Black

A poster for world aids day with the words we welcome you, we see you, we love you, we are victorious.

World Aids Day

By pwsbuilder / December 1, 2019 / Comments Off on World Aids Day

On December 1,1988, World Aids Day became the first ever global health day to be commemorated annually. The AIDS movement evolved into an advocacy mission with a global reach that continues to have significant impact on the history of social justice and activism. A report from NPR states that by the mid 1980’s, President Ronald…

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Black and Brown Make Green

By pwsbuilder / March 13, 2019 / Comments Off on Black and Brown Make Green

Back in 2010, I was teaching part-time for Operation Understanding, a leadership development program for Black and Jewish high school students in Philadelphia. We did lots of things together. But, the most intense part of that experience was during the summer. We spent the month of July traveling around the country on a bus. We…

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A woman standing in front of a colorful building.

Thinking Out Loud

By pwsbuilder / January 15, 2019 / Comments Off on Thinking Out Loud

Asbury Park, New Jersey where I live, is today covered with snow, followed by rain that is turning into ice. The weather outside has given me the excuse to do what I do with some frequency; “Thinking Out Loud”. An article in today’s New York Times; “Part of Kentucky Marriage Law Overturned” has attracted my…

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A view of a prison cell with bars on the door.

The Way of Liberation

By pwsbuilder / January 15, 2019 / Comments Off on The Way of Liberation

Every person in the United States of America must watch it: The Kalief Browder Story. It’s on Netflix. On May 15, 2010, sixteen-year-old Kalief Browder is arrested for stealing a backpack. He spends the next three years of his life (1,126 days) on Rikers Island with no charge, no trial. On May 29, 2013, Kalief is…

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A blue background with butterflies flying in the air.

All Categories Post

By pwsbuilder / March 28, 2018 / Comments Off on All Categories Post
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A black man crouching on the floor in front of a white background.

#RefuseToBeComplicit with White Supremacy in Your Church

By pwsbuilder / March 16, 2018 /

An open letter to white people of faith: 

At every point in the history of the United States there have been people whose faith has provided the bedrock for lifelong efforts to end violence, oppression, and inequity—Dorothy Day, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Bishop Gene Robinson—and there have been others who have used their religion as a weapon to further these same forces; to maintain the oppressive status quo rather than challenge it.

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A woman in a blue robe with dreadlocks smiling.

The Three Fault Lines Of Injustice Against Rev. Darlene Garner

By pwsbuilder / February 28, 2018 / Comments Off on The Three Fault Lines Of Injustice Against Rev. Darlene Garner

As we wrap up Black History Month, my mind and heart are returning to Rev. Darlene Garner and the injustice she experienced at the hands of the Metropolitan Community Church, a denomination to which she faithfully gave her leadership and ministry. I have been an ally of the Metropolitan Community Church since I attended my…

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A Group Standing With Bible In Hand

Affirming LGBTQ People In The Black Church

By pwsbuilder / August 28, 2017 / Comments Off on Affirming LGBTQ People In The Black Church

Much of the pain and suffering LGBTQ African Americans experience in theologically conservative churches happens in silence and secret. Some LGBTQ congregants do not even recognize the source of their pain, because sexuality, let alone non-heterosexuality, is not discussed or taught in many African American churches. Black LGBTQ people are often unaware that some of…

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A person taking a picture of confetti.

Pride Events Display Disparities In LGBTQ Community

By pwsbuilder / June 8, 2017 / Comments Off on Pride Events Display Disparities In LGBTQ Community

June is Pride Month for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) communities across the country—and parades abound. While we all rev up each June for Pride so, too, do the fault lines of race and class in the LGBTQ community. With advances such as hate crime laws, legalization of same-sex marriage across the country,…

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A group of people posing for a photo.

Setting Black Mothers Free

By pwsbuilder / May 15, 2017 / Comments Off on Setting Black Mothers Free

As a teenager, I went to youth Bible study on Wednesdays, choir rehearsal on Fridays, and volunteered with the Children’s Ministry on Saturdays. My week, and my network of friends, revolved around social activities in church. We traveled from place to place because safe and loving adults cared to drive us from place to place.…

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