Race & Religion
It’s time to stop erasing Black Muslim Americans from the story of Islam in the US
By Salima Suswell — February 27, 2023
(RNS) — Black Muslim Americans make up approximately 20% to 25% of the Muslim American population, often leading the way for all Muslims in the area of civil activism.
A brief history of the Black church’s diversity, and its vital role in American political history
By Jason Oliver Evans — February 27, 2023
(The Conversation) — Millions of enslaved Africans were forcefully converted to the Christian faith. The Black church came about when African Americans began to establish their own congregations.
‘Woke Wars’ infiltrate Christian colleges, prof under fire for racial justice unit
By Kathryn Post — February 24, 2023
(RNS) — What happens when racial justice education is flagged as indoctrination?
At Maryland church, it’s ‘Caribbean Sabbath,’ not just Black History Month
By Adelle M. Banks — February 23, 2023
HYATTSVILLE, Md. (RNS) — ‘It's a space where our members and their family and friends can feel celebrated, can feel affirmed,’ said Pastor Trevor Kinlock.
How John and Alice Coltrane’s music inspired a vision for American Hinduism
By Murali Balaji — February 22, 2023
(RNS) — They were two of the religion’s most impactful and unique gurus in its evolution into an American way of life.
Professor Joeckel on why his contract, teachings on racial justice are ‘under review’
By Jemar Tisby — February 20, 2023
(RNS) — An incident at Palm Beach Atlantic University is the latest salvo in an increasingly high-stakes conflict over teaching about race in higher education.
Harvard, National Council of Churches, Reform Jews seeking reparations blueprint
By Adelle M. Banks — February 20, 2023
(RNS) — ‘This is not a mere research paper,’ said the Rev. Cornell William Brooks, a Kennedy School professor and former president of the NAACP.
Docuseries on Black church highlights history, links to biblical orthodoxy
By Adelle M. Banks — February 13, 2023
(RNS) — 'We wanted to show the substantive differences between the denominations but also show that the primary arguments were not about orthodoxy,' said producer Justin Giboney.
At Tyre Nichols’ funeral, VP Harris and Sharpton among those praying and promising reform
By Adelle M. Banks — February 1, 2023
(RNS) — ‘When we talk about public safety, let us understand what it means in its truest form: Tyre Nichols should have been safe,’ the vice president said.
How students could give Ron DeSantis an African American history lesson
By Andre Henry — January 30, 2023
(RNS) — Today's students don't need to be protected from an education in Black history.
Tyre Nichols police beating video prompts faith leaders to react with grief, goals
By Adelle M. Banks — January 28, 2023
(RNS) — They expressed grief and prayers for Nichols’ family, as well as called for national and state legislation. Some questioned whether the video of the police beating of Nichols should be watched.
How Southern California helped birth white Christian nationalism
By Yonat Shimron — January 24, 2023
(RNS) — Part memoir, part history of Southern California’s formative role in the rise of the religious right, Bradley Onishi's new book traces his growing estrangement from the faith he once zealously championed.
PHOTO GALLERY: The history and diversity of African American religious rituals
By Adelle M. Banks — January 10, 2023
(RNS) — A new photo book from the National Museum of African American History and Culture explores Black history through its range of spiritual traditions.
Black women ministers get ‘affirmation that God sees us‘ at DC event
By Adelle M. Banks — December 7, 2022
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The event also focused on women who are not in top roles but who nevertheless serve in ministry in ways they feel called to pursue.
Black museum religion exhibit features Little Richard’s Bible, Rev. Ike’s suit
By Adelle M. Banks — November 18, 2022
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The first special exhibition to focus specifically on religion since the museum opened includes photos and artifacts accompanied by quotations of famous African Americans.
