The Black Church

Religion as we know it infiltrated the black community during slavery. While the objective leaned on pacifying slaves, black people rose against the negative narrative and invested in a community that would be known as the black church.

Records indicate that as early as 1794, Richard Allen, a formerly enslaved black man, founded his own denomination and church. Reverend Allen, a man who purchased his own freedom, sought to abolish slavery and help other people escape, as well. As the nation continued to work through the Civil War, Jim Crow, racism, and economic disparity, the black church and its leaders mobilized its followers to speak out and stand up for injustices.

In this series of Black History in Two Minutes or So hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr., with additional commentary from Brittney Cooper of Rutgers University and Peniel Joseph of the University of Texas, we look at a fundamentally important piece of American history that has been a haven for blacks who have often times been isolated by the nation and the rules of the land.

Archival Materials Courtesy of:Associated Press

Alamy Images
Danny Lyon/Magnum Photos
Everett Collection, Inc.
Getty Images
Library of Congress
National Archives and Records Administration
The New York Public Library

Executive Producers:
Robert F. Smith
Henry Louis Gates Jr.
Dyllan McGee
Deon Taylor

Music By:
Oovra Music

Be Woke presents is brought to you by Robert F. Smith and Deon Taylor.

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[rashondariley]

Yes! The Black Church is a huge part of African American culture, producing everything from great leaders to great music.

[CenterPorchNP]

I was saved and baptized in a church of the black community in 96. I still hold a devout love of the music, worship, and fear of God that I started in.

[sueq.]

And there is the problem. We ( the people) think the church is only needed for spiritual rejuvenation.

We still need the church to push policies that will help the people and swing the pendulum of justice to make laws fair, while giving economic freedoms to build wealth and legacy.

[keepingit-sshx]

What the enemy meant for bad, God can turn around for good. Finding Jesus and serving God has been one of the BEST thing for black people. Praise the Lord.

[creatorsnetwork]

Thanks for publishing - very interesting!

[VisibleTimes]

What is the current role of the Black church? What is the current influence? How should the modern situation regarding the black church be interpreted in social and historical context?

[ShepherdsTable]

Praise Christ Jesus for the black church

[amixofeverything]

Christianity was in Ethiopian and Eritrea centuries before Europe.

[marquishalsell]

And with that being said yes am glad to be apart of this great background see I was born into it out expression are wild and mysterious because we have such an open view of why we praise God the way we do and so many tries to keep up and do our styles but we are always in high spirits and on one accord the experience is real

[yvettafoote]

Question do anyone know why our Black men don't come to church like they use too?

[Blue_ocean]

How does the church pay the pastor and other church employees?

[evonza]

Without faith We couldn't do ANYTHING 🥰❤️🖤💚✊🏾❤️🖤💚

[Oodjamiflops]

I walked into a black pentecostal in the late 60s early 70s and they all shouted allelluia the service stopped and that was it the preacher said thank the lord. yes I am a white man and was young when i went their they invited me back and thanked me. I didnt stay long but hey remember we were seperated

[jayshah]

im a black Americsn but I'm not a Christian. Never even been to a church

[salamandermike]

I wonder if non-black people are also welcome to listen for a ceremon in a black church community

[bakerbaker]

Something don't add up ! Third grade Math ? Let me take my shoes off !

[yerusalemyerusalem]

When The Antichrist is revealed THEN the NAME and NUMBER of his name is revealed.
Revelation 13:16-18

[AKGTruth]

Repent the devil is in the white house, don't wait until tomorrow.

[aleksandarstavric]

There is no such thing as "Black church" ...Christ church is established for every human - not for nations and tribes ... leave that primitive and vulgar tribal mentality ....in Christ's eyes all people are God's children .

[Aql_]

Islam is the only one true pure monotheistic religion which will be accepted by God almighty