“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.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2024
Keywords
African American, Black church, Found Poetry, Politics, Queer, Social justice
Subjects
African American churches $z North Carolina
Religion and politics $z North Carolina
Social justice $z North Carolina

Email this document to