On Juneteenth, a ceremonial groundbreaking marked the reconstruction of First Baptist Church of Williamsburg—one of the oldest Black churches in the U.S.—on its original site, where enslaved and free Black worshippers once defied laws to gather in faith. The effort by Colonial Williamsburg aims to restore not only a historic structure but also the long-suppressed legacy of Black Americans who shaped the nation’s spiritual and cultural foundations.
Category: #FaithWorks
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Faith organizations rally behind migrants amid nationwide ICE crackdowns
By Ali HalloumAFRO Interns Amid ongoing immigration crackdowns by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, faith leaders of every denomination are calling for action. On June 8, the 47th president federalized the California National Guard to quell protests against ICE raids, over the objection of Governor Gavin Newsom. The agency has detained individuals outside of […]
Posted inWord In Black
Rev. Jamal Bryant: Target is canceled. Dollar General’s next
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.
Posted inReligion
Supporting the mind and spirit in places of worship
Black churches have long served as hubs for more than worship—offering political, social and emotional support to their communities. Now, many are stepping into a new role: helping congregants care for their mental health alongside their spiritual well-being.
Posted inReligion
Faith leaders stand with governor on veto of bill to create Maryland reparation commission
Rev. Jerome Stephens and a group of prominent faith leaders support Gov. Wes Moore’s veto of a proposed reparations commission, urging a shift from further study to immediate action on racial equity. They highlight the administration’s tangible progress in closing racial gaps and call for continued investment in housing, education and economic opportunity for Black Marylanders.
Posted inReligion
Faith, therapy and resilience: the long road home after incarceration
Reentering society after incarceration is more than a physical return — it’s an emotional and mental journey. For many, including Trina Seldon, Tonya Hayes and Dewand Sutton, the trauma of prison and lack of support afterward make reintegration challenging. Their stories highlight the urgent need for reentry services that address mental health and help returning citizens truly heal.
Posted inReligion
Rev. Willie E. Ray: A life of service remembered
By Marnita ColemanSpecial to the AFRO On Easter morning, April 20, the Reverend William Edward Ray, beloved founder of Save Another Youth, Inc. and the Baltimore Coalition to Stop the Killing, took his final flight and entered eternal rest. After more than 50 years of tireless ministry, fierce advocacy, and unwavering love for his community, […]
Posted inReligion
‘Do not mock us’: Catholic critics decry US president’s publishing of an AI image of himself as pontiff amid mourning for Pope Francis
The 47th president sparked outrage by posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope during the official mourning period for Pope Francis, drawing rebukes from Catholic leaders and international media just days before the papal conclave begins. Critics, including Italian officials and U.S. Catholic groups, called the act offensive and disrespectful, accusing the president of politicizing a sacred moment for global Catholics.
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
Obituary: Trailblazing AME Bishop Carolyn Guidry dead at 87
The Right Rev. Carolyn Guidry, a pioneering bishop and the first woman to lead several major roles within the African Methodist Episcopal Church, died May 3 at age 87 after a distinguished life of ministry, leadership, and community service.
Posted inAfro Briefs
Rev. William Barber decries GOP budget in ‘Moral Monday’ protest at the U.S. Capitol
The Rev. William Barber traveled to the U.S. Capitol to protest proposed $1.5 trillion Republican budget cuts—targeting Medicaid, food aid, and housing—framing them as economic injustice that threatens vulnerable Americans.
Posted inReligion
Rev. William Barber arrested in Capitol Rotunda after praying against Republican-led budget
By Jack Jenkins Prominent pastor and anti-poverty activist the Rev. William Barber and two others were arrested while praying in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on April 28, an action he said would be part of a recurring series of demonstrations aimed at challenging the Republican-led budget bill. The arrests occurred roughly 15 minutes after Barber, […]