Pass The Mic

Saturday was our first Juneteenth as a federal holiday, and it feels...complicated. What was once ours doesn’t feel like just ours anymore. We are excited but also aware of what this might mean for a sacred day of Black belonging and freedom. Tyler and Jemar shared about these complex feelings for our holiday, our celebration, our day. This podcast was recorded during our second annual “Free to Be” Juneteenth celebration. Watch the event in its entirety here: https://fb.watch/6gCGUCfATt/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since the #LeaveLOUD movement began, the most common question we have been asked is “Where do we go now?” Every person who is taking the journey toward finding healthy spaces of flourishing will inevitably encounter “The Wilderness.” We feel stuck, weighed down, insecure about the season that we’re in. In this episode, Tyler and Jemar talk about what it means to walk through the wilderness. They discuss shame, learning and unlearning, patterns of growth, and some perspective about what’s happening in this season of our lives. If you’re in the wilderness, please know you are not alone. Many are walking through the same thing you are. ********************************What is #LeaveLOUD?In 2018, the New York Times published an article tiled: A Quiet Exodus: Why Black Worshipers Are Leaving White Evangelical Churches that chronicled the plight of Black Christians who quietly exited their churches after their pastors and fellow believers failed to denounce state-sanctioned violence against Black people, white Christian Nationalism, systemic racism, and everyday bigotry. Since that time, things have gotten worse, not better.In recent months, we’ve seen a surge of Black leaders and congregants in predominantly white or multiethnic churches and Christian spaces decide that it’s time for them to go. We bear witness to the hurt, harm, and frustration that our siblings have experienced. Enough is enough. It’s time to #LeaveLOUDTo #LeaveLOUD is to tell our stories, to name things for what they are, to take back the dignity we’ve lost while being in institutions that don’t value the fullness of the image of God within us, and to go where we are celebrated and not just tolerated.For the next several weeks, we will be sharing stories of Black Christians who have made the decision to #LeaveLOUD. We will also be providing thoughtful analysis, words of wisdom, and resources for those who have already left or who are discerning whether they should #LeaveLOUD. We invite you to share your stories using the hashtag #LeaveLOUD.The Witness BCC exists to empower Black Christians to live into the fullness of who God created us to be. You are not alone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Buckle up! We have the incredible Dr. Anthea Butler with us today to talk about her new book White Evangelical Racism. Dr. Butler joins Tyler and Jemar to talk about the importance of understanding social and political power, the popularity of a multi-ethnic approach to racial reconciliation, and so much more. This is not one to miss! Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. A sought-after commentator on the BBC, MSNBC, CNN, The History Channel and PBS, Professor Butler regularly writes opinion pieces covering religion, race, politics and popular culture for NBC Think, Religion News Service, The Washington Post, and CNN.Professor Butler was awarded a Luce/ACLS Fellowship for the Religion, Journalism and International Affairs grant for 2018-2019 academic year to investigate Prosperity gospel and politics in the American and Nigerian context. She was also a Presidential fellow at Yale Divinity School for the 2019-2020 academic year.Her books include Women in the Church of God in Christ: Making A Sanctified World,  published by The University of North Carolina Press. Her current projects include two books for UNC Press, White Evangelical Racism: The Politics of Morality in America, out in March 2021, and Reading Race: How Publishing created a lifeline for Black Baptists in Post Reconstruction America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Behind the Mic was too good not to share! Tyler and Jemar talk about the cost of reconstruction after #LeaveLOUD, give a candid look at our democracy, and costly soul care in this moment. In 2018, the New York Times published an article tiled: A Quiet Exodus: Why Black Worshipers Are Leaving White Evangelical Churches that chronicled the plight of Black Christians who quietly exited their churches after their pastors and fellow believers failed to denounce state-sanctioned violence against Black people, white Christian Nationalism, systemic racism, and everyday bigotry. Since that time, things have gotten worse, not better.In recent months, we’ve seen a surge of Black leaders and congregants in predominantly white or multiethnic churches and Christian spaces decide that it’s time for them to go. We bear witness to the hurt, harm, and frustration that our siblings have experienced. Enough is enough. It’s time to #LeaveLOUDTo #LeaveLOUD is to tell our stories, to name things for what they are, to take back the dignity we’ve lost while being in institutions that don’t value the fullness of the image of God within us, and to go where we are celebrated and not just tolerated.For the next several weeks, we