Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware, Author at Word In Black

Church hats remain one of the most enduring symbols of Black church culture. Worn as expressions of devotion and dignity, they reflect a tradition shaped by scripture, post-Emancipation history, and the creativity of Black women across generations.

In the Black Church, Women’s Hats Still Testify

by Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware May 7, 2026May 10, 2026

What outsiders see as fashion, many Black women understand as reverence, testimony, and tradition.

Rev. Dr. Thema Bryant, a trained psychotherapist, says many Black churches have made progress on domestic violence — but too many still pressure women to stay, forgive, and protect the institution instead of protecting survivors.

‘Pray and Stay’ Is Still Hurting Black Women in Church

by Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware May 7, 2026May 6, 2026

As Americans navigate war fears, rising costs, and political uncertainty, the National Day of Prayer is offering millions a moment of reflection, comfort, and spiritual pause.

As War and Fear Rise, Americans Pause for National Day of Prayer

by Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware May 7, 2026May 7, 2026

Ursula Battle didn’t follow her family into the pulpit, but her work still leads people to faith. The Baltimore journalist turned playwright creates productions that blur the line between theater and ministry — and leave audiences changed.

She Didn’t Want the Pulpit. Instead, She Built a Stage

by Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware May 5, 2026May 5, 2026

As a nurse and professional violist, Massie embodies a rare blend of artistry and service, using both as tools of healing while navigating the challenges of being a Black musician in classical spaces.

Her Calling: Healing Through Music and Medicine

by Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware April 28, 2026April 27, 2026

From hotline calls to quiet confessions, a counselor recounts what Black women share about intimate partner violence — and how faith, fear, and misused scripture can complicate their path to safety.

They Tell Me About the Abuse. I Wish I Could Tell Them to Run

by Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware April 24, 2026April 24, 2026

As church choirs shrink and arts programs fade, Eric Waddell, a Baltimore native, is rallying hundreds to revive Charm City's proud Black gospel tradition.

500 Voices, One Mission: Reviving Baltimore’s Gospel Sound

by Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware April 22, 2026April 22, 2026

When Grammy-winning neo-soul artists purportedly said Black wealth is hampered by tithing, it spurred a debate between traditioalists who see tithing as spiritually and historically important, and those who believe it drains Black wealth from a community that is persistenty behind whites economically.

Next Lifetime or This One? Eryka Badu Ignites a Tithing Debate

by Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware April 17, 2026April 17, 2026

Easter doesn’t end at resurrection; it unfolds in uncertainty, where fear comes before purpose. That arc — from hiding to bold witness at Pentecost — mirrors Black America today. As hard-won rights face pressure, the question isn’t just what was lost, but what comes next — and how faith becomes action.

Between Easter and Pentecost, Survival — Not Faith — Came First

by Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware April 17, 2026April 17, 2026

Amid a war that, by some estimates, costs $2 billion a day, Moral Mondays protests have commenced in Washington, with social justice activists calling out political leaders who have chosen bombs over bread. Rev. Dr. Hanna Broome, a leader of the nonprofit Repairers of the Breach, called out the hypocrisy during a protest in Washington earlier this week. The protests, led by Bishop William J. Barber II, will take place at the beginning of each week.

‘Books, Not Bombs’: Moral Mondays Faith Leaders Slam Iran War

by Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware April 14, 2026April 14, 2026