Rev. Stephanie Atkins, a prolific author, founder of Rho Alpha Tau Christian Writers Fraternity & Sorority, and now president of its Lambda Chapter, uses her creativity to empower, educate, encourage, and entertain, while advocating for social justice and racial equality.
Author Archives: Rev. Dorothy Boulware
Posted inWord In Black
As L.A. burns, Asheville is still recovering from Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene has left residents of Asheville, North Carolina facing a reality of grieving and rebuilding, with faith leaders providing support and resources to help them rebuild.
Posted inReligion
Video of church shaming unwed pregnant woman sparks heated backlash
A young woman publicly apologized for her pregnancy outside of marriage and was met with a public shaming by her pastor, raising questions about Black church traditions and shame.
Posted inWord In Black
How to handle grief during the holidays
Dr. Jesaira Glover-Dulin, a licensed counselor, professional coach, and corporate trainer, provides advice on how to cope with grief during the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of communication, consistency, and creative expression, and suggesting ways to support children who are grieving.
Posted inReligion
Watch Night: Escorting the New Year in with prayer
On New Year’s Eve 1862, African Americans gathered in secret to celebrate Watch Night, a tradition of prayer and reflection, as they awaited the Emancipation Proclamation and the promise of freedom.
Posted inReligion
7 Christmas carols that bear a touch of soul
African American artists have contributed to the repertoire of Christmas carols with songs such as “Mary’s Boychild”, “Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow”, “This Christmas”, “Go Tell it On The Mountain”, “Sweet Little Jesus Boy”, and “Jesus. Jesus. Oh, What a Wonderful Child”, which have been recorded and re-arranged numerous times since their inception.
Posted inMusic
10 new Christmas albums to add to your holiday playlist
Jennifer Hudson, Ruben Studdard, CeCe Winans, and Brandy are among the artists who have released new Christmas music, blending gospel, soul, and contemporary worship to deliver fresh takes on beloved holiday classics and original songs.
Posted inReligion
Meet the Baltimore pastor bridging the gap between old and new
Rev. Terrence Rogers is bridging the gap between preparation and practice as senior pastor of West Baltimore’s Gethsemane Baptist Church, engaging younger generations through voter education programs and digital ministry.
Posted inReligion
Old traditions, new paths: The priesthood of Merrick Moses
Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware profiles Baltimore-based priest Father Merrick Moses, who is a cradle Roman Catholic, Benedictine monk, and LGBTQ+ advocate, and who uses his personal and spiritual journey to inspire others to walk out their faith.
Posted inWord In Black
Advent: A preview of the reason for the Christmas season
Advent is a season of waiting, preparation, and meditation, marked by an advent wreath and the lighting of candles, and is a time for Christians to reflect on the life of Jesus Christ and his second coming.
Posted in#FaithWorks
Would Jesus go shopping on Black Friday?
In a consumerist age, 10 members of the “Unfit Christian” congregation share whether the Messiah would hit up the sales. By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware Every major religion has its holy days. But for some folks, maybe Black Friday — the annual ritualistic shopping day on the Friday following Thanksgiving — should be added to […]
Posted inReligion
Sunday always comes: Pastors search for post-election sermons
Pastors are preparing messages of resilience and hope to offer strength and inspiration to Black parishioners mourning the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.