Mandisa Thomas: Race, Representation, and Black Nonbelievers

[PeachBraxton]

For most of my life, my father was the only other black person I knew that is openly atheist. It's good to see more folks in our demographic becoming more open about their rejection of theism.

[gbbereal]

As a Black woman that is deconstructing, moving towards atheism, I wish I could have a voice to just be me, let me out of the religious box. I don't like to be boxed into what I "should believe" just bc my fellow Black people do. And I refuse to discard or ignore the thoughts and voices of non- Black atheists, bc that has provided me a springboard to seek out more answers relevant to me. Thank you Mandisa for bringing this out for the many years that you have. And thanks Seth for providing the platform.

[katelynnehansen]

I grew up as usually the only black person for miles around (including in my immediate family), and since my late teens, the only atheist I knew. My Black half of the family is extremely religious, and most atheist groups are extremely white and disproportionately male. It compounded that feeling of not belonging anywhere. Finding her organization meant so much to me, and I appreciate you shedding light on it. You hard work is deeply appreciated!

[Canthavemybones]

This community is very important. It's so hard connecting with other black atheists. Especially in the south.

[jumpcutreviews]

All non-believers should unite. Representation matters, everyone should be able to express themselves, while not being subjected to reprehensions. I can fully empathize with the fear of being ostracized from your family and community. I still struggle to this day with members of my family constantly trying to convert me to their beliefs. I can't even imagine also being a person of color and having to do it as well. I fully support Black Nonbelievers.

[TawaniAnyangwe]

Great interview. Being West African even makes it almost impossible to convince people that being an atheist is an option.

[mareowainaina]

I told my family I was an atheist, they were upset and insisted on praying for me for a while. Now my family lives in denial that I'm an atheist and think I'll come back. We get along for the most part and we just try not to discuss religion. Now I'm 31 years old.

[d.rabbit]

Excellent interview!! If one of my white brothers walk away from religion, he might lose some of his family, friends, and job opportunities. If a black person walks away, we often lose family, friends, job opportunities, and our whole community. Plus have to deal with the rest of America. This often causes great emotional trauma or isolation by constantly remaining in the closet out of fear. Perhaps I'll join her organization. I'll definitely donate. Thank you for this interview brother Seth.

[laurenlagergren]

Thanks, Mandisa, for sharing this about black atheists. I learned a lot about the struggles they face within the black community as well as society at large. As a white woman, I want to support atheists and hearing you speak of the black atheist community gives me a perspective I hadn't thought of.

[cynthiasloan]

What a fascinating discussion. Some of those points had never occurred to me. I appreciate being shown things from a new perspective. Thank you.

[stephaniaeverett]

Love me some Mandisa! Hope to meet her and everyone else in Black Nonbelievers when my family moves to Georgia.

[TheReaverOfDarkness]

I had a friend in college who was an atheist, and I liked her so much. Then all of a sudden one day she announced that she was joining a catholic church. It was such a sudden turnaround, and it tore us apart from each other, I didn't understand what could possess such a seemingly rational person to suddenly do something so drastic. I knew there were certainly social pressures within her family which I was not aware of, but I hadn't considered that perhaps they were bringing race loyalty into the issue.

I miss her. =(

[LegionBloodline]

Peace and much Love to you Seth, really appreciate this interview...thank you Sister Mandisa Thomas for your work and your voice, it's much needed...as a Black Atheist, it's been extremely hard to express my concerns for my Ppl, TO my Ppl b/c of how heavy the indoctrination has been in the Black community...but i get it b/c i was once a devoted christian myself...so it means a lot when i see Brothers and Sisters who are non-believers, speakin' out and up for all of Us, and to my White Brothers and Sisters who have lit that fire and continue to fan it in the name of Equality...your efforts are most appreciated...Peace and Love Family...

[warrena]

Happy to see this. Being a Black American is hard enough but bring a Black American Atheist presents new challenges especially when you have lived in the south(Georgia) your whole life.

[pameladeleone]

What an awesome lady and you also Seth. I love you both. Keep up the good work!

[essenceoneessence]

I love Mandisa Thomas!! I was so excited when I found her organization. It’s definitely a different experience. I appreciate this content tremendously!

[grapeshot]

Yes it can be very hard being a black atheist when you are a part of a community that is considered one of the most spiritual in the United States.

[ArcaneWolf]

So much pain evident in the comments. But beyond that, so much more bravery, courage and strength to walk a path of truth, honesty and reality in really difficult situations. Those things may also be seen in the church, but it is not their source. People are. People who choose to be good will find a path. Part of that, to me, is to listen, to share ideas and offer support. This was a nice discussion and my thanks to Seth and Mandissa, but also thanks to everyone who took the time to share their stories, and also support in the comments section. I'd like to see more of this. We need to expand our community(ies) so much more going forward.

[pledges]

Courageous thinking with enlightening clarity. Hearty congratulations. I welcome such braveness.

[ImSorryForDatOne]

Mandisa Thomas is what a REAL Black Woman is.💯💯💯💯