This February, students, faculty, social justice advocates, and faith leaders from Union Theological Seminary and beyond gathered in James Chapel for a powerful, joyous celebration of Black history – and for a thoughtful discourse on how we can protect the rights of traditionally marginalized communities moving forward.
The event – an annual occasion known as “Trailblazers” – was designed to parallel a Black church experience. The atmosphere was lively. There was singing, music, and food.
“I felt like I was back home listening to a sermon with my father and my mom singing and playing on the piano,” shared Alisha Madkins, Co-Chair of the Black Women’s Caucus. Rev. Timothy Adkins-Jones – Assistant Professor of Homiletics at Union – said the event felt very loving, similar to a family reunion.
In a panel, faith leaders and social justice activists also offered profound insights into how we can draw from our history to chart a more just path forward. And Rev. Carolyn C. Cavaness – the pastor of Mother Bethel and a Union alumna – delivered a passionate sermon highlighting the perseverance, tenacity, and determination of our ancestors. She urged listeners to fight for the marginalized and oppressed, especially in this overwhelming political moment.
Madkins expressed her appreciation for the event because “Often, we don’t really get time to reflect and go back to our roots… We don’t ever really get to celebrate the work that we’ve done or that people before us have done.”
Madkins was also grateful for the student collaboration that helped create the event. The Black Women’s Caucus, Black Caucus, and FIERCE all worked with Union leadership to bring the event to life. Madkins emphasized the leadership of Karla Mendoza, Co-Chair of the Black Caucus, in Trailblazers and other efforts at Union.
Speakers for the event noted why it was so important and impactful – both for Black History Month and at this time in our country.
Mujahideen Muhammad, a social justice advocate who served nearly 25 years in prison, reflected, “Black history is a time to recognize our unique and unmatched contributions to this country, past and present.”
He furthered, “Our struggle for equality seems to never end in this country. We have spent more years in captivity than we have been free, and the legacy of slavery still remains in the DNA of America in the form of structural racism. And now there’s a renewed and bold assault on African Americans by this current administration.”
Dr. Myron Krys Florence – Visiting Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology at Union – and Rev. Adkins-Jones echoed these concerns. Dr. Florence warned that there is a dangerous movement to undermine and get rid of marginalized communities – for example, by nixing initiatives to protect diversity and inclusion. Rev. Adkins-Jones, meanwhile, called out malicious far-right efforts to categorize Black history as belonging to an “evil empire of wokeness.”
All of the participants were asked how we can move forward to protect Black Americans and other traditionally marginalized communities. They each pointed to the need to work together, use our voices, and believe we can make a difference.
Dr. Florence shared, “It is so easy for us to be segregated and separated and not realize that we are in this together… We need to figure out how to break some of these cycles, and not just fall prey to the divisiveness.” Muhammed noted, “It’s incumbent upon all individuals, organizations, and groups who have these shared values to come together and weather this storm we’re going through.” And Rev. Adkins-Jones stressed the importance of organizing and building power.
Rev. Cavaness highlighted the unique importance of faith leaders, especially Black churches, in advancing justice at this moment. She said, “I can’t divorce myself from the reality of my congregants, community at large, the world.” According to her, we must apply our faith to health, food security, housing, education, and other pressing community issues. And when it comes to Black life, “The church has always been the epicenter. It’s the headquarters. It’s the grounding place.”
Rev. Cavaness summed up a powerful sentiment in just five words: “We will not go back.” That’s a message that Union hopes will inspire students, faculty, and the country to build a better tomorrow.