What is Black Church Weekly?
The Black Church Weekly is a publication by the team at Values Partnerships, a social impact firm focused on communities of faith and communities of color. We're delighted to bring you news and views related to the Black church and opportunities to engage on policy, entertainment, and culture each week! The Black Church Weekly is edited by Rev. Kip Banks, senior consultant with Values Partnerships, former General Secretary of the Progressive National Convention and pastor of East Washington Heights Baptist Church in Washington, DC. Its publisher is Joshua DuBois, former faith-based advisor to President Barack Obama. | Commentary On the Edge of Ignorance and Knowing: Black Preaching and the Black Church Are We In Trouble by Dr. Brandon A. A. J. Davis (Printed with Permission from the AME Christian Recorder) | Recently, a video of Pastor Marvin Winans of Perfecting Church, Detroit MI., while preaching in Independence Kentucky, to a predominantly white congregation made willfully ignorant, damaging, and completely false statements about the legitimacy of the Black Church. During his homiletically-problematic sermon, he denied the existence of the black church stating: “there never was a black church.” Winans further stated that he was disturbed when people relegated the move of the Holy Spirit to the black church or to an African experience as witnessed in cultural and ritual ceremonies akin to voodoo. The one-minute and eight-second video gained viral status as scores of African American lay and clergy persons shared the offensive and biblically intrusive sound bite of stupidity, adding to the already burgeoning list of seminary and history students taking both Winans and his unsolicited opinion to the task. Winans statements are without question sickening! They wreak of “stepin-fetch-it” and “yessa boss” sentimentality, proven true through his appeasement while pandering to the left as he assuages his white listener’s comfort to remain in their bigoted and racist falsities. The legendary Dr. Issac Rufus Clark of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, GA., would certainly call his lack of homiletical discourse “bovine fecal matter.” Marvin Winans revealed in that sixty-eight-second video more than his stupidity! He proved he lacks intelligence. That kind of hate towards one’s own culture is both psychologically and biblically problematic. It is what you call homiletical pseudospeciation the dehumanizing of culture, customs, traditions, and practices of black people, separating himself into an “in-group” celebrated by the very skin color of people clapping for his buffoonery and racist slander of the black church! While preaching he is denying the ethnicity of the black church and black church experience and doing so in an ethical, rhythmic, and cultural way! While he is actively denying the truth of the black church experience, he’s whooping his unfounded claims with a pretext of biblical context unsubstantiated with dubious and inexistent exegesis. In a time where African Americans faced the almost successful resurgence of old-world racism, bathed in nostalgic treatment of black and brown people due to the election of Donald Trump, Police brutality, Afrophobia, and white-washed Christian evangelicalism from 2016-2020. The dismissal of both the black church and the black church experience comes at a high price for both Marvin Winans and clergy and lay leaders in the black church tradition. While Winans unscrupulous bashing of the black church in what seemingly felt like a systematically oppressive slap in the face, it does, however, triggers the consciousness of the black church to rethink whom she is willing to claim as its own. With the recent death of Prof. Albert Jordy Raboteau II, the famed and noted African and African-American scholar and theologian whose work includes: African American Religion, Fire in the Bones: Reflections on African American Religious History, Canaan Land: A Religious History of African Americans, and Slave Religion: The Invisible Institution in the Antebellum South. One can with ease see how the statements from Winans present not only an emotional discomfort but are damaging to the efficacy of the storied legacy of the black church experience. With the availability of books ranging from Dr. James Hal Cone to Dr. Kelly Brown Douglass, it is with mixed emotions that I struggle to stand with the litany of people who called for the cancellation of Winans. In truth, Winans who is a product of both the black church tradition namely the Church of God in Christ, is also a found success and notoriety because of the black church. Yet in a dastardly act of pandering to whiteness; Winans sells his soul for the convenience of likability. It’s called Dunning Kruger Effect or DKE, it happens when one’s incompetence prevents them from seeing their incompetence. DKE is harmful but it can be especially harmful to the institution of the black church simply because actions and words have consequences. Black millennials and some aspects of the Black Lives Matter movement have already begun to question the need for the black church. Statistics show a major decrease in their support and attendance of black churches as well as their desire to see the black church shift back to its historical position as the leader in the fight for social justice. The flip side is that the black church must find ways to invest in the education of both its clergy and lay leaders in learning sound biblical, theological, and historical truths of the blackness of Christianity. It is more than just a social commentary when respected theologians’ criticism of whiteness in Christianity calls for an end to the abuse of the truth about the messianic deity of Christ and the subjugation of people of color as slaves and inferior to white people in their contrive biblical narratives. The constant rebuke of lies, fallacies and bovine fecal matter must be rooted out and it begins with preachers and preaching like Winans who deny the truth of the blackness of the church not only as a reality but the conduit by which Christianity was birthed. Dr. Brandon A. A. J. Davis is a Minister at the Allen Chapel AME Church in Cincinnati, OH | Do you want to make an impact on the African American community? Get empowered, encouraged, and energized at the Healthy Churches 2030 Annual Conference, November 15 – 18, 2021. It’s a global virtual experience! Hear from nationally renowned keynote speakers, faith leaders, celebrity musical and fitness guests, and more! You don’t want to miss this conference. Visit healthychurches2030.org TODAY to register. | RESPECT gets an impact campaign This week, One Community, a film and television co-financing company that harnesses the power of storytelling to inspire and encourage positive change in the world, announced its "In Session Talks" initiative. Underscoring the life and legacy of activism of the iconic Ms. Aretha Franklin, the initiative seeks to inspire high school students on what it means to persevere and the power of resiliency. This follows on the heels of the release RESPECT which is currently in theaters and streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Comcast, or wherever you rent movies. This series of masterclasses incorporates an array of performers, composers, music industry professionals, and high-achieving women of color who will share some of their personal experiences with music education and the importance of women's empowerment. Some of the names include Award Winning actress, Jennifer Hudson; RESPECT director, Liesl Tommy; The Recording Academy CEO, Harvey Mason, Jr; OWN President, Tina Perry; and others. The conversations are geared toward helping to close the equity gap for young people of color from underserved communities and to inspire the next generation of artists and leaders. All of the master class videos can be found on the "In Session Talks"website with each conversation having an accompanying discussion guide and supplemental resources to spark further engagement for students. Take a moment to check out some of the powerful interviews and be sure to share with others! | The Green The Church Summit will take place virtually October 10-13, 2021. Our theme, Green Lessons From Black Wall Street, will focus on a call to action for the Black Church as we examine climate solutions that address the need for Infrastructure, Agriculture, Energy, and Equity--that protects our health, builds our wealth and brings resources back into our communities. This 4-day virtual Summit will include national EJ voices and thought leaders, worship services, panel discussions, breakout sessions, a sermon library, networking, sponsorship opportunities, and much more. The Summit presents a unique opportunity to connect with others who are concerned about environmental justice, climate change, poverty and pollution, equitable green economies, and ensuring a sustainable planet. Summit attendees will experience a powerful conference centered on learning, connecting, and networking around environmental and sustainability issues. | | Black Church Weekly Photos | Submit your photos - #MyBlackChurch The Black Church Weekly wants to feature photos of black church gatherings taking place across the country. You can submit photos of your in-person socially distanced services, bible studies, zoom worship services, and even your various ministries serving in your local community. Please email all photos to: kip@valuespartnerships.com. When submitting them please include the name of your ministry, location, and name(s) of the senior pastor(s). All submissions will be featured in our next newsletter! | #BlackChurches4Broadband Encourages Families to Sign up for Emergency Broadband (Internet) Benefit Our hero, the late Congressman John Lewis, said that internet access is “the civil rights issue of the 21st Century.” A high-speed home broadband (internet) connection is vital for full enfranchisement in today’s world. It opens the door to educational and economic opportunities, connects family and church communities, allows access to remote health care services, and empowers greater civic engagement and activism. Congress recently created an Emergency Broadband Benefit giving eligible families up to $50 per
