The Black church is the oldest Black institution in African American history, but in a culture that is constantly changing, is the church actually relevant to the youth of today? We need the Black church and the church needs its people. This conversation can be the catalyst for a brighter future!

The Black American Church: Dead or Alive?

Imagine that in a large cathedral with stained glass windows and mahogany pews stands Rafiq J. Nabali, a young, African American filmmaker and Christian. Here, in the First African Baptist Church, the oldest (established in 1773) Black church in the U.S., we encounter one of the foundations for the preservation of Black culture in America. Through the years of oppression and sacrifice one thing has remained: The Black church and its impact on Black culture today. Nevertheless, in the light of the loss church's central role in African American communities, some would argue that the Black church is dead or dying. Is it true?

 

Rafiq, familiar with the arguments and conflicts within the church, now embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind the external criticism. He starts in Atlanta, the landing pad of the current Black migration, a city bustling with Black culture, wealth, political power, and a stomping ground for legendary civil rights activists like the late Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the late John Lewis.

Due to the frequent stories of unarmed Black men being killed by police officers, an unprecedented movement for social justice has captured the world’s attention. In America, Black people are hurting everywhere. Rafiq unearths testimonies from Black brothers, Black sisters, and contributors to this current revolution, in order to see where the Black church stands in all this pain.

 

Has the Black Lives Matter (BLM) organization displaced the Black church in the realm of social justice? If BLM has become the voice of morality, does this render the church obsolete?  Rafiq participates in several marches, including the March on Washington organized by Rev. Al Sharpton. Through conversations with activists, progressive-thinking pastors, and the most knowledgeable of voices, he discovers where the church has and hasn’t been involved. Does the institution’s involvement or lack thereof give credit to its livelihood or point to its inevitable extinction?

 

Where would the Black community be without the Black church?
The perspectives of those interviewed will be the evidence of the
investigation. This is the true story of the Black American church through the
eyes of a Black American.

 

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT

I was born in the church. This statement not only details my personal experience but also is a reminder that the church, like a beloved ancestor, has lived a life full of triumphs and failures long before I even existed. Some of my earliest memories consisted of my late grandmother being honored in front of her entire church congregation. I remember church members coming to visit and praying for her when she was sick and them sending their condolences when she passed. My firsthand experience of such events sparked my interest in the Black church and its significance in the lives of African Americans. I believe very few people fully understand the importance of the Black church. It has long stood for equality and valuing its members. It is an institution that provides psychological refuge for the broken and of course, a path to salvation for the lost.

Nevertheless, my love for being a part of such a community may have blinded me from seeing that the church I attended seemed to have little effect on the dilapidated community in which it resided. The actions of the faithful, though authentic and significant, seemed to benefit mostly the members. Today, what I still see as a crucial part of my life seems to have lost its significance in the overall African American experience. The decline in religious affiliation amongst Blacks, the loss of the churches' central role in Black communities, the numerous scandals and the lack of involvement with current injustices in society speak to an entity in spiritual and social decline. In addition, the current pandemic has restricted in person gatherings for churches across the United States of America, an unprecedented dilemma for a lot of congregations. It seems as if the evidence for the Black church’s vitality is harder to find in mainstream media. I am even less surprised when I encounter non-religious Black people in my social circles, something that was a rarity when I was younger. More than ever, the collective voice of African Americans needs to be uplifted and the Black church is a foundational part of Black life whether we recognize it or not. I want the world, especially African Americans, to recognize the church’s historical significance and church leadership to make critical decisions that will build a better future for all.

Let the Church Say is my coming of age story. Is the Black church dead? This question will be answered through a variety of means including uniquely designed interviews with affiliates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), government officials, Black influencers and religious leaders. Coupled with guerrilla-style footage of current protests, Atlanta natives and archival images, the church will be seen through the perspective of those who know it best. Perhaps the greatest evidence will be found in my personal journey towards the truth. I know that not everything I learn will be lovely, but my aim is not to immortalize the church, nor do I aim to sanctify it. Quite frankly, that is not my job. Rather, I desire to present the humanity of the Black church and declare it still beautiful.

                                                                                            -       Rafiq J. Nabali

 

CAST

At the heart of this project is a reckoning with hope. Is there hope for our people? Is there hope for the Black church? Join the conversation as we navigate some tough issues, realities and questions!

 

 

Where will this be seen?

Our ultimate goal is wider distribution of our full docuseries via a major studio/online streaming platform (i.e. Netflix, BET, Hulu, HBO, Oprah Winfrey Network), but our more immediate goal is completion of this film and sharing it with YOU. We plan to submit this film to some of the most highly acclaimed film festivals around the world and debut it to our supporters via a virtual screening. Our larger docuseries will explore many different viewpoints including the Black church's role in economics and music.

What your contributions will cover?

The contributions to our campaign not only help reimburse the expenses from our first round of filming, but it also covers payment of our production staff, the cost of post production and marketing/distribution. Expenses like paying our editor, colorist, cinematographer, graphic artists and more are dependent on us reaching our goal.

 

How can you help?

• PLEDGE TO OUR CAMPAIGN! We've partnered with an amazing Black owned, Christian clothing company, Humble & Faithful, to offer you the most fashionable perks possible. Coupled with our own uniquely designed film perks you can support a project you love and receive one of our many tokens of gratitude. 

YOUR GIFT IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE

Let the Church Say is a fiscally sponsored project of Film Independent, a 501(c)(3) non-profit independent media arts organization. Contributions on behalf of Let the Church Say are payable to Film Independent (through Seed and Spark) and are tax-deductible less the value of any goods or services received, as allowed by law. The value of goods and services being offered will be given upon request.

Other ways to help...

• FOLLOW US on all of our social media platforms! Like, Comment and Share with your family and friends. 
• Know someone who would love to support a project like this? Are you a part of a Christian congregation, organization or institution that you think would be interested in contributing? Share the page with them or have them contact us directly at [email protected]

Risks & Challenges

• Covid 19 has made filmmaking even more of a challenge. Traveling to different states, operating with smaller crew sizes and following strict covid protocols increases expenses and limits some of our production endeavors. Nevertheless we are committed to telling this story and giving hope to those that need it most. We've centralized a majority of our production to Atlanta, GA and hired an incredibly talented crew to work as effeciently as possible. In light of some our cast being immunocompromised, we've also taken additional precautions to ensure the safety of everyone on set.

 

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT!!!!