ActivismAP Top NewsDistrict of ColumbiaGeneral NewsMoreReligion The Evolutionary Role of Black Churches in Activism: From the March on Washington to the Present Day by Andrew Wright August 25, 2023 written by Andrew Wright August 25, 2023 7 comments Bookmark 68 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. Table of Contents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Black Churches in ActivismWhat is the main focus of the article?Does the article suggest that the Black Church is monolithic in its approach to activism?Who is Rev. William Barber and what is his viewpoint on the March on Washington?What does the article say about multiracial congregations?Who is Robert Franklin, and what does he say about Black pastors today?What does Rev. Jacqui Lewis say about the term “Black Church”?Is the Black Church still involved in activism today?More about Black Churches in Activism 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. More about Black Churches in Activism March on Washington: History and Impact The Role of the Black Church in Civil Rights The Poor People’s Campaign Ebenezer Baptist Church Rev. William Barber Profile Social Justice and Faith Candler School of Theology at Emory University Multiracial Congregations in America Middle Collegiate Church Civil Rights Movement Archive You Might Be Interested In Hollywood Workers Turn to Side Hustles to Survive During Ongoing Strikes A Blaze in Johannesburg Claims At Least 64 Lives, Predominantly Among the Homeless, Say Officials In a remote, dry patch of California, a battle is raging over carrots Jonathan Majors’ accuser pressed about partying at Manhattan nightclub after alleged assault Deadly Russian Missile Strike Claims Lives in Northern Ukrainian City as Zelenskyy Visits NATO Hopeful Sweden Pence opens presidential bid with denunciation of Trump over Jan. 6 insurrection and abortion activismAP Top NewsBlack ChurchCivil Rights MovementDistrict of ColumbiaGeneral NewsMarch on WashingtonMartin Luther King Jr.Rev. William Barbersocial justice Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail Andrew Wright Follow Author Andrew Wright is a business reporter who covers the latest news and trends in the world of finance and economics. He enjoys analyzing market trends and economic data, and he is always on the lookout for new opportunities for investors. previous post Spanish Soccer Player Refutes Federation President’s Claim of Consensual Kiss next post Spain’s Soccer Federation President Refuses to Resign Over Controversial Kiss, Team Halts Participation Until He Departs You may also like Bookmark A woman who burned Wyoming’s only full-service abortion... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Argument over Christmas gifts turns deadly as 14-year-old... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Danny Masterson sent to state prison to serve... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Hong Kong man jailed for 6 years after... December 28, 2023 Bookmark AP concludes at least hundreds died in floods... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Live updates | Israeli forces raid a West... December 28, 2023 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 Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