with the tools, resources, and guidance to achieve their academic and professional goals. His work focuses on equity and access, creating pathways for success through strategic programming, college preparation, and career readiness initiatives.

A proud godfather to three cherished individuals, Zuogwi's nurturing spirit combines wisdom, humor, and Afro-surrealist creativity. Whether empowering students, delivering sermons, or advocating for equity, Zuogwi's life is a testament to purpose, resilience, and joy. He bridges the sacred and dynamic in every endeavor, illuminating paths forward with compassion and ingenuity.