Black History Month
Fasting as a sacred practice of solidarity and social change
By Rashida James-Saadiya and Cassandra Gould — March 26, 2024
(RNS) — As we witness the sacred observance of fasting in both Islam and Christianity, we are reminded there is wisdom in restraint and power in collective acts of devotion and protest.
Begin Again with Eddie Glaude, Jr.
By Ray Kirstein — February 3, 2024
State of Belief host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with Dr. Eddie S. Glaude, Jr., author of the book Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Time
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.
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.
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.
Reconstructionist Jews call for reparations, embark on racial justice pilgrimages
By Yonat Shimron — January 31, 2023
(RNS) — The denominational resolution calls for a ‘deep reflection on the ways in which we have participated in or benefitted from racial injustices in our communities.’
Women of different faiths find ‘seat at the table’ co-hosting ‘Sister Act’ podcast
By Adelle M. Banks — March 5, 2021
(RNS) — ‘Being female faith leaders, we are not always given the stage,’ said the podcast's founder.
How Heschel and King bonded over the Hebrew prophets
By A. James Rudin — February 11, 2021
(RNS) — Black History Month is a fitting moment to recall a brief, remarkable friendship that permanently transformed America.
Biblical guide marks 400 years since enslaved Africans arrived in Virginia
By Adelle M. Banks — February 27, 2019
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'Lament and Hope, a Pan-African Devotional Guide' was produced by Bread for the World and is set to be dedicated at a prayer service at a Washington church on the last day of Black History Month.
Howard Thurman, mentor to King who preached nonviolence, featured in documentary
By Adelle M. Banks — January 17, 2019
(RNS) — King is said to have carried in his travels the 1949 book 'Jesus and the Disinherited,' Thurman’s explanation of his theology to uplift the oppressed.
Southern Baptist seminary report ties founders to slaveholding, white supremacy
By Adelle M. Banks — December 12, 2018
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (RNS) The seminary released a 71-page report Wednesday that says its early trustees and faculty 'defended the righteousness of slaveholding.'
Museum highlights ‘Slave Bible’ that focuses on servitude, leaves out freedom
By Adelle M. Banks — November 27, 2018
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The so-called Slave Bible, on loan from Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn., excludes 90 percent of the Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament, and 50 percent of the New.
Rev. James Lawson, nonviolence advocate, recommended for Congressional Gold Medal
By Adelle M. Banks — November 16, 2018
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'Nonviolence is the force that can save our nation from itself,' Lawson said at a congressional reception announcing plans to honor him.
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