will be sharing stories of Black Christians who have made the decision to #LeaveLOUD. We will also be providing thoughtful analysis, words of wisdom, and resources for those who have already left or who are discerning whether they should #LeaveLOUD. We invite you to share your stories using the hashtag #LeaveLOUD.The Witness BCC exists to empower Black Christians to live into the fullness of who God created us to be. You are not alone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we have a special interview for you! Our host Tyler Burns recently interviewed Danielle Coke, also known as @ohhappydani, to talk about creative anti-racism in a world of injustice. In the conversation, they talked about her journey, her own #LeaveLOUD story, and how disruptive creativity can enhance the cause of anti-racism. Be sure to follow Danielle on Instagram at @ohhappydani and pick up her art at https://ohhappydani.com! Danielle Coke is a designer turned illustrator and social justice advocate who seeks to encourage faith, inspire justice and guide you through loving your neighbor well. She's passionate about helping everyday people find and use their passions to make a difference in their spheres of influence.Also, be sure to support this show on Patreon at patreon.com/passthemic!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jemar is BACK! Returning from his brief hiatus, Jemar and Tyler give you the official explainer of what #LeaveLOUD really is and who it is for. We know you have questions, so we’re taking time to answer as many as we can. We answer the questions:-Are we saying all Black people HAVE to leave?-Are we leaving Jesus behind?-Are we giving up on white people?-Where do we go from here?This is an old school PTM episode, filled with laughing and preaching. It’s good to have Jemar back!*********In 2018, the New York Times published an article tiled: A Quiet Exodus: Why Black Worshipers Are Leaving White Evangelical Churches that chronicled the plight of Black Christians who quietly exited their churches after their pastors and fellow believers failed to denounce state-sanctioned violence against Black people, white Christian Nationalism, systemic racism, and everyday bigotry. Since that time, things have gotten worse, not better.In recent months, we’ve seen a surge of Black leaders and congregants in predominantly white or multiethnic churches and Christian spaces decide that it’s time for them to go. We bear witness to the hurt, harm, and frustration that our siblings have experienced. Enough is enough. It’s time to #LeaveLOUDTo #LeaveLOUD is to tell our stories, to name things for what they are, to take back the dignity we’ve lost while being in institutions that don’t value the fullness of the image of God within us, and to go where we are celebrated and not just tolerated.For the next several weeks, we will be sharing stories of Black Christians who have made the decision to #LeaveLOUD. We will also be providing thoughtful analysis, words of wisdom, and resources for those who have already left or who are discerning whether they should #LeaveLOUD. We invite you to share your stories using the hashtag #LeaveLOUD.The Witness BCC exists to empower Black Christians to live into the fullness of who God created us to be. You are not alone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This past week, the world paused and held its collective breath, waiting for the verdict in the Derek Chauvin Trial. Almost a year after Chauvin placed his knee on George Floyd’s neck, and killed him for all the world to see, his verdict was read. Is this justice? Will this lead to lasting change? Is this something to celebrate? Tyler, Ally, and new Witness team member Brea Perry are here to discuss and help you process this important moment. *********This is our final installment of Behind the Mic before we bring Jemar back so get ready for another installment of our Leave LOUD series next week!In 2018, the New York Times published an article tiled: A Quiet Exodus: Why Black Worshipers Are Leaving White Evangelical Churches that chronicled the plight of Black Christians who quietly exited their churches after their pastors and fellow believers failed to denounce state-sanctioned violence against Black people, white Christian Nationalism, systemic racism, and everyday bigotry. Since that time, things have gotten worse, not better.In recent months, we’ve seen a surge of Black leaders and congregants in predominantly white or multiethnic churches and Christian spaces decide that it’s time for them to go. We bear witness to the hurt, harm, and frustration that our siblings have experienced. Enough is enough. It’s time to #LeaveLOUDTo #LeaveLOUD is to tell our stories, to name things for what they are, to take back the dignity we’ve lost while being in institutions that don’t value the fullness of the image of God within us, and to go where we are celebrated and not just tolerated.For the next several weeks, we will be sharing stories of Black Christians who have made the decision to #LeaveLOUD. We will also be providing thoughtful analysis, words of wisdom, and resources for those who have already left or who are discerning whether they should #LeaveLOUD. We invite you to share your stories using the hashtag #LeaveLOUD.The Witness BCC exists to empower Black Christians to live into the fullness of who God created us to be. You are not alone.Visit thewitnessbcc.com for more of our stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Family, sometimes you have to throw out the script! That’s what PTM host Tyler Burns and Witness VP Ally Henny did during their latest Behind the Mic on IG Live. What was originally an episode recapping the second part of Tyler’s Leave LOUD episode turned into an unscripted convo about Black freedom in white spaces. Make sure you’re sitting down for this one!