The Long Shadow of Racism — & Protest — in the Midwest
Numerous studies have shown that the Midwest has some of the most egregious disparities between Black & White People. Read full piece
Kudzu, Kinfolks, & Me: A Family Tree Search
In the conclusion of his book, White Too Long, Robert P. Jones acknowledges his personal narrative of growing up white in the South is not unique. Many, perhaps even most, he notes, could uncover “ways in which white supremacy, like kudzu, has crept its way forward
Black Christians Play a Crucial Role in Athlete Activism
Though sports ministries long espoused a “colorblind” approach to race, believers in pro sports are leading the calls for racial justice. Read full piece
‘Ax Handle Saturday’: The Klan’s Vicious Attack on Black Protesters in Florida 60 Years Ago
The Florida Klansmen had armed themselves with ax handles. It was Aug. 27, 1960 — a year of lunch counter sit-ins by civil rights activists. Read full piece
Beyond the Fall of Falwell
It’s tempting to watch Jerry Falwell’s fall and, well, cheer or snicker. After all, he’s done much to hurt the witness of Christianity with his history of hateful rhetoric and partisanship politics — not to mention the sordid details of the scandal that did him
Black & White Evangelicals Once Talked About ‘Racial Reconciliation.’ Then Trump Came Along.
White evangelicals angered over the killing of George Floyd this summer have joined protests and declared that “Black lives matter,” their continued support for President Trump has disgusted Black evangelical leaders. Read full piece
Congressman Seeks to End Park’s Designation as Lee Memorial
A northern Virginia congressman is pursuing legislation to remove Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s name from the official designation at the historic mansion where he lived before the Civil War. The home, overlooks the nation’s capital and is surrounded by Arlington National Cemetery.
White Support for Black Causes Doesn’t Last
Terrell Carter (a pastor, seminary administrator, and Word&Way columnist) reflects on why he fears white support for racial justice will not last long even in the wake of protests sparked by the police killing of George Floyd. Read full piece
Evangelical Christian Colleges Take Steps to Address Racial Justice after Criticism
Dozens of evangelical colleges and universities issued statements grieving George Floyd’s death in police custody and pledging to find practical steps to address racial justice on and beyond their campuses. But the efforts left some students unsatisfied.
Taking My Children to See Frederick Douglass
Clint Smith of The Atlantic reflects on a Juneteenth visit to the birthplace of Frederick Douglass helped him understand our current moment of rage, reckoning, and possibility. Read full piece