Blog Archive

My Zion Baptist Work, African America and The Church, Clementine Pigford

Historian and author, Clementine Pigford shares insight on her work with Zion Baptist church and the relationship African America has with religion in general

Phillips Chapel CME Church, Santa Monica, CA., Dr. Alison Rose Jefferson

Historian, Dr. Alison Rose Jefferson shares the story of how Phillips Chapel CME church came to Santa Monica, CA

Black Love Black Critique, Carl Walker

Pastor Carl Walker shares some of his views on what and why he loves being black in America and what he would like to see more of in the African American community

Audacious Hospitality, April Baskin

April Baskin, anti-racism Jewish activist describes “Audacious Hospitality” one of the progressive components of the Union of Reform Judaism

What Youth Bring To Religious Society, Pastor Charles Dardin

Pastor Charles Dardin shares his religious observations of the value youth bring to congregations and communities and where more understanding may be helpful

Abraham Lincoln Davis born

*Abraham Lincoln Davis was born on this date in 1914. He was an African American minister and Civil Rights activist.

Abraham Lincoln “A. L.” Davis was born in Bayou Goula, Louisiana and moved to New Orleans in 1930 to live with a sister and attend high school. Davis graduated from McDonogh 35 High School, received his B. A. degree from Leland College and his theological degree from Union Baptist Theological Seminary. He became the pastor of New Zion Baptist Church in 1935 where he became known as the Rev. A. L. Davis. He served as pastor of New Zion for forty-three years.

Career Advice The Ministry, Rev. Cynthia Williams

Rev. Cynthia Williams shares her views and advice to anyone seeking a path in life to become a minister

Hymn “We Shall Overcome” published

*On this date in 1901 we celebrate the song We Shall Overcome. “We Shall Overcome” is a protest song that became a key anthem of the African American civil rights movement during the 20th and 21st century.

Louise Jarrett Shropshire born

*Louise Shropshire was born on this date in 1913. She was an African American composer for her religion and the church.

Born Louise Jarrett, the granddaughter of slaves and sharecroppers, she was born in Coffee County, Alabama. In 1917, her family relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio. As a young girl, Jarrett demonstrated a gift for music and composed many hymns as a member of the Baptist Church. Sometime between 1932 and 1942, after marrying Robert Shropshire, she composed a gospel hymn entitled, If My Jesus Wills.

Julia A. J. Foote born

*The birth of Julia A. J. Foote in 1823 is celebrated on this date. She was a Black evangelist and author.