Faith leaders say The Baltimore Sun’s mistaken identification of a respected pastor raises larger questions about accountability, trust, and how Black Baltimoreans are portrayed. By Rev. Dorothy S. BoulwareWord In Black Overview: A newspaper correction may have ended the factual error, but it did not end the fallout. As Baltimore clergy rally behind Rev. Antoine […]
Author Archives: Rev. Dorothy Boulware
Posted inWord In Black
Finding fellowship: How a Black Maryland community bridged racial divides
Through film and a new book, Jason Green is working to preserve the history of Quince Orchard, a historic Black community threatened by development and the passage of time. By Rev. Dorothy S. BoulwareWord In Black Jason Green thought he was returning home to say goodbye to his grandmother. Instead, sitting beside Ida Pearl Green’s […]
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Black pastor Mark Burns defends No. 47 monument amid criticism
Critics compared the gold-leaf monument to the biblical golden calf as supporters framed the statue as a symbol of divine protection and resilience. By Rev. Dorothy S. BoulwareWord In Black Overview: A Black MAGA pastor’s blessing of a towering golden Trump statue ignited a fierce debate over faith, political power, and whether parts of American […]
Posted inReligion
In the Black Church, Women’s Hats Still Testify
Black women’s church hats have been a symbol of faith, dignity, creativity, and resistance for generations, reflecting a tradition of reverence, self-expression, and cultural pride.
Posted inWord In Black
500 voices, one mission: Reviving Baltimore’s gospel sound
Combining past, present and future, Eric Waddell’s vision is about more than harmony. It’s about reconnecting young people to a legacy built in Baltimore’s choir lofts. Hundreds of singers are pushing back, one rehearsal at a time.
Posted inWord In Black
Behind the pulpit, Black women battle violence and silence
The killing of Rev. Tammy McCollum on Easter Sunday, allegedly at the hands of her husband, is a shocking example of intimate partner violence in the church. But a growing number of Black women clergy struggle to break through misogyny and violence inside the church — harm often unspoken, protected by patriarchy, shame and fear of not being believed.
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This pastor is flipping Black Church tradition with poetry
With “Sacred Slam,” Rev. Dr. Wanda Bynum Duckett uses poetry and hip-hop to revive Black church traditions and connect with Gen Z and millennials. By Rev. Dorothy S. BoulwareWord In Black Overview: As younger generations seek meaning beyond traditional pews, the Black church is experimenting with new forms of worship. One pastor’s spoken word approach […]
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What is Holy Week and why does it matter?
Holy Week marks the final seven days of Jesus’ life leading up to Easter, inviting Christians to reflect on his suffering, death, and resurrection. Beginning with Palm Sunday and ending with Resurrection Sunday, the week highlights themes of sacrifice, justice, love, and spiritual renewal, while many observe it through worship, prayer, fasting, and acts of service.
Posted inWord In Black
‘Spend in the Black’ turns faith into economic power
Salem Baptist Church in Chicago is leading “Spend in the Black,” a faith-driven initiative encouraging residents to support Black-owned businesses and strengthen local economic power. Through large marketplace events and community partnerships, the effort channels consumer spending into Black communities, boosts small businesses, and promotes long-term wealth building. Organizers see it as a scalable movement that blends faith, activism, and entrepreneurship to rebuild the “Black dollar” and foster sustainable economic ecosystems.
Posted inNational News
Jamal Bryant ends Target fast: ‘We got 3 of 4’
Black faith leaders have ended a yearlong boycott and “Target fast” after saying the retailer met three of four demands related to investment in Black businesses and diversity commitments. Led by Rev. Jamal Bryant, organizers said the campaign sparked a national conversation about corporate accountability while pledging to continue monitoring the company’s actions.
Posted inReligion
Faith without screens? Churches reconsider livestream worship
As some churches move to end livestreamed worship in hopes of boosting in-person attendance and offerings, critics warn the shift risks shrinking membership and excluding congregants who are ill, disabled or unable to attend in person. Advocates of virtual worship argue livestreaming remains a vital tool for outreach, inclusion and growth in an increasingly digital age.
Posted inReligion
A pastor wants Black men praying together at sunrise
Amid widespread calls for spiritual renewal, Bishop Kenneth O. Robinson Jr. is urging Black men worldwide to unite in prayer at sunrise on Dec. 1. The 6 a.m. call-in gathering aims to spark revival, foster accountability, and strengthen men’s leadership in families, churches, and communities through DreamLife Worship Center.
