Without Apology: How Faith Leaders Can Work Together with Community Organizations

Without Apology: How Faith Leaders Can Work Together with Community Organizations

Faith has always been at the center of grassroots movements that shape our communities. From before the Civil Rights Movement to today’s ongoing demands for justice, the Black church and other Black-led faith and community movements have consistently provided both the moral compass and the rallying cry.

But our work is far from done, and the call to action is clear: We must strengthen the ties between our faith communities and community organizations to amplify our impact.

As Black and Brown women leading nonprofits, churches, social movements, and advocacy efforts, we know our roles are more than just titles—they are a calling. We carry the weight of our ancestors’ prayers and the hopes of our communities. But this journey can’t be walked alone. Collaboration isn’t just a nice idea; it’s a necessity.

Places like the Black church have always been more than places of worship. They have been a sanctuary, a meeting place, and a launchpad for social justice. From Harriet Tubman’s faith-driven quest for freedom in bush harbors to Ella Baker’s influence on the dream of equality, our women leaders guided by faith, didn’t preach the gospel through words but lived it, boldly advocating for justice and leading movements that shook the foundations of oppression.

Today, that legacy continues. But to honor it fully, we must recognize that our greatest strength lies in our unity—especially among us, the women who stand at the intersection of faith and community leadership.

In this season, as we witness the historic nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States, we are reminded once again of the undeniable power and influence of Black women. This isn’t about the politics of a particular party—it’s about the significance of a Black woman receiving a major political party’s nomination and what it symbolizes. It reinforces what we’ve always known: Black women have always led the charge and the way for movement and change.

From the pews to the pulpit, from community meetings to the highest echelons of power, Black and Brown women have been the vanguard of progress. We are the ones who carry the torch, often without the recognition we deserve, pushing boundaries and breaking barriers.

The challenges we face are complex. Poverty, systemic racism, mass incarceration, education inequities—these battles can’t be fought alone. We need to pool our resources, networks, and voices to make the kind of change our communities desperately need.

This is where collaboration between faith leaders and community organizations comes into play. Imagine the power we could unleash by combining the moral authority of our faith with the strategic expertise of our nonprofits. Imagine the impact if our congregations and our communities moved as one, guided by a shared vision of justice, equity, and opportunity.

My sisters, we have always been at the forefront of change. From the pulpit to the streets, our voices have echoed the cries for justice and led the charge for progress. Now, more than ever, it’s time for us to join hands, work together without apology, and lead our communities into a future where justice isn’t just a dream but a reality.

I invite you—yes, you—to take that step. Get and stay connected, build community with fellow leaders, and let’s not just continue the conversation, but act upon it. Together, we can continue the legacy of faith in action, not just as a distant memory but as a living, breathing force for change.

Let’s do this work, without apology, for our people, our communities, and our future.

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