The Black church has never just been a church.
Since its beginnings on the American plantation, the Black church has served as a social hall, sanctuary and command center for social change.
Tonight on Kansas City PBS
Rather than balk at the mention of politics from the pulpit, the Black church has a tendency to grab politics by the horns and steer it in the direction of progress for its people.
In April 1964, a Kansas City ordinance was proposed that would desegregate taverns, retail shops and other public spaces. Although the New York Times described it as “moderate” at the time, there was still a sizable backlash from white Kansas City residents.