Black Theologians

By Angela Walker

Admittedly, thinking about Black History Month gives me some internal dissonance. It might be that for much of my educational life, I was usually one of the few brown faces in a sea of white ones. I don’t have a clear memory of what it looked like for Black History Month to be celebrated in school. But I do have a slightly fuzzy memory of standing in front of my bedroom mirror reciting Martin Luther King Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech. Our church didn’t do much in celebrating Black History Month, but that might be because it was a Black Church, so nothing special needed to be done. I would say that my parents did a great job at creating a safe home to be Black. We grew up being surrounded by art and books written by Black people, and I am deeply thankful to them for their intentionality. They gave me a deep love for the written word, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that my BA degree is in English. In a bit of a surprise turn of events after serving in a local college ministry, I decided to attend seminary. In 2000, I moved to Illinois and started my seminary education, and it was there that I had the privilege of taking Political Theologies with Dr. Bruce Fields. It was in that course that I learned the names of Black Theologians that I never knew existed. I was really blown away to be introduced to people such as James Cone, Delores S. Williams, Howard Thurman.

It was such a gift to learn about Black Theology. I am so thankful to Dr. Fields, who has now passed, because he showed me how much the Black Church needs black theologians. Our white brothers and sisters do not own theology. As Black Christians, we need to do our research and know the names and pass them along. Black theologians provide a unique lens that is necessary to our spiritual formation and understanding of scripture. During Black History Month, let's honor the contributions of Black theologians as their voices expand our vision of the Church.

Note: To look into other notable black theologians and authors like Dr. Fields, check out this page.

Such a Time as This

By Ryan Myers-Johnson

One of the scriptures that has resonated with me for a long time is Esther 4:11-16. As a younger person there was something romantic and daring in verse 14 of this scripture: “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

There is something of destiny there, putting it all on the line, literally risking it all for a greater purpose and a greater calling. Esther is literally “the chosen one” in this scenario, called to save her people through an act of daring heroism with an uncertain outcome. What’s somewhat overlooked about this scripture, though, is the call to arms has a caveat, that she and her father’s house will die if she doesn’t step into the role she was called to. Her back is against a wall: either step forward with wisdom and face death and take a grand risk or fall back, hope for a different outcome - try to escape or evade the situation - with a foretold but unproven pronouncement that death was certain without brave action. 

I ponder this as I think about my lineage, my family and what they had to step into, what they had to risk for me to live, for me to thrive and to be the confident dreamer that I am today. What legacy was made, what endurance occurred in the generations before me and the greater lineage of my family-line to position me as I am now? I think of my mother and my sister that instilled in me tenacity, pride and a firm foundation in the Lord. I think of my Grandmother Rosena, a master seamstress, fashionista, mother of 6 children and owner of her own clothing store in the small but quaint downtown of a rural South Carolina town, which was segregated during some of the time that she ran it. I think of my Great Grandmother Cleo who led children in musical performances, songs and parades, marching through the neighborhood roads on their way to my family’s church. 

They were born for their days of struggle. They offered the scepter by standing, by living and by thriving in the face of oppression, and countless pull ups and beat-downs so that I could be here, carrying on their legacy of public spirituality, entrepreneurship balanced with motherhood and the strong impulse to be creative outloud, to make joy, to make memories and hopefully to make systemic change for our little Detroit town.

From the thriving of post civil war to the beat down of reconstruction and Jim Crow, to the flourishing of the Black Arts scene and the Harlem Renaissance to war and renewed legal enforcement of segregation through redlining, through the Civil Rights Movement to the Black Power Movement to post racial and Obama to today. I see many revolutions that cycle back to profound oppression. I’ve asked myself why I have to live under the threat of the gun, banishing fears that someone might see my son and nephew as a threat when for existing, why we had to lose family, friends and colleagues to something floating in the air, why I have to contend with fires and wars and then I remember that like my family, like the legacies that came before that I was born for such a time as this, that I am who I am, and my family has been given to me by God who knows the end from the beginning and every hair on our heads.

