Dr. Leah Gunning Francis is the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. She is the author of two books, Ferguson and Faith: Sparking Leadership and Awakening Community (Chalice Press, 2015) and Faith After Ferguson: Resilient Leadership in Pursuit of Racial Justice (Chalice Press, 2021), focus on clergy and young activist involvement from the Ferguson uprising through the U.S. Capitol invasion on January 6, 2021. She is also a former Congregational Studies Team Engaged Scholar Fellow.

Churches Changing the Way Children Play

African American Churches, Culture Frame, Families, Neighborhoods & Contexts, Participant Observation, Religious Education/Socialization, Social Service & Activism, Theology Frame

In February 2013, our congregation had a month long celebration of Black History Month activities.  From film viewings to forums, the Washington Tabernacle Baptist Church of St. Louis, MO, had an array of opportunities to learn about historical and current issues that are directly related to African Americans.  Our forum, titled “From Newtown to Our…