On the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, faith leaders held prayer vigils outside Target stores to protest the company’s retreat from its racial equity commitments, leading Rev. Jamal Bryant to announce a full cancellation of the retailer. Calling it the most successful Black boycott since Montgomery, Bryant said the movement has cost Target $1 billion in valuation and is now turning its focus to holding Dollar General accountable for failing Black communities.
Author Archives: The Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware
AFRO Editor
Posted inWord In Black
Hoodoo vs. Holy Ghost: The ‘Sinners’ controversy
The film “Sinners” has become a box office hit while igniting debate over whether its portrayal of Hoodoo and evil in the Jim Crow South is anti-Christian or a deeper cultural and spiritual exploration. While some critics call it demonic, many argue it respectfully presents African traditions and challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about faith, race and history.
Posted inReligion
A Black pope? Francis made it a possibility
Pope Francis, who died at age 88, leaves behind a legacy of advocacy for marginalized communities, including Black people, through actions like appointing the first African-American cardinal and condemning racism as a sin. His inclusive leadership reshaped the Catholic Church’s global power dynamics and opened the possibility for the election of the first Black pope.
Posted inReligion
What is Holy Week and why does it matter?
Holy Week commemorates the final days of Jesus’ life, highlighting both his sacrifice and his acts of resistance against empire and injustice, culminating in his resurrection on Easter Sunday. While many see Jesus as a loving savior, Holy Week invites believers to also recognize his radical challenge to power and the modern-day church’s call to carry on that spirit through justice, reflection and community action.
Posted inReligion
Bishop Michael Curry’s gospel of love
By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware Overview: Appointed in 2015, Curry, a widely respected theologian, guided the Episcopal Church through challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic and racial reconciliation. Bishop Michael Curry has no doubt: There is evil in the world. Turn on the evening news, as he does most days, and you’ll see plenty of […]
Posted inWord In Black
As services shrink, the Black Church steps up
By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware Overview: Since its founding during the era of slavery, the Black church has made community service and social justice core parts of its mission. A survey of faith leaders found the Black church is far more likely to take on those roles at home than white churches, who are more […]
Posted inReligion
Black marriage on the decline? These pastors have another opinion
Faith leaders such as Pastor Corey Cunningham and Dr. Derren Thompson are promoting marriage among Black people by offering advice, lessons, and a philosophy to help newly married couples consider themselves partners or teammates, rather than lovers or rivals.
Posted inWord In Black
Ramadan: A catalyst for growth and change
Sister Mothyna James Brightful, a former AFRO intern, shares her experience of Ramadan, which is a 30-day Islamic fasting period where Muslims aim to read the entire Quran, break their fast with dates, and practice acts of kindness to absolve themselves of fasting days.
Posted inReligion
Blood clot awareness group to tour Southern Black churches
The National Blood Clot Alliance is launching a six-city bus tour to raise awareness of blood clots and their impact on the Black community, with a focus on preventing blood clots, identifying warning signs, and managing the condition.
Posted inReligion
Metropolitan UMC to celebrate 200th anniversary
Metropolitan United Methodist Church in Baltimore is celebrating its 200th anniversary on March 9, and is seeking former members to make the event even more special, with the Rev. Dr. Michelle Holmes-Chaney serving as guest preacher.
Posted inReligion
Forging a new path, uplifting Black women of faith
Dr. Suzan “Sujay” Johnson-Cook founded Women In Ministry International to provide resources and support for women of faith in the male-dominated profession, and to help them thrive in non-traditional ministries.
Posted inHealth
On a mission to end the Black maternal mortality crisis
Black churches in New Jersey are taking action to improve maternal and infant health outcomes by providing culturally congruent care and support, with the goal of abolishing structural racism and liberating public policy theologically.