American Black Journal: How Do You Define the Black Church?

On the next episode of American Black Journal, we take a historical look at the identity of the Black Church. From the important role that spirituality played in the lives of enslaved Africans to the early Black churches in Detroit, we explore the question, “How do you Define the Black Church?”

ABJ host Stephen Henderson talks with the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Harris, president of the Ecumenical Theological Seminary, and Rev. Kenita Harris, minister of social engagement at Detroit Bible Tabernacle, about the roots of spirituality in the Black Church. They examine the connection between theology and racist ideology during ancient times, the historical values of the Black Church, and the distinct religious culture of the Black Church.

Plus, we’ll visit the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History for an up-close tour of an exhibition that shows how religion has always been a major force in African American culture and traces the history of some of Detroit’s most influential early Black Churches.

This fourth installment of our year-long series on The Black Church in Detroit airs on Sunday, May 30 at 9:30 a.m. and again on Wednesday, June 2 at 7:30 p.m.