Black Thought

By Nathaniel Phillips

Theology is the study of God or religion. An individual or community’s “theology” is essentially what they think about, how they understand, and, to the extent that He can be known, what they know about God. Theology can be both taught and caught. It can develop out of education and experience. Different experiences can contribute to different understandings. These understandings aren’t necessarily contradictory and don’t have to represent disagreements unless one party insists their understanding is the only valid one. I’d like to explore some of the experiences and influences that contribute to “black theology;” specifically the theology of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

Dr. King rose to prominence when he was asked to lead the Montgomery Improvement Association in response to Rosa Parks’ arrest for being black and out of place. He was new to town and an unknown commodity. The world had no idea that his thoughts, convictions, and moral leadership would go on to influence global consciousness in remarkable ways. 

Dr. King spent a lot of time unpacking the “Imago Dei” or the image of God in all humanity. We ALL are carefully and wonderfully made. Jesus’ blood covered ALL of our sins. God’s love extends to ALL of us equally: oppressed and oppressor, powerful and powerless, from the city streets to the C-Suites. The fight for justice is so much more than leveling playing fields or diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is about recognizing and restoring God’s intentional design for humankind. 

Dr. King once imagined that he found and translated a lost epistle of Paul. He entitled the speech “Paul’s Letter to The American Christians.” In this letter, the imaginary Paul marveled at the technological advances that were unimaginable in his time. Distances that once took weeks to traverse could be covered in hours. Americans had come so far but were yet so far away from what God wanted. Dr. King (speaking as the Apostle Paul) said, “You have allowed your mentality to outrun your morality. You have allowed your civilization to outdistance your culture, and through your scientific genius, you have made of the world a neighborhood. But through your moral and spiritual genius, you have failed to make of it a brotherhood.” 

God wants more from the American Church. If we had a deeper understanding of the Kingdom of God (theology) then it would cause us to examine the way our society is organized (sociology). This process would have profound effects on how we understand humankind (anthropology). We could also approach it the opposite way. What do we think about humanity? How does that influence the way we organize society? Is that consistent with what the Bible teaches?

To be clear, the human experience is not theology. It would be an error for a Christian to presume that their experience is God’s plan without any further examination. However, if you hold an experience up to the bible and scrutinize it under the light of scripture you could possibly better understand the experience, the scriptures, and the God of the scriptures. Let’s challenge the American church to think about the black experience under the light of scripture. 

In many ways, this is exactly what Dr. King did. His theological ideas, however, get characterized and sub-genred, sometimes in error, as “black liberation theology.” This classification makes it easy for your favorite, mainstream pastor/seminary professor/author to dismiss, disregard and ignore the experiences that informed the thoughts. Then without serious consideration, discredit the thoughts and their efficacy. 

The Journey of Economic Justice: Insights from Black History and Entrepreneurial Struggles

By Jocelyn Moss

As a female entrepreneur, I struggled with understanding why gaining support and earning trust for a small business is so hard. I began to try to understand the economics of black people throughout history and their contributions to the American dream or dollar. This required me to examine the interplay between historical injustices, structural inequalities, and contemporary economic outcomes. The Bible teaches how to  address economic injustice, emphasizing fair treatment, generosity, and care for the marginalized. In the Bible, economic injustice is frequently condemned, with numerous passages advocating for fair wages, assistance for the poor, and denouncing exploitation. For instance, the Book of Proverbs 22:16 warns against oppressing the poor to enrich oneself, while Leviticus 19:13 emphasizes fair wages and treatment of workers.

Moreover, biblical figures like Jesus and the prophets spoke out against economic exploitation, highlighting the importance of compassion, charity, and equitable treatment. Jesus' teachings often focused on caring for the poor and marginalized, emphasizing the spiritual dangers of wealth accumulation at the expense of others.

Overall, the Bible provides a moral framework for addressing economic injustice, promoting fairness, compassion, and ethical conduct in economic dealings. What efforts were made to address these issues must involve policies and strategies aimed at dismantling systemic barriers, promoting economic inclusion, and fostering equitable economic opportunities for Black individuals and communities.

As I took a deeper dive into the contributions of Black American economists who have been addressing the historical injustices of “Black Economics,” I uncovered a few people who have taken the time to debate, research and advocate for change. 

