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The Evolutionary Role of Black Churches in Activism: From the March on Washington to the Present Day

by Andrew Wright
7 comments
Black Churches in Activism

Serving as a seminal point in the enduring civil rights activism, the March on Washington showcased the pivotal involvement of what is often termed the “Black Church.”

Martin Luther King Jr. was not a singular force; rather, he was a representative of many Black clergy who were part of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). The march itself was the culmination of consistent efforts by a wider coalition that included leaders from both Black and white labor sectors, as well as white members of the clergy, who had been deeply involved in its planning for several months prior.

It is crucial to note that the Black Church was not, and is not, a homogenous entity. A significant number of Black pastors and their congregations chose to abstain from civil disobedience and other forms of nonviolent confrontation during the civil rights era. Likewise, some continue to distance themselves from modern movements such as Black Lives Matter and are wary of progressive stances on issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights.

The Rev. William Barber, who became the co-chair of a national initiative against poverty known as The Poor People’s Campaign in 2018—a name borrowed from a similar movement initiated by King and other SCLC leaders—criticizes the reductionist perspective that the March on Washington was solely about “one man, one speech.” Barber, currently the Director of the Center for Public Theology and Public Policy at Yale Divinity School, asserts that such an interpretation undermines the very essence of mass protests. He emphasizes the importance of a widespread movement over isolated, grandiose events.

In this regard, the modern iteration of the Poor People’s Campaign has garnered the active participation of thousands of clergy from various racial backgrounds and faiths. According to Barber, contemporary activism should comprehensively address a myriad of issues, including civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant rights, women’s rights, and voting rights, to truly embody the spirit of the March on Washington.

Historically, Black churches have displayed a rich tapestry of priorities and political methodologies. In the early 20th century, many supported Booker T. Washington’s focus on education and economic self-reliance as the path for Black advancement. In later years, themes of self-sufficiency were also advocated by organizations like the Nation of Islam. Today, according to Robert Franklin, professor of moral leadership at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, Black pastors can generally be classified into two distinct categories: those who are fervently engaged in social justice efforts and those who adopt a more conservative, individualistic stance.

Notably, multiracial congregations have been increasingly prevalent in recent years. Dr. King’s former church, the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, serves as a prime example, attracting a diversified congregation. Barber speculates that King would find this development gratifying, given his vision of an inclusive, beloved community.

Rev. Jacqui Lewis, the senior minister at New York City’s Middle Collegiate Church, highlights that the civil rights movement was a collective endeavor involving various races and genders. She suggests that the term “Black Church” may be increasingly anachronistic and advocates for the broader concept of “Black faith,” which she defines as both a spiritual and social justice construct.

As society prepares to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, organizations such as the NAACP, the National Urban League, the Anti-Defamation League, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice are among its co-chairs. Yet the influence of the Black Church remains, underscored by the involvement of the nation’s six largest historically Black denominations, united under the Conference of National Black Churches. As their board declares, the struggle for equality and justice is far from over, emphasized further by recent social and health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Given the shifting dynamics and the varied tapestry of activism, it is evident that the Black Church has played, and continues to play, a complex role in the broader fight for civil rights and social justice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Black Churches in Activism

What is the main focus of the article?

The article primarily focuses on the evolving role of Black churches in activism, tracing their influence from the seminal March on Washington in 1963 to their involvement in contemporary social justice movements.

Does the article suggest that the Black Church is monolithic in its approach to activism?

No, the article explicitly states that the Black Church is not a homogenous entity. It discusses how different pastors and congregations within the Black Church have varied approaches to civil rights and social justice, both historically and in the present day.

Who is Rev. William Barber and what is his viewpoint on the March on Washington?

Rev. William Barber is the Director of the Center for Public Theology and Public Policy at Yale Divinity School and became the co-chair of a national initiative against poverty called The Poor People’s Campaign in 2018. He criticizes the reductionist perspective that diminishes the March on Washington to being solely about Martin Luther King Jr. and his “I Have a Dream” speech. Barber emphasizes the importance of seeing it as a mass movement rather than a single event.

What does the article say about multiracial congregations?

The article notes that there has been a rise in the number of multiracial congregations in recent decades. It uses Ebenezer Baptist Church, Martin Luther King Jr.’s former church, as an example of such a congregation that has been attracting a diversified community of worshippers.

Who is Robert Franklin, and what does he say about Black pastors today?

Robert Franklin is a professor of moral leadership at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. According to Franklin, Black pastors today can generally be classified into two categories: those who are actively engaged in social justice efforts and those who adopt a more conservative, individualistic stance.

What does Rev. Jacqui Lewis say about the term “Black Church”?

Rev. Jacqui Lewis, the senior minister at New York City’s Middle Collegiate Church, suggests that the term “Black Church” may be increasingly limited. She advocates for a broader concept of “Black faith,” which encompasses both spiritual and social justice dimensions.

Is the Black Church still involved in activism today?

Yes, the article indicates that the Black Church continues to play a significant role in activism today. It mentions that the nation’s six largest historically Black denominations will be participating in the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington.

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7 comments

Jake M. August 26, 2023 - 4:55 am

anyone else notice how we’re still grappling with similar issues as the 60s? voting rights, poverty, etc. history repeating itself i guess.

Reply
Tina L. August 26, 2023 - 8:53 am

The concept of “Black faith” instead of just “Black Church” is really intriguing. Makes u think about how faith & activism intersect in different ways.

Reply
Sara H. August 26, 2023 - 2:32 pm

Rev. William Barber’s point about not reducing the March on Washington to just MLK is so important. Mass movements are made up of so many people, ya know?

Reply
Emily F. August 26, 2023 - 3:14 pm

Was good to see some mention of women in the movement too. Like Lewis said, it wasn’t just about Black male clergy, women played a big part.

Reply
Alex T. August 26, 2023 - 3:59 pm

the article should’ve delved more into current initiatives by Black churches. Feels like we got a history lesson but what’s happenin now?

Reply
John D. August 26, 2023 - 5:27 pm

Wow, never realized how complex the role of Black churches in activism really is. Its like, they’re not just one thing, they’re many and that’s super interesting.

Reply
Mike R. August 26, 2023 - 10:17 pm

Loved the part where it talks about multiracial congregations. It’s about time churches reflect the diversity of our society.

Reply

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