Religion

Black church hats have been a symbol of faith, dignity, and creativity for generations of Black women, reflecting a tradition shaped by scripture, post-Emancipation history, and the creativity of Black women across generations.

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

Eric Waddell is rallying hundreds of singers to revive Baltimore's Black gospel tradition, which is fading due to shrinking church choirs and arts programs, and to reconnect young people to the legacy of the city's faith music.

Robin Fay Massie is a full-time school nurse, neonatal intensive care unit nurse, and freelance classical violist who uses her faith, caregiving, and artistry to heal and serve others.

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.