Mandisa Thomas: Black Nonbeliever

Non-belief can be difficult for anyone. In the black community (especially in the United States), the challenge can be compounded, as the church and God are woven so deeply into black history and culture.

Mandisa Thomas is president of Black Nonbelievers, Inc, and she speaks for a few minutes about the importance of a full, three-dimensional picture of the Civil Rights Movement, religious belief, and the merits of a secular life.

[Aja-Christian]

I could honestly cry. Being a Black female atheist can be so isolating. All these Black female bible thumpers around you and you just feel like you don't belong and you have to hide your thoughts and opinions because you're afraid of any backlash you may receive. And then to see videos like this basically confirming that I'm not alone, that they're *are* people out there of my race/ethnicity who know how I feel and understand what I'm going through and share my thoughts and views...I can't even describe how great that makes me feel. I don't feel so scared and lonely anymore. Thanks so much, Seth!

[mashondaknight]

I'm a black atheist and not afraid to say it.

[ghostkilla]

I'm 17, a black athiest, and I can certainly relate.

[victorialife]

I used to live in Africa before we migrated to Australia and it was pretty unheard of to be an atheist where I am originally from. There was literally no one I had ever met who didn't go to church. It was/is just expected of you to be Christian. I am glad to live in a more secular nation, however, whenever I meet and talk or hang out with fellow black/African people (and my family), the problem is still the same. I have to pretend to still be Christian. Anyway, I am happy to now be an atheist!

[EisforEvil]

Say it loud, I'm black and I'm proud-to be an atheist.

[GameFreakEver]

My face lit up when I saw this video. I'm proud to be an atheist! Proud to be black as well. Unfortunately living in the state of Texas my views tend to get dismissed.

[MA-mkrl]

letting go of this religion was the first step towards my success honestly

[MrWINNSLAW]

"Over 75% of the troubles in the Black Community can be eliminated if we would just put our dollars into HBCU's and Black owned businesses and not the church. Since god is omnipotent then the church does not need our money to survive: he (god) can take care of everything himself."

[austrianagreene]

im so happy that black nonbelievers inc. exist

[sicktrooth]

i just came out to my parents as an atheist a couple weeks ago. I was so glad that they told me nothing was going to change. Last week in church (yeah they still force me to go) one of the pastors announced that she was having a "defending the faith" seminar. while in the car to go home after service my dad looks at me and says, "I think that seminar will be right up your alley" to which I replied that i disagreed. I can think of another A word that that seminar can be right up...

[halhuwi]

Black atheist from west Africa.

It’s a lone journey but it’s totally worth it. Let’s keep moving forward 💪

[BlackGuyTv]

I'm another black atheist and proud of it!!

[SooperFlye]

I'm 60 years old, and I've been a *PROUD HARDCORE ATHEIST* since I was about 10-11 years old. Began to question the existence of such a god when I was about 7-8 years old. _And I never looked back!!_

[markwoods]

I’m glad to know that the black non-believers exist and I’m not the only one. Thank you!

[GoodAvatar]

In the Army I met several black atheists. I have to admit, it took a little dancing to get them to admit it, and I hadn't experienced Christopher Hitchens or Matt Dillahunty yet, but I think atheism among blacks is a bit more widespread than people think.
It was one of my beginning moments of atheism, actually.... Talking to a black guy about the Bible, and as we were talking we both realized we didn't know what we were talking about almost simultaneously. We laughed about it, and after that I read the Bible.
Once you realize this is bullshit, you're confronted with a choice... Do I keep going down the rabbit hole and see where it goes, or do I get scared and decide to be dishonest?
Black people have a lot more societal pressure to not push or press too hard. It's a real thing. It's fucking weird, but it's very real.

[MasAfiyaYa]

Being an atheist is not something I have actively chosen, but rather a natural conclusion I have arrived at through my experiences and reflections. It feels as though my understanding of the world and my place in it has led me here, without me consciously steering in that direction.

Even as a child, I asked many questions about the world around me, always curious about how things worked. I found an early fascination with science and logic, and these interests have continued to shape my view of life. It’s about seeking answers and understanding through observation and rational thinking, rather than relying on faith or traditions.

There are times when I feel somewhat detached from others, especially when I find myself in situations where religious beliefs and rituals are central. In these moments, I can feel a certain sense of being an outsider, but I always strive to approach others' beliefs with respect and expect the same in return. I believe we can all learn from each other, even if we do not share the same beliefs.

For me, it’s about finding meaning and morality outside the framework of religion. I believe in living a good life, striving to do right and good for others based on empathy and humanity. It’s an approach where I see it as our shared responsibility as humans to care for each other and our world.

When it comes to the big questions in life, like the meaning of life or what happens after death, I often find myself reflecting on these without having fixed answers. But instead of feeling lost, I find a sort of freedom in focusing on the present and the relationships I build here and now. I believe we create our own meaning through our actions and the bonds we form.

Being an atheist does not mean I do not feel wonder or admiration for the universe and nature. On the contrary, I often feel a deep appreciation for the world's complexity and beauty, which gives me both perspective and humility. It reminds me that we are all part of something larger, and it is important to care for and respect it.

[murphrocks]

This video makes me feel that I am not alone as a black nonbeliever. Great video Seth

[IntrovertAquarius]

My Awakening has just begun and I'm glad I found this channel...thank you

[christinam]

It's always mind boggling to see the non-belief in Christianity as an affront to the _heritage_ of black people. Like, do these people even realize where Christianity came from and how it came to them in the first place?

[dougm]

So delighted to see black Americans speaking up for reason and knowledge rather than blind, stupid, credulous faith. Religion is another stone that weighs down black people, holding them back and keeping them “in their place”! Go sista, tell dumb America that you are not alone, spread the word!