By Megan Sayles
AFRO Staff Writer
msayles@afro.com
Associated Black Charities (ABC) hosted its third annual Revival on Dec. 10, examining the state of Black America through the lens of faith leaders.
In the Black church, a revival is known as a time for renewal, bringing people together to worship together, restore hope and reflect on the spiritual and social challenges they face. In ABC’s case, the night was designed to urge activists and faith leaders to recommit themselves to confronting the inequities that continue to undermine Black life and progress. It was also a chance to honor the founders of ABC, many of whom were faith leaders.
“Faith has always been the backbone of Black progress. Our churches, mosques, synagogues and faith centers have been sanctuaries for healing and headquarters for action. We are here to celebrate and pay homage to ABC founders, but tonight is more than a gathering— it is a mobilization,” said Bernard K. Sims, senior director of culture and community at ABC. “We are here to be strengthened, to be inspired and to prepare ourselves for the work ahead through prayer, scripture, song and a powerful world of revival.”
ABC’s virtual gathering featured Rev. Dr Jamal H. Bryant, senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church; Rev. Dr. Robert R.A. Turner, pastor of Empowerment Temple A.M.E; Rev. Brenda White, pastor of Allen A.M.E. Church Baltimore; and Rev. Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, CEO and publisher of the AFRO.
Bryant served as the evening’s lead revivalist. His central scripture was Matthew 27:32, which recounts Simon of Cyrene being compelled to carry Jesus’ cross, and his sermon centered on what it means to be a “heavyweight.” The civil rights activist discussed his perspective on the weight of responsibility carried by leaders, the power of collective action and the moral and economic influence of the Black community.
“There Jesus was suffering under the ignominious cross, and they saw Simon of Cyrene and drafted him. He never volunteered, never flailed his hand and said, ‘pick me.’ Why did they pick Simon?” said Bryant. “The easiest answer is because he was a Black man, but I want to say to you that they saw his shoulders, his build and said he can handle it. When God called you for your respective organizations, nonprofits and agencies, he picked you to carry this weight because he knew you could handle it— that you were born for the job, the opportunity and for the obstacles.”
Amid censorship of Black history and rollbacks on equity, diversity and inclusion under the 47th president, speakers also reflected on the responsibility faith-based institutions hold to guide their congregations through the current political climate.
Draper called on faith leaders to act as watchmen—speaking up when others stay silent about injustices—and to foster disciples who will walk alongside them not only in faith, but also in purpose and strategy.
“In a time when truth is under attack and when equity is being renegotiated, faith leaders must stand with prophetic clarity. We’re not called to make people comfortable. We’re called to equip them,” she said. “We have to teach truth, not trends. Trends change, but the truth of Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forevermore.”
