Religion Archives - Word In Black

As America approaches another George Floyd anniversary amid backlash against DEI and racial equity efforts, Black clergy say the church remains one of the few institutions still preserving the spiritual and political memory of Floyd’s murder and the reckoning it forced upon the nation.

Six Years Later, Black Churches Refuse to Forget Floyd

by Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware May 25, 2026May 22, 2026

Pastors and faith leaders say George Floyd’s killing permanently transformed Black church conversations around race, protest, policing and public justice, reshaping worship services and pushing many congregations toward activism, anti-racism ministries and renewed truth-telling from the pulpit.

More than 50 years after activist James Forman demanded reparations from white churches, Black congregations nationwide are reviving the debate through sermons, educational campaigns and public acts of witness centered on racial repair and moral accountability.

‘Reparations Sunday’ Brings a Hot Debate Into Black Churches

by Joseph Williams May 22, 2026May 22, 2026

EVENT: Let’s Talk Religion Hot Topics, May 21, 2026

by Shernay Williams May 13, 2026May 21, 2026

Black churches have long fed struggling families. Now, a growing movement is pushing congregations beyond charity and into food justice — confronting food deserts, chronic illness and racial inequities embedded in America’s food system.

Black Churches Transform Food Aid Into Food Justice

by Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware May 13, 2026May 13, 2026

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

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