Religion

The sacred African American faith tradition of 'The Seven Last Words' is undergoing a significant evolution, embracing modern interpretations and diverse voices, including a notable rise in women in ministry. This adaptation connects ancient scripture to contemporary struggles for justice, community, and hope, reflecting the Black Church's historic role as both a spiritual refuge and a center for social witness.

Rev. Dr. Wanda Bynum Duckett, following a traditional career in United Methodist Church leadership, has pioneered "Sacred Slam," a distinctive preaching method that merges hip-hop, spoken-word poetry, and Christian texts. This innovative approach is drawing significant attention and increasing congregational engagement.

Black pastors and lay leaders are spearheading efforts to reaffirm the institution of marriage within the Black community, advocating for its benefits in fostering social and economic stability. This initiative emphasizes commitment, compromise, and a spiritual foundation as crucial elements for enduring marital unions.

Vernon AME Church, the last remaining Black-owned structure in the area, is being preserved and turned into a museum and cultural center to teach the truth about the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and the history of the church and its congregation.

by Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware On a stretch of 75th Street long known for its legacy of Black entrepreneurship, a South Side megachurch is urging residents...

Despite Black women historically serving as the spiritual backbone of the Black church, fewer than one in ten leadership positions are currently held by women, even as progress in ministerial roles continues.

Brandon, a founding client of Eloise's Cooking Pot Food Bank, taught the importance of humility, kindness, and community, and his memory serves as a reminder to check on one another and extend grace.

After 400 days, the nationwide boycott of Target initiated by Black leaders concluded as three of four major demands were met, yet some activists persist in urging the continuation of the boycott.

Claudette Colvin's pivotal act of defiance in 1955, occurring months before Rosa Parks' arrest, has historically been underrepresented in educational narratives. However, her legacy is increasingly being shared within churches and families, emphasizing the importance of recognizing ancestral sacrifices and fostering cultural heritage awareness among future generations.

Mount Zion Baptist Church will celebrate the 84th anniversary of its Women's Ministry on March 22, 2026, with a special worship service featuring Rev. Dr. Cheryl Ivey Green as guest speaker.