Couch critics and churchgoing believers alike can be hypercritical of all things when it comes to transitions within the black community. It is easy to get caught up in what seems like destructive criticism -- or the finger pointing that involves no problem solving. A brief surf on the web will result in multiple pages worth of 'think pieces' that pinpoint the many causes for delay of Black liberation. However, the black church seems to be the bullseye as of late.

The "black church" is a term used in reference to churches that have predominately Black congregations and clergy. It is common for people to speak of the Black church as one, single entity. However, it is the collection of churches that serve the Black community. Unfortunately, it has been and continues to be credited as one of the major wedges separating Black people from their true freedom. When one thinks of church, they imagine it as simply a place of worship. However, the black church has always been more than just that. It has been a rehabilitation center in more ways than just spiritual.

Although spiritual growth and development is a central focus of most places of worship, they are not the only priorities. The church has emphasized community organizing and anti-poverty efforts since its establishment. Black churches have done and continue to do a multitude of good deeds for their communities. Although they go unpublicized, they do not go unnoticed. It was Black churches that published newspapers, fundraised for schools and founded companies to counter poverty in their respective neighborhoods. It was also Black churches that provided safe spaces for orphanages and formed prison ministries. During times of confinement, the church provided financial support for bail. During a time of homelessness, the church was a refuge. Since the beginning of the fight, the Black church has not only been at the forefront but also a pillar of its community. In fact, Black preachers and Clergy women were the most identified with the Civil Rights Movement.

As who many consider the face of the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most prominent ministers that also wore the hat of an activist. Not only did he deliver profound speeches, he also led boycotts, staged sit-ins and organized marches to make a difference. King co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, a nonprofit organization linked to the Civil Rights Movement, alongside Ralph Abernathy and others. Like King, Abernathy was an influential minister and activist that allowed his faith to be the fuel that ignited his fight for progression. They were also accompanied by Fred Shuttlesworth, who was also a minister that fought against racial bigotry and discrimination. Social issues were majorly a matter of segregation and other forms of racism, and the church stepped up to tackle those issues head first.

Today, churches are utilizing strategic methods to demolish each barrier that separates Black people from continuous progression. Those approaches include providing financial and spiritual support to members affected by an illness -- second only to biological family. They are hosting seminars focused on financial literacy. The church continues to bring awareness to health and wellness education. The church provides scholarships to college students in need. While Black mega churches receive much disapproval for their income, many of these churches build homes, recreation centers and numerous other community services. Many of these contributions have gone without a viral post and have been overshadowed by the less fortunate media coverage of Christians.

Perhaps the climate has changed drastically and the credibility of the church in the black community is becoming less significant. However, it is wrong to overlook the progress the church has contributed to. It is an inaccuracy to paint the Black Church to be a villain seeking to deceive and profit off of its community when history shows otherwise. Historically, the black church has been the most influential institution in the African American community and the two have mutually benefited from one another. The Black Church is certainly not without transgression; however, it is undeniably instrumental in the progression of the Black community.

Conscious and Christian,
Simultaneously.