Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Tolbert, Sr., J.D.

Rev. Dr. Joseph A Tolbert is the son of the late Mr.& Mrs. Thomas and Ruthie L. Tolbert, Sr. He has been married 39 years to Mrs. Brenda G. Stewart-Tolbert. He is the father of three: Corey (deceased), Marquita, Joseph Jr., Six Grand Children: Corey Jr., Zachery, Tre 'Marcus(deceased), Jamarion, Cherytie, Braden He has six sisters and five brothers.

Rev. Tolbert is a retired Police Detective (03/1982 - 10/2002) and a Certified Crime Scene Investigator (PCI). He also served six years in the U.S. Army. Rev. Tolbert has pastored churches in the Alabama/Florida Episcopal District A.M.E. Zion Church, including; Oakridge A.M.E. Zion Church- Birmingham 1997-2003; Chapel AME Zion Church -Birmingham 2002-2003; Springhill AME Zion Church-Tuscaloosa, AL 2003-2010; Weeping Mary AME Zion Church-Tuscaloosa 2010-2016; and currently; Senior Pastor McCalla Chapel AME Zion Church-Bessemer 2016-present. He was elected to the Judicial Council at the 51st Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.

Rev. Tolbert earned his Juris Doctor Degree from Birmingham School of Law with honors in 2014. He graduated from Faulkner University with B.A. Degrees in Criminal Justice and Business Administration and Management. In addition, he earned Associate degrees in Religious Studies and Business Administration from Alabama Christian College and an Associate degree in Biblical Studies from Lomax-Hannon Bible College. He is also an Honor Graduate of Jess Lanier High School.

Rev. Tolbert is active in the community and is a member of the Black Lawyers Association (Birmingham), Fraternal Order Police, is a 32nd Degree Mason, and is former President of the Bessemer School System PTA.