Rev. Harold Dean Trulear, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Applied Theology at Howard University School of Divinity. His professional associations include the Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association, Just Leadership USA and Community Corrections for Youth. A graduate of Morehouse College (BA) and Drew University (PhD), he directs a national research and demonstration project called “Healing Communities USA,” mobilizing congregations to support those returning from incarceration through the establishment of family and social support networks. He was a 2017 Leading with Conviction Fellow at Just Leadership USA, a movement of formerly incarcerated leaders committed to reducing the prison population by 50% by the year 2030. With Charles Lewis and W. Wilson Goode, he is co-editor of the book Ministry with Prisoners and Families:

The Way Forward (Judson Press 2011). His book, Balancing Justice with Mercy: An Interfaith Guide to Creating Healing Communities was released in September 2021, while his newest book: Welcome Home: Reflective Essays for Returning Citizens, is currently being used as pre-release curriculum in over 100 jail facilities. Rev. Trulear is married to Brenda J. Trulear, pastor of Empowered Ministries, Inc., and director of Phemi School of Ministry.