Pass The Mic

The stories continue…After Jemar Tisby and Tyler Burns shared powerful episodes of their #LeaveLOUD experiences, it’s time to hear from our very own Ally Henny. How is the Black Christian experience different in rural settings? Are multiethnic churches truly safe spaces for Black women? What happens when Black women #LeaveLoud? Ally had to courageously confront these questions during her time in white evangelicalism. What changed? What did she learn? This is her journey as only she can tell it. This is Ally Henny’s #LeaveLOUD story. *********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

Tyler, Jemar, and Shannon join the podcast to talk about an exciting but bittersweet announcement regarding Jemar and the future of The Witness. We’re just getting started! The Work Continues! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The stories continue…After Jemar Tisby and Tyler Burns shared powerful episodes of their #LeaveLOUD experiences, it’s time to hear from our very own Ally Henny. How is the Black Christian experience different in rural settings? Are multiethnic churches truly safe spaces for Black women? What happens when Black women #LeaveLoud? Ally had to courageously confront these questions during her time in white evangelicalism. What changed? What did she learn? This is her journey as only she can tell it. This is Ally Henny’s #LeaveLOUD story. *********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

Another one…After Jemar Tisby’s courageous #LeaveLOUD story last week, Tyler Burns is up next to share his own journey. How do you overcome years of Christian Education that makes you question your Black identity? What can our lives look like when we embrace a vision for what it means to be Christ-following and Black-centered? For Tyler, these realities seemed elusive and, at times, impossible. What changed? What did he learn? This is his journey, as only he can tell it. This is Tyler Burns’ #LeaveLOUD story. *********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

Whew! Listen, family...this is the one. 10 years ago, Jemar Tisby founded this organization with the hope of achieving racial reconciliation in white evangelical spaces. Eventually, after a barrage of attacks, smears, and racial trauma, the organization changed its name, and Jemar left the place that he thought was his home. What happened? What changed? What did he learn? This is the story like you’ve never heard it before. This is Jemar Tisby’s #LeaveLOUD story.  *********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

We’re back with another episode! Tyler has a conversation with Witness BCC Vice President and Coming The Roots podcast host Ally Henny about their shared Pentecostal roots. What can we learn from our spiritual heritage? What may be missing underneath the surface that others cannot see? How can we use what we have experienced to build a better future?NOTE: This episode was recorded before The Black Church documentary was released on PBS.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This excellent discussion features:Jemar Tisby, CEO of The Witness IncTyler Burns, President of The Witness BCCAlly Henny, Vice President of The Witness BccRev. Dr. Nicole Massie Martin, Founder of Soulfire International MinistriesRev. Dr. C.J. Rhodes, Senior Pastor of the historic Mt. Helm Baptist Church Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welp...Black History Month is wildin once again...As much as we try to stay away from talking about every instance of racism, we couldn’t let this one slide. A few days ago, a viciously racist letter that was sent Pastor Dwight McKissic became public. Shortly after it was shared for the world to see, the letter went viral, exposing many Black Christians to familiar, triggering racist language about our identity. It would be easy to ignore this but we want to talk about what’s beneath the surface. Tyler is joined by Witness BCC Vice President and Coming the Roots Host Ally Henny to talk about what is beneath the surface of racism like this. This conversation speaks, of course, to Black Chirstians, but also to White Christians who refuse to see how common these thoughts truly are. You don’t want to miss this one.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we begin Black History Month, we are releasing a special interview about our willingness to be ourselves regardless of what society says. Our guest today is writer, activist, and speaker A.D. Thomason. A.D. is on to speak about his new book Permission to Be Black. AD is a three time award winning filmmaker and Co-founder of 3Strandfilms (read and view films here NOTOFTHEM.COM). Adam is an adjunct professor at Kilns College where he teaches on the History of Human rights and justice, De-colonizing your faith, filmmaking and more.He’s with us today to speak about his new book: Permission to Be Black: My Journey with Jay-Z and Jesus. “Throughout American history, Black people were not given the freedom to acknowledge their suffering. A. D. Thomason believes that the Holy Spirit brings freedom and liberation as we're able to name our pain, recognize its roots in history and society, and seek healing.While many saw a confident, six-foot-five Black man, A. D. "Lumkile" Thomason lived most of his life in fear and anguish, deeply wounded by encounters with violence, abandonment, and family tragedy. A. D. uses his artistry as a poet and storyteller to share how he confessed his internalized pain and embraced the liberating joy of Christ. He writes for millennials, emerging adults, and anyone else who's ready to acknowledge the reality of racial trauma and our need to confront it. His powerful story gives you permission to be Black, to be Christian, and to be the person God has made you to be.”ALSO, don’t forget to send in your thoughts on the Movie Soul! You have a few days to get your thoughts in before next week’s review. All you have to do is send in a 30-45 second audio clip featuring:1. Your first name2. Where you’re listening from 3. Something you liked or disliked from the film. 4. Send it to tyler@thewitnessbcc.com with the Subject Line: PTM Soul Review  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy MLK Day! In honor of the famed civil rights icon who is often whitewashed, often sanitized, often vilified; we have a special treat for you. On April 16, 1963, Dr. King wrote a lengthy letter to a coalition of white clergymen from a narrow jail cell in Birmingham, after being arrested by the police for nonviolent direct action. What he wrote eventually became one of the greatest pieces of writing every penned in English.For today’s episode, our Host Tyler Burns reads the entire speech for you. If you’ve never heard it read audibly, here is your chance! Gather your family around, put this episode on during your daily commute or workout, and hear the powerful words/arguments of Dr. King. Also! By request of one of our listeners, we will be doing a review of the polarizing Pixar film “Soul”. But...we need your help. We want to have a conversation with YOU. If you’re Black and you have strong feelings (positive or negative), questions, or comments about Soul, we want to hear from you! We want you to send us an audio recording of your thoughts. Here are the details: Share your first name Share where you’re listening from (as much as you feel comfortable) Share your opinion! Keep it at 30-45 seconds  Email it to Tyler@thewitnessbcc.com with the subject line “PTM Soul Review” That’s it! We look forward to hearing your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices