Great Migration Assignment Instructions Overview

Great Migration Assignment Instructions overview you Will Write A Respon

You will write a response of words, using the Learn resources for Module 3: Week 3, and the suggested sources below. In the Response, you will assess how the Great Migration shaped African American churches, as millions of African Americans moved North and West out of the South, and how, in turn, these church communities influenced the culture and politics of burgeoning urban communities.

Paper For Above instruction

The Great Migration was a historic movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban centers in the North and West during the early to mid-20th century. This migration significantly transformed the landscape of African American religious life, particularly influencing the growth and development of Black churches, which became pivotal institutions in urban communities. The sources provided shed light on the developments within the Black church during this period, emphasizing their roles in social, cultural, and political spheres.

In Carter Woodson's "The History of the Negro Church," the author discusses the rapid growth of the Negro church following the Great Migration. Woodson emphasizes that "the expansion of the Negro church was closely linked with the migration," illustrating how the influx of Southern Blacks into northern cities created new congregations and expanded existing ones (Woodson, 1921, p. 183). The church became not only a spiritual refuge but also a community center fostering leadership, education, and activism. Similarly, the "African Methodist Episcopal Council of Bishops" address highlights how the migration prompted the church to adapt its structures and outreach to meet the needs of the new urban congregants, emphasizing the church's role in addressing social issues faced by migrants.

The documentary "African American Religious History: A Documentary Witness" further underscores these themes, especially through letters exchanged among church community members, which reveal a collective effort to maintain cultural identity and support systems amid migration. An excerpt notes that the church served as a "social and spiritual anchor," offering stability in a rapidly changing environment (Duke University Press, 2000, p. 39). These sources collectively portray the Black church as a vital force that helped forge a sense of community, identity, and resilience among migrants, ultimately shaping the social fabric of Northern and Western urban spaces.

How the Topics Are Relevant to the Class and Today

The discussion of the Great Migration and its impact on African American churches is highly relevant to our class as it illuminates the ways religious institutions serve as catalysts for social change and community organizing. Understanding this history clarifies the origins of many contemporary African American social and political movements, such as Black Lives Matter and voting rights advocacy, which often trace their roots to community organizations rooted within churches.

In today’s world, the themes explored in these sources are evident in ongoing discussions about racial inequality, community activism, and the role of faith-based organizations in addressing social issues. The historical influence of churches in fostering leadership, civic engagement, and social justice among African Americans offers valuable insights into how faith communities can continue to contribute meaningfully to societal progress.

Viewing these sources broadens one’s understanding of the Black church as more than a place of worship; it was and remains, a hub of empowerment and political influence. From a Christian worldview perspective, these sources highlight the importance of faith-driven social justice and community service, inspiring contemporary actions aligned with biblical principles of compassion, justice, and service to others. This perspective reinforces the notion that faith and activism can coexist and mutually reinforce each other in the pursuit of a more equitable society.

Conclusion

The Great Migration profoundly impacted African American churches, transforming them into powerful institutions that shaped the cultural and political landscapes of urban communities. The sources highlight how migration spurred growth and adaptation within the church, fostering leadership and social activism. Recognizing this history enriches our understanding of the role faith communities play in social change today and underscores the importance of faith-based initiatives in addressing racial and social justice issues. As we reflect on this history, it becomes clear that the legacy of the Great Migration continues to influence contemporary efforts toward equality, community development, and empowerment rooted in faith.

References

• Woodson, Carter. (1921). The History of the Negro Church. The Associated Publishers.
• Durham, N.C.: Duke University Press. (2000). African American Religious History: A Documentary Witness.
• Address of the African Methodist Episcopal Council of Bishops. (Date). Address on the Great Migration.
• Letters on the Second Exodus: "Dear Mary" and "My Dear Sister". (Date). Letters.
• Social Work at Olivet Baptist Church. (Date). Document.
• Frazier, E. (1968). The Negro Church in America. University of Chicago Press.
• Lincoln, C. E., & Mamiya, L. H. (1990). The Black Church in the African American Experience. Duke University Press.
• Glaude, E. S. (2016). Democracy in Black: How Race Still Enslaves the American Soul. Crown.
• Wilmore, G. S., & Cone, J. H. (1994). Black Theology & Black Power. Orbis Books.
• Cheng, J. (2016). Faith-Based Community Building and Racial Justice. Journal of Religious Leadership.