The deaths of young African Americans at the hands of police have escalated the conversation about racial discrimination in this country. The Rev. Traci Blackmon, acting executive minister of UCC Justice and Witness Ministries, noted civil rights leader, gifted preacher, pastor and teacher, delivers an extremely powerful message in this call for justice for all the children of God.
In this paper, by way of autoethnography and spiritual reflection, I share my experiences as a professor and pastor while in Ferguson. I also share some reflections from students as well.
We commit ourselves, as scholars and activists, clergy and lay, religious and not, to embrace the fullness of Black Life and to recognize that all Black life is at risk. We particularly celebrate the voices that started the movement and those who continue the resistance.
Ferguson Anniversary Faith Leaders Panel: Cornel West, Rev. Osagyefo Uhuru Sekou, Rahiel Tesfamariam, Starsky Wilson, Traci Blackmon, Renita Marie, Bree Newsome, Mike McBride and Marc Lamont Hill.
A few days before the grand jury decision not to indict Darren Wilson for the death of Mike Brown, we traveled to Ferguson, MO to document human rights violations and to speak to local activists and clergy.
Leah Gunning Francis’s conversations with both the clergy and the young activists show how important it is for communities of faith to reach out to a new generation of young leaders and help elevate and nurture their gifts.