W.E.B. Du Bois: A pioneering sociologist, historian, and economist, Du Bois was one of the first scholars to study the economic conditions of African Americans. His seminal work, "The Philadelphia Negro" (1899), examined the social and economic disparities facing Black communities in Philadelphia.

Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander: A trailblazing economist and lawyer, Alexander was the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in economics in the United States (University of Pennsylvania, 1921). She conducted research on issues such as unemployment, housing, and racial discrimination.

William Julius Wilson: A leading sociologist and economist, Wilson's research has focused on urban poverty, race, and inequality. His influential work, "The Truly Disadvantaged" (1987), examined the impact of economic restructuring and urban decline on African American communities.

Arthur Lewis: A Nobel Prize-winning economist, Lewis was the first Black person to receive the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences (1979). His research on economic development, particularly the dual-sector model, has had a profound influence on development economics.

Thomas Sowell: An economist, social theorist, and prolific author, Sowell's work spans a wide range of topics, including race, culture, and public policy. His books, such as "Race and Economics" (1975) and "Wealth, Poverty, and Politics" (2015), have challenged conventional wisdom on issues related to race and economics.

Julianne Malveaux: An economist, author, and commentator, Malveaux has written extensively on issues of race, gender, and economic inequality. She served as the president of Bennett College and has been a vocal advocate for social and economic justice.

Darrick Hamilton: A leading scholar in stratification economics, Hamilton's research focuses on the causes and consequences of economic inequality. He has studied topics such as wealth disparities, social mobility, and the racial wealth gap.

Sandy Darity Jr.: A prominent economist and public intellectual, Darity's research examines the intersection of race, class, and economic inequality. He has written extensively on topics such as reparations for slavery, affirmative action, and the economics of discrimination.

During your drive today, I encourage you to take the time to listen to Thomas Sowell (Inequality) or Sandy Darity Jr. (The Blueprint for Reparations). These were game changers for me and I hope their messages cause you to change your view of how the “black dollar” circulates within our communities to create generational wealth.  

March 1st

by Sean Novak

I am a white boy that was born and raised the first decade of my life on the west side of Detroit. To me, there is no other physical space on earth that feels more like home as I roll down 7 mile, 8 mile, or Grand River in Northwest Detroit. Growing up there through the 80s and early 90s created a foundation in me that would be built upon for years to come. I feel most comfortable in places that a lot of people would see me as out of place. Why? Because I’m a magical ginger. Okay, I’m joking… maybe. However, my growth in many ways was nurtured by many brothers and sisters that God blessed with beautiful black skin. However, this collective of God’s beauty is more than a group of people who look the same. There is a shared history. There is a shared culture that includes unique and distinct ways within it that grew out of a common history. That culture has enriched the world. I have been blessed to be amongst this culture my whole life in one way or another.

This foundation in me was created long before I accepted Jesus Christ. As I grew into my walk with Christ, I’ve often wondered why he allowed the path that I’ve walked the past 43 years. What was there to learn from this journey and the family/friends that I’ve acquired on my path? One lesson that emerged was that I have been called to love my neighbor. When Jesus shared the parable of the good Samaritan he was explaining what it meant to love your neighbor. To me, the parable was simple. Be the Samaritan man. I have been metaphorically beaten and left for dead a few times in my life. Many from the black community came along as the Samaritan for me. They shared in my burdens. In the past year, I even had a brother who opened up his home to me when I didn’t have a place to go. I desire to continue learning how to walk in such a Christ-like way. 

I also desire to share in the burdens and beauty of my brothers and sisters. I can’t do that if I don’t know them though. So I have extended my hand and introduced myself for 43 years now. I have broken bread and fellowshipped. I have worked to build community with people. I have gotten to know my brothers and sisters who I’ve sat across the table from. I consistently made the choice to sit at that table. I also have stepped into their rich history. These “28 days” represent a fresh reminder to me of what I should be doing the other 337 days a year. I’ve desired to be more like these Samaritans who picked me and many others up off the ground on our way to Jericho. I’ve even tattooed this on my right forearm to remind me. 

Black history includes a legacy of sacrificial, Christ-like love. It includes a story of seeking justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. It includes a legacy of women and men who stood up for what is right even if it could cost them their lives. It is a history deeply entrenched in strength, faith, persistence, hope, and so much more. Black history is not just in the past. It is today. It is tomorrow. It is within the man or woman sitting across the table from you if you make the choice to sit there.

