What We Do

The Black Church has played a pivotal role in the education of African Americans, particularly during and immediately following the era of slavery. Historically, the church served not only as a spiritual haven but also as a critical institution for education and literacy. During slavery, African Americans were largely denied access to formal education. In response, the Black Church became a clandestine center for learning, where enslaved and free African Americans learned to read and write, often in secrecy due to laws prohibiting their education.

Post-emancipation, the Black Church's role in education expanded significantly. It was instrumental in establishing schools, colleges, and educational programs for newly freed African Americans. These institutions provided basic literacy education as well as higher education opportunities, which were scarce due to segregation and systemic racism in mainstream American educational institutions.

Moreover, the Black Church served as a community organizer and mobilizer, advocating for educational rights and resources for African Americans. It fostered a culture of intellectualism and self-improvement, emphasizing the importance of education as a means of advancement and empowerment. The church's involvement in education was not limited to the establishment of schools; it also played a vital role in supporting and sustaining these institutions financially and administratively.

The legacy of the Black Church in educating African Americans is profound. It laid the groundwork for the pursuit of educational equality and was a foundational force in the development of African American intellectualism and professional achievement. This role has been a cornerstone in the fight against racial inequality and has had a lasting impact on the broader landscape of American education.