We. Are. Tired. This is the cry of Black Americans in 2020. By all accounts, this year has been unfriendly and it seems like it has been particularly difficult for us. From COVID disproportionately affecting minority communities and Black bodies being murdered in the streets, to the reminders of the nation’s racial injustices that have […]
On July 3, 2020, Pastor John Onwuchekwa surprised many by telling his followers that his church, Cornerstone Church in Atlanta, had made the decision to leave the Southern Baptist Church denomination. Jemar and Tyler sit down with Pastor John to ask all the questions: What led to this decision? Why did it take so long? […]
Jemar and Tyler are back to discuss what everyone is talking about: the appointment of Senator Kamala Harris as the Vice Presidential nominee of the Democratic Party. They discuss the inevitable reality of racism and misogynoir that has already risen up against her, the concerns about her policies, and how voters interpret her progressive record. […]
Jesus says our words will either “justify” us or “condemn” us in the Day of judgment.
Read Part 1 and Part 2 here! Paul vs Jesus? Another case Benbow makes is that the Apostle Paul should be canceled because he approved the killing of Christians. She argues that his words are in contradiction with Jesus and should be valued less since Paul was once a “murderer of Christians.” She suggests Paul, […]
We cannot fix a problem we refuse to properly acknowledge.
Read Part 1 here! Experience vs. Exegesis Both Candice Benbow and Dr. Howard John Wesley express value for the Bible, but challenge the idea of its reliability and therefore its authority. Benbow argues that experience should be prioritized over the Bible. Wesley also places experience as criteria that can be placed above the Scripture […]
The global Coronavirus pandemic has brought out the best of many image-bearers. Nations are sharing advice, best practices, and resources with each other. Healthcare professionals daily risk their lives on the frontlines as they work around the clock to protect public health. Multiple leaders in government are working hard to inform their residents and citizens […]
After 126 years of flying as the state’s official representation, Mississippi lawmakers finally passed legislation to change its flag. One week ago, the Governor signed that legislation, and the flag came down. But what does this decision ultimately mean? Is it a win worth celebrating, and will it change the landscape of the fight against […]
My first impression of Christianity was that the God it spoke of said “white is right” and “black is bad.” Before I was born, my parents had left their Catholic and Baptist traditions to follow Minister Elijah Muhammad who started the Nation of Islam (hence the origin of my Arabic name). I understood early on […]
The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! — Matthew 6:22-23 It is a great […]
The issue of ending racism is much more complex than simply hugging a police officer or “hugging the hate away.” The issue is not a ‘lack of love’ from this Black person to a police officer. The issue is a lack of justice. How can I hug someone (ultimately an institution) who is withholding justice […]
On May 6, 2020, public theologian Ekemini Uwan tweeted: “No, I will not watch the video of #AhmaudArbery’s lynching. Don’t even ask me to. It’s dehumanizing. Black death is not for public consumption.” But on May 22, 2020, another video of Black death began circulating, this time the murder of George Floyd at the hands […]
On May 30th, after a raw and real-time of sharing pain, strategy, and hope for change, our president, Jemar Tisby, closed out our special live event time with these words. Feel free to share them with others or pray them yourself. Thank you to Dr. Luke Stamps for transcribing the words. — Lord, Psalm 13 […]
There is a war on my skin. And it didn’t begin with my parents’ bodies. It wasn’t ceased by a signed document. Didn’t desist when the chains fell off. Time didn’t end it, only camouflaged it. Soldiers dressed up as my fellowmen, Riding in cars (not horses) this time With flashing lights and sounds, Guns […]
There’s something terribly wrong with this country’s justice system if we have to celebrate the arrest of those who have committed horrific acts of evil or violence against Black and African people. That was the national response yesterday (May 7, 2020) when Glynn County Police Officers arrested the two white supremacists who slaughtered jogger Ahmaud […]
This article was first published on the author’s personal page and has been reposted here with permission. For the original piece and more great content, click here. — We are living in scary times. Unless you’ve been under a rock, like Jared Leto, then you know we are in the midst of a global pandemic. […]
On February 26th, just before the close of Black History Month, the House of Representatives voted 410-4 to make lynching a federal crime. After more than a century of proposing anti-lynching bills, Congress finally indicated that, at least in this narrow instance, Black lives (finally) matter. But one question immediately leaps to the forefront regarding […]
Here’s a list of Black History recommendations that will take more than a month to engage. There are resources listed for adults, high schoolers, middle schoolers, and elementary school students. There is also a Black History soundtrack that lyrically roots this learning in lament, resilience, resistance, pride, and celebration because our history (and present) is a […]
To the women who came forward and engaged the public about their experiences with Russell Simmons, I’m in solidarity with you. Speaking truth to power is freedom and being believed is healing. And your freedom, your healing is long overdue. Black women’s freedom is long overdue. We live in a culture that does not always […]
