A Sacred Space in Manhattan. African Burial Ground is the oldest and largest known excavated burial ground in North America for both free and enslaved Africans. It protects the historic role slavery played in building New York.

Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes is a theologian, psychologist, and professor dedicated to healing the legacies of racial and gender oppression through faith, justice, and holistic care. In her Substack newsletter, No Trifling Matter, she offers personal reflections and insights on topics like motherhood, resistance, and spiritual growth.

Sheila Wise Rowe is the co-founder of The Cyrene Movement, an online Christian community dedicated to helping people of color heal from racial trauma, realize their potential, and embrace community. The movement draws inspiration from Simon of Cyrene, a man of color from North Africa who helped Jesus carry the cross, symbolizing the act of lifting each other's burdens.

Lerita Coleman Brown, a heart and kidney transplant recipient, spiritual director, and professor emerita of psychology...intertwines her personal journey with profound insights into the integration of spiritual and psychological healing. Her exploration of the intersection between spiritual direction and psychotherapy reveals how blending psychological insight with spiritual accompaniment can cultivate a more holistic model of care, one that honors both the inner life and mental well-being.

Lisa Sharon Harper reflects on the events of our day, through the lenses of theology, culture, politics, and the arts. Think of this space as “LSH Acoustic”: raw, thoughtful first takes without the bells and whistles. Sometimes her reflections appear as short Twitter moments. Other times they grow into essays, columns, or even chapters of books. Here, she invites us to pause and touch base, offering a place where her voice can stretch beyond Instagram or Facebook. Lisa values dialogue. She loves hearing how her words land and what they spark in you. So, join the conversation: write back in the comments, share with friends, and lean into the reflection. We are living in extraordinary times.

Jemar Tisby is a historian, author, and public theologian whose work centers on truth-telling, racial justice, and faithful Christian witness. Through careful historical analysis and pastoral clarity, he helps communities confront the realities of racism while cultivating practices of repentance, repair, and hope. Jemar’s voice bridges scholarship and lived experience, inviting the Church to engage history honestly, embody courageous love, and participate more fully in God’s work of reconciliation and liberation.