Abstract
A continuous reality of racial and systemic injustices faced by black Americans calls on an urgency to recognize the prominent role the Black Church has in relation to the progress of black social life. At the start of the 20th century, sociologist W.E.B DuBois (1903) discussed the centrality of the Black Church as being a bridge to the social mobility and lives of black Americans. With limited access to political power and social institutions, black Americans had to be resourceful when creating safe spaces to build community and organize resistance movements. One of these places was and continues to be the Black Church, which provides a safe haven for blacks to form social-political advancements, discuss racial injustice, and inspire non-electoral modes of activism. A key component to the achievements seen through activism for black Americans are movements and community bonds rooted within the Black Church. Born out of an era where folks continue to experience and debate the fragility of black life, the aim of the study is to explore how black activism remains central to the Church in the 21st century. By using secondary data from the National Congregation Survey, I analyze black congregation behavior and the frequency that the Black Church engages with social-political activities, activism meetings, and U.S. electoral voting campaigns. Broadly speaking, in this study I will measure the level of engagement the Black Church has with black activism and mobilization. This study will address how black Americans utilize the church to confront social-political adversity. I will discuss research and policy implications based on the study results.