By Dr. Deborah Bailey
AFRO Contributing Editor
National Council for Negro Women (NCNW) CEO and President Shavon Arline-Bradley issued a challenge and call to action for worshipers at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 18.
In a sermon titled “America, What Have We Done,” Arline-Bradley challenged parishioners gathered at the National Cathedral to remain committed to a public policy agenda that echoed the values of Dr. Martin Luthering King Jr. while also mirroring NCNW’s contemporary approach.
She also asked them to look back at the country’s record.
“Did we feed the hungry or did we cut SNAP and WIC benefits? Did we quench the thirst, or is there still contaminated water in Flint, Mich., and Jackson, Miss.? Did we care for the sick? Or did we repeal legislation that could extend tax credits for millions of Americans?” Arline-Bradley asked.
She challenged worshippers to go beyond hand-wringing in the face of civil rights and free speech violations occurring across the United States.
“Now the question should change from, ‘America, what have you done,’ to ‘America, what will you do now?’Arline-Bradley said. “Will the church just spectate or will we participate?”
She encouraged members of the faith community across America to speak out publicly, commit resources and participate in the movement for justice, voting rights and human rights.
It was Arline-Bradley’s ability to convey the clear connection between King’s social-justice perspective and faith connection that compelled National Cathedral member, Dr. Chinwe Ifejika, to look for NCNW membership sign-up after church.
“We all have to have a hand,” Ifejike said. “People have had to stand up for the right thing before us, and now we have to continue. We will get there with God.”
Kendra Glover of Woodbridge, Va., is a member of NCNW. She attended the service to support Arline-Bradley and said she felt she got marching orders for 2026, a year she said compares with the challenges King faced.
“She gave us the challenge we needed to hear. We are as ready to move toward action in 2026 as they were during Dr. King’s time,” Glover said.
Arline-Bradley has been president of the NCNW for nearly three years, since March 2023.
Her leadership represents a new era for the organization. An ordained minister with a background in health equity, Arline-Bradley is the first president to serve under the organization’s new by-laws connecting the organization’s national base with public policy issues like voting rights, health care, educational opportunity and justice.
The organization has expanded outreach to high school and college women and reached out to develop partnerships with national Black women’s organizations and other women of color across the U.S.
Elena Mangahas, from Stockton, Calif., was in Washington, D.C. for a Filipino culture exhibit at the Smithsonian Center for American Culture. She came to the National Cathedral King Day service with members of her group and said the direct message expressed by Arline-Bradley, in the face of immigrant raids happening across the U.S., resonated with her.
“We feel strongly about the actions that are being taken against the immigrant community of this country. The speaker covered everything that needed to be said. She was direct and did not mince any words – and it didn’t sound political. This is reality,” said Mangahas. “This is what we are increasingly facing every day. The arch is landing now on this particular time. It is time to act, not just for immigrant groups like us, but for everybody.”
In an exclusive interview with the AFRO, Arline-Bradley said members of NCNW and others are in discussions about taking activism to a new level in 2026, especially when it comes to voter registration efforts.
“At the end of the day, November 2025 taught us a lesson. When the people are tired of this feeling, they will act. Well, the people are tired, and it’s time,” she said. “We’re coming out of malaise. There is a lot less fear now. Once we’re willing to face the fear of retaliation and realize God has got us covered, 2026 is going to be different.”
Arline-Bradley stayed for an hour after the service, listening to parishioners and talking with them about readiness for a new level of activism.
“I’m observing Black people, White people and people of all backgrounds say the exact same thing: ‘I’m tired, but now that I’ve heard you, I’m ready.’”
“I think 2026 is going to be a year of reckoning,” Arline-Bradley added. “Black people will continue to lead, and communities are going to follow our lead because we’ve always been consistent in fighting for justice.”