Black is beautiful; it truly is. It has to be beautiful because the Lord creates what is good. I would love to break bread with you on March 1st and beyond to chat about it more.

Black History, Black Church, & the Socioeconomic Call

by Tonya Phillips

Lift Every Voice and Sing, the Black national anthem, is a resounding cry for us to celebrate Black history and answer the call to continue fighting for a just society. 

Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us…

The Black church was the fire that fueled the movement for hundreds of years to free Black people from slavery and segregation to the freedoms we moderately enjoy today. 

"The church fueled slave rebellions, nurtured and sustained the Underground Railroad, and was the training ground for the orators of the abolitionist movement, and for ministers such as Richard Harvey Cain who emerged as powerful and effective political leaders during Reconstruction. It powered antilynching campaigns and economic boycotts, and formed the backbone of and meeting place for the civil rights movement."

Black people and Black faith leaders led one of U.S. history's most successful economic boycotts. Starting on December 1, 1955, with the arrest of Rosa Parks, the boycott lasted for thirteen difficult months; Black people stood together in solidarity for 381 days and refused to patronize Montgomery's segregated bus system until its segregation ended. On November 13, 1956, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Browder v. Gayle that segregation in public transportation was unconstitutional. Black churches offered sanctuary and incubation for the movement, holding mass meetings to organize, care for, and encourage the people to endure and fight on.  

Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us…

Take a moment to reflect on the parable in Matthew 25:14-30 where three servants were given different amounts of talents. Two of the servants doubled what they were initially given. The third one stuck his talent in the ground. He didn't add to the foundation he was given.  

We must continue to honor the accomplishments of Black people and continue in the traditions of the Black church and leaders such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer, Rev. Ralph Abernathy, Rev. Andrew Young, Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, Rev. Joseph Lowery, Diane Nash, Dorothy Height, and countless others. We cannot put our talent in the ground and only return back to God the work of our ancestors. We must be like the servants whom the boss said, "Well done," and use our talents to advance social and economic justice. 

Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,

Let us march on till victory is won.

1.https://time.com/5939921/henry-lous-gates-american-history-black-church/

2. To learn more about the history of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” go to https://www.loc.gov/static/programs/national-recording-preservation-board/documents/LiftEveryVoiceAndSing.pdf

The counter

By Dahime Gordon

When I was a little girl, I had a neighbor whose name was Ms. Ella. Back then, she was an anomaly because she was a single elderly woman who went about the Brooklyn streets on her own. This isn’t the new Brooklyn of today; I’m talking about the mean streets of Brooklyn that you didn’t want to be caught on at night. We lived in a four-story walk-up, Ms. Ella on the 2nd floor and my grandmother and I on the 4th floor. 

Oftentimes, most African Americans that lived in New York, migrated from the South. Ms. Ella was no different. Looking back, I realized that she was a woman of faith before I knew what that meant. I never recalled her going to church because I would only see her during the week or on Saturdays, but she would speak of Jesus. 

I spent most Saturdays with Ms. Ella. We were an odd couple; I would imagine many who may have seen us together might’ve thought she was my grandmother. We really had nothing in common. She was in her 70s and I hadn’t hit double digits yet. I used to love sitting with Ms. Ella because she would share her life stories. I was fascinated that she was like a walking history book because she would share things I read about in my school books. 

I loved to come down and listen to her stories. She was an avid baseball fan and loved the New York Yankees, especially the player Reggie Jackson. Oh, how she loved Reggie. She would watch him on her black-and-white television and talk to the screen every time he came up to bat. When the Yankees won the back-to-back World Series, you couldn’t tell her anything! It was a proud moment for her. Every once in a while, her niece would come around and check on her to see if she was okay. Looking back at it now, it seemed like she had a lonely life because no one was around her. What I thought was loneliness was peace to her. 

Every Saturday she would make a trek to downtown Brooklyn to sit at the Woolworth counter and drink her a cup of coffee and a corn muffin with butter and jelly. I eventually became her travel buddy. She would tell me on Friday, “I’m leaving tomorrow morning at 9:00 am to catch the B26 bus; you’re welcome to come, but if you’re not down here before I leave, I’m getting on that bus. I’ll admit that giving up my Saturdays of sleep-ins, morning cartoons, and cereal was a sacrifice, but I enjoyed my time spent with Ms. Ella. 

