Nine Black Christian Leaders Who Shaped History
Throughout the trials of slavery and Jim Crow, Black Christian leaders across history have been instrumental in paving the way toward freedom and justice. Their faith, work, and actions contribute to victories we have recorded across Black communities. This week, we highlight nine visionary figures whose tireless efforts brought significant change to Black communities and shaped our history.
Pauli Murray (1910-1985) — The Intersectional Pioneer
A civil rights activist who utilized Gandhian techniques, a legal scholar who pioneered the term “Jane Crow” to describe discrimination faced by Black women, and one of the first female Black Episcopal priests, Murray’s legacy crosses barriers of religion, law, and race relations. Her legal scholarship advocated for equal rights based on a deeper understanding of how identities intersect for each individual.
Howard Thurman (1899-1981) — The Bridge Builder
Through his work as the dean of Howard University’s Chapel and founding interracial and interfaith churches in the 1940s, Thurman influenced a generation of civil rights-era leaders, including a young Martin Luther King Jr. Thurman’s travels in Southeast Asia, exposed him to Gandhi and other influential religious figures. In the United States, his ministries focused on bringing together people of different faiths, races, and classes.
A. Philip Randolph (1889-1979) — The Labor Leader
A singular figure in American history, Randolph’s influence on labor and civil rights movements traversed presidential administrations and historical eras. A humanist, socialist, and influential mentor to activists like Bayard Rustin, Randolph built the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters into the first predominantly African American labor union, successfully demanded the desegregation of the U.S. armed forces and originated the idea for a “march on Washington” by the civil rights group.
Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955) — The Educator and Advocate
A fierce advocate for education and civil rights, Mary McLeod Bethune rose from humble beginnings as the daughter of a slave to become one of the most important Black educators and activists of the 20th century. Influenced by her Christian faith and Gandhi's teachings, she founded a training school for African American women, which later became Bethune-Cookman College. Her message of inclusivity and her belief that "any idea that keeps anybody out is too small for this age—open your heart and let everybody in" remains an inspiration to all.
Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) — The Dreamer and Doer.
A global icon and a true hero, Martin Luther King Jr. changed the world. Born into a Baptist family, he became a Baptist preacher and used his faith to lead the civil rights movement. He formed an interracial and interfaith alliance that demanded that the United States live up to its promises of freedom and equality for all. His partnerships with religious leaders such as Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and Thich Nhat Hanh demonstrated the deep spiritual roots of one of the most significant social movements of the past century.
Lott Carey (1780-1828) — The Trailblazer
Born into slavery, Lott Carey's resilience and faith in God inspired change. After purchasing his freedom and learning to read the Bible, he became a Baptist missionary and led the first Baptist missionaries into Africa, eventually settling into ministry in Liberia. Carey's unwavering trust in God in the face of adversity remains a testament to his unwavering faith.
Harriet Tubman (1820-1913) - A Voice of Freedom
Although Harriet Tubman escaped slavery in 1849, she was not satisfied with just her own freedom. Tubman said the voice of God helped her lead as many as 300 slaves to freedom using the Underground Railroad. Her commitment to living out God’s calling is an inspiration to all.
Jerena Lee (1783-1864) - A Trailblazer in Preaching
After years of pursuing her call to preach, Jerena Lee was the first woman authorized to preach in the AME (African Methodist Episcopal Church). Lee walked thousands of miles on foot to preach the gospel and authored the first published autobiography by an African American woman. She is a testament to obeying God at any cost.
Sojourner Truth (1797-1883) - A Champion of Justice
Sojourner Truth defied the odds by escaping slavery and becoming a strong voice in the abolitionist movement. She became a powerful voice in the fight against slavery through her relationship with Jesus. She was renowned for her efforts in the women's rights movement and her iconic speech "Ain't I a Woman" Truth even had the opportunity to meet with President Abraham Lincoln and was recognized as a leading human rights activist of her time. Her unwavering faith in Jesus gave her the strength to achieve great things, and she continues to offer hope to all who follow Christ.
At The Witness Inc., we believe Black Christian leaders and change-makers will continue to play pivotal roles in the progress of Black communities and the fight again racial injustices. This is the shining light guiding our mission at The Witness Foundation.
