Virtual Program - “The Fire This Time: Black Church Burnings During A Modern Justice Movement”

Description

Is it speculation? Are these fires vintage fear tactics attempting to stymie perceived Black political progress? Is it hate? Are the burnings telling of violence to come? These questions partly ground the study, “They Didn’t Burn Down Our Spirit: Heritage Terrorism and the Resurgence of Black Church Burnings in the Age of Obama.” 

The research explores recent Black church burnings during the climax of a modern movement for Black lives. Through case studies on Black church burnings and vandalism from 2008 - 2016, the research explores the impact of terror on the tangible and intangible heritage of Black cultural spaces that are historically devalued, much like Black lives. In addition to challenging the notions of post-racialism, we’ll discuss how communities survive and reclaim joy amidst the terror. 

Presented by: Dr. JaJuan Johnson, Postdoctoral Research Associate, The Lemon Project at William & Mary University 

Co-hosted by Louisa County NAACP 

Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIscOmhqz0vH9xR7C-HRMMvb5zwTILY8COf