#LeaveLOUD*********In 2018, the New York Times published an article tiled: A Quiet Exodus: Why Black Worshipers Are Leaving White Evangelical Churches that chronicled the plight of Black Christians who quietly exited their churches after their pastors and fellow believers failed to denounce state-sanctioned violence against Black people, white Christian Nationalism, systemic racism, and everyday bigotry. Since that time, things have gotten worse, not better.In recent months, we’ve seen a surge of Black leaders and congregants in predominantly white or multiethnic churches and Christian spaces decide that it’s time for them to go. We bear witness to the hurt, harm, and frustration that our siblings have experienced. Enough is enough. It’s time to #LeaveLOUDTo #LeaveLOUD is to tell our stories, to name things for what they are, to take back the dignity we’ve lost while being in institutions that don’t value the fullness of the image of God within us, and to go where we are celebrated and not just tolerated.For the next several weeks, we will be sharing stories of Black Christians who have made the decision to #LeaveLOUD. We will also be providing thoughtful analysis, words of wisdom, and resources for those who have already left or who are discerning whether they should #LeaveLOUD. We invite you to share your stories using the hashtag #LeaveLOUD.The Witness BCC exists to empower Black Christians to live into the fullness of who God created us to be. You are not alone.Visit thewitnessbcc.com for more of our stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This conversation is like water for the soul, fam. Today’s episode features the incredible Cole Riley, the creator and writer of Black Liturgies— a project seeking to integrate the truths of Black dignity, lament, rage, justice, and rest into written prayers. Black Liturgies creates a space of sacred welcome. A space of dignity, lament, truth-telling, healing, rest, and liberation. These liturgies have been a healing balm of love and light for Black Christians in dark times. Cole shares her heart about the discipline of centering Black voices, what she has been learning in her work, and the healthy stewardship of her platform. You can follow the project on Instagram @blackliturgies. Also, check out Cole’s exclusive prayer series, written earlier this year onThe Witness website. God of the Dust: https://thewitnessbcc.com/god-of-the-dust-an-ash-wednesday-prayer/God of the Desert: https://thewitnessbcc.com/god-of-the-desert-a-lenten-prayer/God of Sorrows: https://thewitnessbcc.com/god-of-sorrows-a-lenten-prayerThank you all for your continued support of our Leave LOUD series of blogs and podcasts! The outpouring of love has been affirming and special! We will be back with Phase 2 of our campaign soon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leave LOUD: Tyler Burns with Greg Burns This is a deep cut, y’all. A few weeks ago, you heard Tyler Burns tell his own #LeaveLoud story, but we couldn’t leave it there. As always, there’s more to the story. Tyler invites his father, Greg Burns, onto the podcast to discuss being converted and trained in white spaces, his own growth in understanding his identity, how this journey has affected their relationship. #LeaveLOUD*********In 2018, the New York Times published an article tiled: A Quiet Exodus: Why Black Worshipers Are Leaving White Evangelical Churches that chronicled the plight of Black Christians who quietly exited their churches after their pastors and fellow believers failed to denounce state-sanctioned violence against Black people, white Christian Nationalism, systemic racism, and everyday bigotry. Since that time, things have gotten worse, not better.In recent months, we’ve seen a surge of Black leaders and congregants in predominantly white or multiethnic churches and Christian spaces decide that it’s time for them to go. We bear witness to the hurt, harm, and frustration that our siblings have experienced. Enough is enough. It’s time to #LeaveLOUDTo #LeaveLOUD is to tell our stories, to name things for what they are, to take back the dignity we’ve lost while being in institutions that don’t value the fullness of the image of God within us, and to go where we are celebrated and not just tolerated.For the next several weeks, we will be sharing stories of Black Christians who have made the decision to #LeaveLOUD. We will also be providing thoughtful analysis, words of wisdom, and resources for those who have already left or who are discerning whether they should #LeaveLOUD. We invite you to share your stories using the hashtag #LeaveLOUD.The Witness BCC exists to empower Black Christians to live into the fullness of who God created us to be. You are not alone.Visit thewitnessbcc.com for more of our stories.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices