“It’s complicated” : Black people who are social justice oriented and have a tension-filled relationship with the Black church
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Josette Ruth Ferguson (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Kathy Hytten
Abstract: The purpose of this research project was to shine a light on Black people who are social justice oriented and have a current tension with the Black church. I address two overriding research questions: Why do Black people who are social justice oriented and have a tension- filled relationship with the Black church still stay a part of it? How do Black people who are social justice oriented and have a tension-filled relationship with the Black church navigate these tension-filled relationship and stay a part of the church? I use two qualitative methodologies to answer these questions; autoethnography and portraiture. In addition to my own story of navigating tensions with the Black church as a queer, nonbinary, genderqueer, Guyanese African American womxn, I share four portraits of North Carolina based Black community/political organizers, activists, and advocates, who maintain a relationship with the church, despite tensions. I describe what keeps us connected to the church and how we remain connected to the institution, the challenges, and the “church hurt” we have experienced. I conclude this study with recommendations for pastors, and congregation of Black churches.
“It’s complicated” : Black people who are social justice oriented and have a tension-filled relationship with the Black church
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Created on 5/1/2024
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2024
- Keywords
- African American, Black church, Found Poetry, Politics, Queer, Social justice