Religion

Easter is a time of uncertainty, fear, and doubt, but it is also a time of preparation, faith, and purpose, as the disciples of Jesus discovered when they moved from hiding to bold witness at Pentecost.

Social justice activists, led by Bishop William J. Barber II, are protesting the US war with Iran, calling for a budget that prioritizes people over war and an end to the moral failure of spending billions on bombs over bread.

Black women clergy are often reluctant to report harassment, abuse, or violence due to fear of being shamed or not believed, as highlighted by the recent murder of Pastor Tammy McCollum, who was allegedly killed by her husband.

The Seven Last Words is a sacred Black church tradition that has evolved to embrace modern interpretations, diverse voices, and livestreaming, while still providing a powerful meditation on the sacrifice of Jesus and its meaning for today's struggles for justice, community, and hope.

Rev. Dr. Wanda Bynum Duckett has combined hip-hop, spoken-word poetry and Christian texts to create "Sacred Slam", a unique form of preaching that is attracting people of all ages to the pews.

Pastors and lay leaders in the Black church are encouraging couples to consider the benefits of marriage, such as personal happiness, better health, and strengthened faith, while also acknowledging the challenges of commitment and compromise.

Salem Baptist Church of Chicago is co-hosting "Spend in the Black" to encourage residents to support Black-owned businesses and rebuild Black wealth, by channeling consumer dollars into the local economy.

Despite Black women historically serving as the spiritual backbone of the Black church, fewer than one in ten leadership positions are currently held by women, even as progress in ministerial roles continues.

After 400 days, the nationwide boycott of Target initiated by Black leaders was brought to an end, with three of four major demands met, including investments in Black-owned businesses and HBCUs, and existing DEI efforts maintained.

Claudette Colvin's courageous stand in 1955, predating Rosa Parks' arrest, has been widely celebrated in churches and families, highlighting the importance of teaching Black history to future generations.