Pass The Mic

Our guest today is a courageous voice for justice for those whom we often forgotten about. Tyler invites Terence Lester onto the podcast for a conversation about his powerful new book “When We Stand”, a book on the power of seeking justice together. Terence Lester is an activist, writer, storyteller, and community leader. He is known for nationwide campaigns that bring awareness to issues surrounding homelessness, poverty, and economic inequality. His awareness campaigns have been featured on MLK50, CNN, Good Morning America, TVONE, Creative Mornings, USA Today, NBC, AJC, Black Enterprise, Rolling Out, Upworthy, and have been viewed by millions of people worldwide.In 2018, Terence led the March Against Poverty as he walked from Atlanta to Memphis (386 miles). He finished the march and spoke at the historic Lorraine Motel for the 50th Anniversary of MLK’s assassination.In 2013, Terence founded the non-profit “Love Beyond Walls” and has helped hundreds of individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty to rebuild their lives. In 2019, Terence launched the first museum in the U.S. representing homelessness out of a shipping container called Dignity Museum.Terence has written six books, and his new book, “When We Stand: The Power Of Seeking Justice Together,” released May 18, 2021, with InterVarsity Press. He also holds four degrees and is working towards his Ph.D. at Union Institute & University in Public Policy & Social Change.Pick up “When We Stand” today! https://www.ivpress.com/when-we-stand Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sho just released He Saw That It Was Good, a collection of essays on the topics of work and creation. The conversation begins by discussing this book and how important it is for this moment. But…the dialogue took a turn. The trio talked about Black organizational unity, Black men in leadership, Sho’s history within Christian Hip Hop, the future of tearing down/building up, and much more. This is a vulnerable, prophetic conversation and we hope our audience is as moved by it as we were.  Purchase Sho’s book here or wherever books are sold! https://waterbrookmultnomah.com/books/635730/he-saw-that-it-was-good-by-sho-baraka/#:~:text=About%20He%20Saw%20That%20It%20Was%20Good.%20A,years%E2%80%94now%20this%20book%20gives%20the%20world%20that%20influence.%E2%80%9D%E2%80%94Lecrae. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jemar Tisby reads Frederick Douglass' entire "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July." It's long! But the section on the American church is piercing, prophetic, scathing, and, sadly, still relevant.In this special episode of Pass The Mic Jemar Tisby reads the entire historic address of Frederick Douglass entitled, "What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode of Pass The Mic, Jemar reflects on Juneteenth after it became a national holiday and was officially commemorated nationwide. He talks about why Juneteenth should be a national holiday and the unintended consequences of taking a Black-centered holiday and making it mainstream. He also delves into the history (of course!) as he discusses the actual contents of General Order No. 3 which was read to enslaved Black people in Galveston, TX on June 19, 1865. Finally, Jemar discusses some reasons why Black and white people should commemorate and celebrate Juneteenth in different ways. Even though the holiday has passed, this episode helps shape the narrative of how we should acknowledge Juneteenth as a nation in future years. Links: Why Juneteenth Should Be a National HolidayThe Unintended Consequences of Making Juneteenth a National HolidayWhy Black and White People Should Commemorate Juneteenth Differently Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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