2016 Annual Conference

How can religious leaders develop better strategies for social advocacy in Black communities? An exploration of the educational experiences of religious leaders could further the understanding of how commitments are selected. This interactive presentation will discuss informal education strategies for communities experiencing social injustice.

Anyone attending the conference who works in adult education; individuals involved or interested in religious and community education and programming; individuals interested in applying theory and research to practice.

Historically, Black churches in the United States acquired respect as institutions that cultivated spiritual maturity and advocated for social equality in Black communities. Religious leaders represent the voice of reason for communities facing complex social problems, then and today. In the summer of 2014, riots and public rallies protesting the death of an unarmed man in Ferguson, Missouri (US) generated intense media coverage. In response to the mobilization of groups, many in the community demanded religious leaders provide answers, action, and leadership in Black communities, experiencing social injustice. This session will explore ways in which educational attainment has the potential to influence individual and collective social advocacy locally, nationally, and globally. An exploration of the educational experiences of religious leaders could further the understanding of their social advocacy strategies in Black communities. The spiritual experiences and educational attainment of religious leaders engaged with advancing social change in Black communities, positions them as modern agents for social change in the twenty-first century and beyond.