month to pay for home broadband service. You may be eligible for the Emergency Broadband Benefit if your household has experienced a sudden loss of income during the pandemic, or is currently receiving federal benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, Lifeline, Pell Grants, or free and reduced-price school lunches, Visit blackchurches4broadband.org to learn more about eligibility and how to sign up. | Fisk Jubilee Singers continue to sing spirituals 150 years later Religion News Service. October 6th - A century and a half ago, nine young men and women embarked on a trip from Fisk University, establishing a tradition of singing spirituals that both funded their Nashville, Tennessee, school and introduced the musical genre to the world. Thoughts on Jesse Jackson’s 80th birthday Baptist News Global. October 6th - For two years, we have been living through the age of COVID-19 which, as we all know, has spread through numerous and ongoing waves across the world. ‘Mental Health, Black Dignity, and The Importance of Humor’ with Dr. Christina Edmondson Christianity Today. October 5th - We need to take care of all the parts of who we are. [Podcast] Faith, the endurance of civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer revealed in new biography Religion News Service. October 5th - Fannie Lou Hamer was an advocate for African Americans, women, and poor people — and for many who were all three. Hope House, Concord Academy, Black clergy, and transplant awareness groups receive Gannett grants Memphis Commercial Appeal. October 5th- When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the needs in Shelby County multiplied. Tori Sampson Boards Tessa Thompson & HBO Max’s ‘The Secret Lives Of Church Ladies’, Will Write & EP With Deesha Philyaw Deadline. October 5th - Three Women and Hunters writer Tori Sampson will co-create HBO Max’s Tessa Thompson-produced adaptation of The Secret Lives of Church Ladies. Historic First Baptist Church announces month-long 245th-anniversary celebration The Virginia Gazette. October 5th - The Let Freedom Ring Foundation, in partnership with Colonial Williamsburg, announced it will begin its monthlong celebration on Saturday to honor historic First Baptist Church. ‘COVID has been harder on us’: Some Black churches remain hesitant to reopen Religion News Service. October 4th - The pastor of a New York church that has halted in-person meetings since the coronavirus pandemic hit last year predicts the predominantly Black congregation won’t gather inside its sanctuary until the start of next year. East Mt. Zion Church in Cleveland hosted voter registration event WOIO. October 1st - Pastor Brian Cash and his team at East Mt. Zion Church are on a mission to get as many people in Cleveland’s Fairfax neighborhood registered to vote. Will the Black church continue to sing ‘I Believe I Can Fly'? Religion News Service. September 30th - The first time I heard R. Kelly’s song “I Believe I Can Fly,” I was spinning records for “The Uncloudy Day,” my weekly gospel music radio show at the radio station where I teach. The history of Haiti you probably don’t know Baptist News Global. September 29th - Recent news coverage of U.S. Border Patrol agents on horseback chasing asylum-seekers from Haiti who tried to enter the United States at Del Rio, Texas, is disturbing. National Baptist Convention USA president questions ‘hypocritical’ mandate views Religion News Service. Sep. 29th - The president of the National Baptist Convention, USA, closed the annual session of his denomination this week with critiques of cultural conflicts and Christian nationalism. ‘Racism and the American Church’ with Jemar Tisby Christianity Today. September 28th - Jemar Tisby is a historian, author, and leader seeking to make the house of God a more inclusive and welcoming place for everyone. [Podcast] Kirk Franklin rereleases ‘Lean on Me’ with virtual global children’s choir Religion News Service. September 28th - Kirk Franklin, like many musicians, has pivoted to online performances during the COVID-19 pandemic. San Bernardino pastor preaches vaccination importance in Black and African American community Spectrum News 1. September 28th - As he lay in an emergency room bed after being diagnosed with COVID-19 in December, Pastor Rev. Steven Shepard would often close his eyes and pray. When Black History Is Unearthed, Who Gets to Speak for the Dead? The New Yorker. September 27th - When Deidre Barnes was a kid in North Carolina, horsing around in the back seat of the car with her little brother, her grandfather drove by the woods in a white neighborhood in Durham. Church of the Week: Berachah Baptist Church celebrates 35 years The Philadelphia Tribune. September 27th - Pastor Robert P. Shine Sr. celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination as a minister and the 35th anniversary of the founding of Berachah Baptist Church in West Oak Lane last Sunday. R. Kelly's conviction for sex crimes should be a wake-up call for Black churches MSNBC. September 27th - Justice has finally come for the Pied Piper of R&B, R. Kelly. AME clergywoman appointed to an academic post at Caribbean Graduate School of Theology The Christian Recorder. September 26th - It was a call she never expected. Dr. Denise Braxtonbrown Smith however believes that her appointment as Interim Academic Dean at the Caribbean Graduate School of Theology (CGST) earlier this year, was divinely ordered by God. | |
