Black Consciousness Movement

Adolph L. Reed, Jr. an African-American “scholar and professor of political science at Yale University” criticizes the myth of the Black Church and politics. Reed contends the prediction of W.E.B DuBois has culminated and the Black Church is no longer needed as a catalyst for politics or political leaders. Reed further suggest the fallacy in the myth is grounded in historical misnomers of the origins of politics in the church. Lincoln and Mamiya critiques this perspective by establishing several truths. First they expound on the historical attributes of politics in the church, then they evaluate the Black Church and the electoral politics, thirdly they look at the “empirical data on the civil rights militancy debate on the political involvement of black churches and clergy; and finally” a summation of what can be deducted from this hypothetical view of the “relationship between religion and politics.” (3504)

Lincoln and Mamiya define politics because it is not used in the simple context of “electoral politics” or “protest politics.” Instead, politics, in regards to the Black Church encompasses more than just power exuded during the voting process, but it includes the community involvement of the Church. Making this distinction helps sharpen the spectrum of how the Church is involved in the political scope Peter Paris further expounds of the definition of politics as being “building structures for human associations.”(3504) The Black Church is anchored in the community, therefore playing an integral role in the plight of the community, including lending a political voice. This tradition can be traced back to the ancestral roots of the kings, queens, and chiefs who were not only political but also religious “figures in the co...

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...ans and despite the constant battle to secure our right to vote; sadly there are many African-Americans who do not utilize that right. The book suggests that in 1983, with a population of 17 million, only 10 million African-American were registered to vote. I dare to imagine the actual number of those who voted. Hopefully, the Church will continue to be the heart and center of the community. Being the political and social voice of the Black community; speaking for those who cannot be heard. We must be dissatisfied with those age old superficial words of a future grander, and demand to have justice and equality now. The church must never be satisfied; until there is justice for all. African-Americans must not be disillusioned that their vote does not count, but they must be reminded of the power held in one ballot. One ballot, one voice, can make a difference!