*Below is a portion of the sermon I preached Sunday in response to the terrorism that happened in Charleston, South Carolina at Emanuel AME Church. Read part 1 here. In my previous post, I asked what if Jesus, by saying Father Forgive them, was showing us what to do when we can’t forgive the hurt and pain that others have caused in our lives? I argued thatwhat if Jesus, at that moment, knowing that forgiveness maybe is the right... Read more
I invited people who attended church this past Sunday (after the #CharlestonShooting) to submit a reflection discussing and describing their feelings if the pastor/preacher for the day DID NOT ADDRESS the massacre of the Emanuel/Charleston Nine or if there were no mentions of it in the liturgy. Kyndra Middleton On yesterday, I went to church expecting my pastor to at least mention the tragic event that happened in the church in Charleston, SC. Even if he didn’t talk much about... Read more
Special thanks to the folks at the African American Intellectual History Society Here is a list of readings that educators can use to broach conversations in the classroom about the horrendous events that unfolded in Charleston, South Carolina on the evening of June 17, 2015. These readings provide valuable information about the history of racial violence in this country and contextualize the history of race relations in South Carolina and the United States in general. They also offer insights on race, racial identities,... Read more
*Below is a portion of the sermon I preached Sunday in response to the terrorism that happened in Charleston, South Carolina at Emanuel AME Church. They finally got a chance to see the person who has forever changed the trajectory of their lives. Although not in person but via video link, they got to a chance to see up close the face of American terror. They got a chance to look into his eyes and to see evil... Read more
I invited people who attended church this past Sunday (after the #CharlestonShooting) to submit a reflection discussing and describing their feelings if the pastor/preacher for the day DID NOT ADDRESS the massacre of the Emanuel/Charleston Nine or if there were no mentions of it in the liturgy.This one is from Darren ElizeGod has placed me as a prophetic presence among Episcopalians and other such white places. The relationship is very conflicted and I too often want to throw up my hands... Read more
Here are the top posts for the week of June 15-June 22, 2015 on the Rhetoric Race and Religion Blog. We ask that you share this with others. 1. #RachelDolezal and Misconstrued Privilege by Andre E. Johnson Indeed, some wondered why would she want to pass as a black woman? However, could it be that in light of the suit against Howard alleging racial discrimination when she was “white,” she felt that Blacks somehow and in some way get more privileges than whites do? Could... Read more
On Wednesday evening, June 17, Dylan Roof attended a Bible Study service at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. After studying with members of the congregation for about an hour, he promptly got up and started shooting. Before he left, nine people, including the pastor, South Carolina State Senator, Clementa Pickney were dead. Here at R3, we thought we would collect some of the raw emotions from people who are grieving this act of terrorism. Read part 1 here... Read more
“How long, O Lord?!?! How long! How long … (will we) have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?” These are the words of David found in Psalm 13. David continually repeats “How Long” and expresses deep down turmoil, anxiety and unrest. In response to the killing of Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, Clementa Pinckney, Cynthia Hurd,Tywanza Sanders, Myra Thompson, Ethel Lee Lance, Daniel L. Simmons, Depayne Middleton-Doctor and Susie Jackson (bios), by Dylan Roof... Read more
First posted at the Joseph Boston Blog It’s been less than 48 hours since the terrorist attack in South Carolina by the now arrested perpetrator known as Dylann Roof and the victims have already proclaimed their forgiveness and mercy on his eternal soul as released in their public statement here. Their response exemplifies humanity at it’s best and one can only hope that we could all display such depth of character at a time when we would be completely... Read more
Travis Harris is a graduate student in William and Mary’s American Studies program. He has a vast array of research interest including Race, African American Studies, Black Popular Culture, Performance Theory and African American Religion. His dissertation will examine the manifestation of institutional racism in Williamsburg by examining Williamsburg –James City County Public Schools, the College of William and Mary, local government, churches, businesses, and other institutions. Travis also serves as the lead organizer of Black Lives Matter – Williamsburg.... Read more
Rhetoric Race and Religion
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In