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. | “The Expanded Child Tax Credit Advances Racial Equity and Brings Good News to the Poor” by Heather Taylor | “When America gets a cold, Black America gets the flu.” News headlines, if not our own life experiences, solidified this age-old colloquialism for many Black families in the throes of 2020 while confronting head-on the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and systemic racism. Within just two years of commemorating the 50thth anniversary of the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whereby we paused and pondered both progress and persistent racial and economic disparities existing in our nation, the one-two punch of these two pandemics in 2020 only exacerbated longstanding disproportionate hunger and poverty rates in the U.S. In dollar terms before the pandemic, in 2019, Black households had only 14.5% of the wealth of white households. Thepersistence of hunger and poverty in Black and Latino households relative to their white counterparts during the pandemic, especially before COVID-19 federal stimulus packages took effect, was, therefore, no shock. Given our economic reality, even as we still struggle to protect our civil and political rights, such as the right to vote, it is incumbent upon us as people of faith that we also remain vigilant about pursuing and protecting policies that could drastically reduce, if not eradicate, poverty rates in our communities and congregations. Such potential was at the forefront of my mind during my visit to the White House on September 22, alongside Bishop Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church, Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner, Co-Convener of the National African American Clergy Network, and other esteemed religious leaders who, while varied in their political and theological leanings, were united about the need to retain the expanded Child Tax Credit in the federal economic recovery bill. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 made the child tax credit available to low-income families and increased the tax credit from $2,000 per year to $3,600 for children up to age 6, and to $3,000 for children ages 6 – 17. Since monthly payments were issued in mid-July under the expanded Child Tax Credit, hunger rates in households with children dropped by nearly 24 percent. If the CTC expansion were made permanent, child poverty would be cut by nearly half in the U.S., and among Black children, by a whopping 52 percent. This potential statistical reality is one we cannot ignore.
As Congress negotiates what should be included in a multi-trillion-dollar economic recovery bill, it is our moral obligation as Black voting constituents and members of the Christian faith to ensure that public policy provisions, such as the Child Tax Credit are protected, and ideally, made permanent. We must speak out and urge our national leaders to do right. The longstanding racial wealth gap in our nation that threatens current and future generations can only be rectified through bold policy measures and interventions that give families the opportunity to thrive and finally bring good news to the poor long overdue. Heather L. Taylor, J.D./M.Div. is the Interim-Managing Director at Bread for the World, a collective Christian voice that urges our nation’s leaders to pass legislation to end hunger and poverty in the U.S. and abroad. | Humor has historically been one of the ways that our communities process the most difficult issues that we face. As the pandemic continues to disproportionately impact Black folks and other communities of color, we are going to use humor, information, and inspiration to reach people who haven't been reached yet. Please join us and tune inthis Saturday, October 2nd at 11 am - 12 pm ET for a funny, poignant, and powerful conversation on Black folks and the COVID-19 Vaccines. “We Might Be Laughing...But This Is Serious!” Hosted by Christian comedian, actor, influencer, and thought-leader, KevOnStage, and featuring Kierra Sheard-Kelly, NotKarltonBanks, Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, Pastor Charles Jenkins, Candice Benbow, JJ Hairston, and more special guests, this fast-paced hour of comedy, reflection, and conversation, will be streaming Live on Facebook.com/KevOnStage and safely from Mt. Ennon Baptist Church in Clinton, Maryland! Immediately following the live event, we'll have a Vaccine Pop-up Clinic, sponsored by Walgreens with special giveaways provided! First vaccinations, second vaccinations, and booster shots will be available for those eligible. We also have VERY LIMITED seats to safely attend and see this event live, in-person from Mt. Ennon Baptist Church this Saturday, October 2nd. If you live in the DMV area and would like to attend this Saturday, click here to RSVP. Arrival time is 10 am Eastern. Again, click here to RSVP to see KevOnStage, JJ Hairston, and others free in person this Saturday morning. RSVPs are first-come, first-served. Don't miss this important conversation sponsored by The Ad Council, COVID Collaborative, and Values Partnerships. Learn more at bit.ly/KevEvent. | 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! | We are delighted to extend an exclusive invitation to a one-of-a-kind event that our friends at the Meditative Story podcast are hosting on Sunday, October 3rd at 4:00 p.m. CST. The Wind Down will feature live storytelling with Pastor Moss, along with beautiful music, videos, and community-building. During this event, Pastor Moss will share a deeply moving Meditative Story that reaffirms how our spirituality and creativity bind us together as communities, despite our differences. The entire program is designed to help us all experience a bit of respite and reflection as we transition into a calm, intentional, and loving state in preparation for the week ahead – and it is entirely free for members of our community. RSVP today for The Wind Down with Pastor Moss to save your seat and receive a link to join the live event. | Join LA Area Faith Leaders for an important discussion about Faith Leaders and their health. | 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. | Albert Raboteau, expert on African American religious history, dead at 78 Religion News Service. September 24th - Albert J. Raboteau, an American religion historian who helped students and journalists enhance their understanding of African American religion, has died. Cathedral to replace Confederate windows with stained glass reflecting Black life Religion News Service. September 23rd - Four years after the Washington National Cathedral removed stained-glass windows depicting Confederate generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, the cathedral announced Thursday (Sept. 23) that the windows will be filled with work by multimedia artist Kerry James Marshall related to racial justice. Vernon AME pastor Robert Turner leaving Tulsa to lead Baltimore church 'to follow God Tulsa World. September 23rd - The Rev. Robert Turner dreamed one night that he was preaching a Sunday morning sermon at Empowerment Temple, a megachurch in Baltimore, Maryland, where the Tulsa pastor had visited several years ago. Religious artifacts in new Reconstruction exhibit depict resilience, racism Religion News Service. September 22nd - The pew from a church where Black people once were relegated to the balcony. Christian leaders meet with White House to advocate for social programs, voting rights The Washington Post. September 22nd - Faith leaders representing a broad spectrum of Christian groups will meet with White House officials on Wednesday (Sept. 22) to advocate for voting rights and social programs they say to protect the poor and vulnerable. The Amen Corner Gets Its Due in Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Production Washington City Paper. September 22nd – If you’ve ever wanted a glimpse or reminder of what it feels like to be in church without actually attending church, Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of James Baldwin‘s The Amen Corner is a great place to start. King Boston donates $1 million to Twelfth Baptist Church Boston Herald. September 20th - Gov. Charlie Baker joined Boston’s Black leaders to celebrate a $1 million gift from the nonprofit King Boston to Twelfth Baptist Church, where he again plugged his plan to spend billions in federal coronavirus relief dollars. Cedric the Entertainer, Tichina Arnold, Warryn & Erica Campbell, David & Tamela Mann to Contribute to Revealing Docuseries on The Black Church Essence. September 20th - Black celebrities from the worlds of comedy and gospel will lend their perspectives in a new documentary series promising to peel back the layers of Black church culture. St. Peter’s AME Church re-opens Insight News. September 20th - St. Peter’s AME Church has a legacy in Minneapolis’ Black community going back to its inception in 1880. Antioch Missionary Baptist Church is still a beacon of hope after 155 years ABC7. September 20th - Antioch Missionary Baptist Church is only a few decades younger than the city of Houston itself. Officials come together to help iconic Bridgeport cathedral against foreclosure News12. September 19th - A church service was held at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit Sunday morning one day after it was foreclosed upon. | |