I was too young to understand the significance of our weekly trek, but I enjoyed going with her. We NEVER sat at a booth, even if one was available. We would sit at the counter, put in our order of corn muffins and coffee (yes, at nine years old, I was drinking coffee,) and wait. She would tell me how blessed we were to be there sitting at the counter. For the most part, she would have my undivided attention, as much as a nine-year-old attention span would hold. 

I didn’t realize how important it was to her, and the sacrifice of others that allowed me the opportunity to sit without incident. You see there was no bloodshed for me, all I had to do was ride along and sit at the counter. No cost to count, just sit. When I think about it, Ms. Ella might’ve been my first window into a view of Jesus. The Woolworth sit-ins happened when she was 60, some 18 years prior, but she took joy in sitting at the counter. She never missed the opportunity to sit because there was a time when she wasn’t allowed. I don’t remember when she said she came up to New York, but I would never have had that experience without her. 

This brings to life, “They ran so you could walk.” I work in the education field, and every year around this time the same question comes up as to why the school should teach black history. Many don’t want to talk about it because it makes them uncomfortable. We learn about MLK, Rosa Parks, maybe Malcolm X, and a handful of others, but black history is so much more. Every day we see the positive impact that black history has made. We are surrounded by black history, and because of the pain, many don’t want to relive those memories, but if you have the opportunity to talk to someone who will share, I urge you to sit, listen, and glean from those who are willing to share a counter with you.. Ms. Ella has left an impact on my life over 40 years later, and I will always remember her for that imprint. Often times, she was an outlet for me, and I don’t know if she knew that. Black history is a rich heritage of love, triumph, and perseverance. And it’s necessary. Thank you, Ms. Ella; you will always be remembered.

To read about the story; 

https://www.npr.org/2008/02/01/18615556/the-woolworth-sit-in-that-launched-a-movement

What could we do with 28 Days?

by Phonz Phillips

For my entire life February has been known as Black History Month. And ever since I could comprehend its meaning, I’ll admit, I’ve had a myriad of responses. They’ve marched along the spectrum from apathetic to enraged by being given the shortest month in the year. All these emotions jostling for position seemed to give way to a maturing sense of gratitude as I started to the ask and answer the question: What could we do with just 28 Days?

First, I should acknowledge the numerical elephant in the room. Of course each leap year brings with it 29 days for the month of February, but most of us associate the month of February with 28 days. And so here at Detroit Church, we’ve titled our Black History Month Celebration: 28 Days.

In the same way that a chrysalis makes space to transition something altogether new and different, this question evoked me to reconsider new possibilities and the exponential impact they incite. Briefly, allow me 3 effects that no human can measure as we acknowledge and celebrate these 28 Days.

Illumination

We immerse ourselves in the narratives of Black leaders, inventors, artists, and activists, seeking a panoramic understanding of history. Their triumphs and struggles paint a nuanced picture, challenging stereotypes and fostering empathy. This goes beyond mere information; it has the power to break down barriers and cultivate empathy for all.

Revelation

By confronting injustice head-on, we create the opportunity to address systemic inequalities with courage and determination. Acknowledging the history of racial oppression is the first step toward building a more equitable future. Imagine these 28 days sparking conversations and inspiring policy changes in areas like education, healthcare, and the legal system—all because we see the lie in truth’s light.

Celebration

Black History Month becomes a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity and inclusivity. It's not just about recognizing Black history; it's a call to embrace diversity and appreciate the richness of different perspectives. By consecrating a month to honor Black history, we all actively partake in the symphony of African American culture, recognizing its profound contributions to society. This celebration invites communities to engage in a gumbo-like cultural exchange, that wafts of understanding and appreciation.

The importance of Black History Month lies in its ability to challenge stereotypes, address systemic inequalities, and celebrate cultural diversity. Black history is, in essence, human history. As we embrace what these 28 days stand for and God’s working therein, we grow closer as a redeemed people made in the image of our Father God.