A Christian Response to Black Dignity
Black Dignity by Vincent Lloyd is a powerful and thought-provoking book that addresses the struggle against domination in a world marked by anti-Blackness.[1] As leaders in the Christian community, we find that this work offers valuable insights and lessons for understanding and participating in the ongoing fight for justice, equality, and dignity. Lloyd’s exploration of domination and the primal scene of master/slave relations parallels the Christian mission of combating injustice and oppression in the world.
A Christian Response to Domination
In the book, Lloyd emphasizes that the purpose of “Black Dignity” is to develop a new language of Black dignity that can be harnessed to combat domination in all its forms, with a specific focus on anti-Black violence. As Christian leaders, we recognize that the call to love our neighbors[2] as ourselves extends to all, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, or background. We are inspired by Lloyd’s dedication to probing the moral vocabulary that has emerged from the Black Lives Matter movement, acknowledging that the fight for Black dignity is part of the broader Christian mission of pursuing justice and righteousness.
Black oppression in many ways still exists and it’s a shame but I believe the media perpetuates the culture and perhaps their agenda. I was appalled by the story Lloyd told in the podcast about the seminar he was leading and how quickly things changed from the previous time he was the keynote speaker.[3] The T.A. in the story was devious but it begs the question, was she out of line or justified? Why is it that the issues that arose recently were not of concern in the previous sessions? Unfortunately, negativity can be contagious and I believe in some instances it is not a battle of race or even dignity, it is a battle of good versus evil. In this case, I believe there was some “reverse racism” (if there is such a thing) connected and domination by the strong-willed TA.
Black Dignity as a Way of Life
Lloyd defines Black dignity as a way of life that allows individuals to discern and respond to domination. This resonates with Christian teachings that encourage believers to stand up against oppression and advocate for the vulnerable. Drawing from the wisdom of Black leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Lloyd showcases how the concept of “dignity” within Black political thought aligns with the Christian principle of struggling against injustice.
Building a World of Freedom and Beauty
Lloyd creatively weaves together the moral vocabulary that has arisen from the Black Lives Matter movement, connecting terms like “Black rage,” “Black love,” “Black family,” “Black futures,” and “Black magic” to develop a philosophy of building a world that is both radically free and beautiful.[4] In doing so, he demonstrates that the struggle for Black dignity is inherently connected to the Christian pursuit of a more just, loving, and equitable world.
Conclusion
The book concludes by imagining a collective struggle for liberation, echoing the Christian commitment to liberation, which is grounded in the freedom to resist and rebel against all powers that threaten human life. Just as theologian James H. Cone emphasized the centrality of struggle in his book Black Theology of Liberation, Lloyd’s “Black Dignity” reminds us that, whether viewed through political or theological lenses, the core concern is the freedom to resist and exist with dignity in the world.[5]
As Christian leaders, we find “Black Dignity” to be a deeply resonant and morally stimulating work that aligns with our commitment to justice, love, and the pursuit of dignity for all. This book serves as a reminder that the struggle against domination is a mission that transcends individual backgrounds and calls us all to work toward a world where justice, dignity, and love reign supreme.
[1] Lloyd, Vincent; Black Dignity
[2] Mark 12:30
[3] Conversations with Coleman, S4, E15, Debating Race and Incarceration with Vincent Lloyd, May 5, 2023.
[4] Lloyd, Vincent; Black Dignity, 4
[5] Cone, James H.’ Black Theology of Liberation
About the Author
Michael O'Neill
Director of Operations / Executive Pastor at Kinergy, Inc. Federal 501c3 Non-Profit Organization. An experienced entrepreneur, leader, father, wellness professional, and owner of a multi-location medical practice with my wife, Nicole O'Neill, MD.11 responses to “A Christian Response to Black Dignity”
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Hey Michael,
The story of the TA who took over the students and centered everything on anti-black racism was fascinating, revealing, and disheartening. You write, “In this case, I believe there was some “reverse racism” (if there is such a thing) connected and domination by the strong-willed TA.” Would you mind clarifying what you mean in this statement? The reason being that (if I remember correctly) the student was black and Vincent Lloyd himself is black. I think you’re on to something in highlighting the “domination” present in this situation.
Thank you for your post Michael!
Thanks for the comment, David. I struggled using the words reverse racism and that is why I added the disclaimer but thinking more about it now, I will not be using it again. Racism is racism so to identify it only as white to black or any one direction could be considered racist so my apologies for that. To answer your question though, yes, I knew both parties were black but my point that I didn’t make clear enough was that it was a case of crafty racism by intimidation and domination which is the opposite of black dignity and Llyod’s goal. Llyod’s message is to combat these things but I believe dignity needs to be upheld in all races, cultures, and scenarios. The TA pressured the Asians and anyone “not black” to sit quiet and not stand out as good students to make the black students in the story feel more comfortable. It took away from the overall experience for everyone and it was as if she wanted students to feel guilty for doing their work, or Dr. Llyod to change his entire direction because she believed it was the right thing to do. I think she missed the point and needed to be listening more instead of creating the revolt so to speak. I personally struggle with punishing or not rewarding anyone who works hard and deserves something they’re reaching towards. Like a job, enrollment in school, or changing rules because of race. Allowing someone less qualified to fill the spot to meet a quota perpetuates racism.
Thanks, David.
“This resonates with Christian teachings that encourage believers to stand up against oppression and advocate for the vulnerable.”
Michael – I agree with your statement above and yet conservative Evangelical Christians, in particular, seem to have doubts about whether there is still systemic racism in our country. Why do you think that is the case?
Thank you, Laura. “Conservative Evangelical Christians, in particular, seem to have doubts about whether there is still systemic racism in our country.” I think you are right in many ways with this comment, however, I believe it may have been stronger a decade or even five years ago. I think we were moving in the right direction in the US and globally and we have resorted back in many ways. The identity and politics seem to be stronger and perhaps more violent or at least have a stronger edge on them than in the past few decades.
Digging a little deeper, I think the statement alludes to the idea that it needs to go away and typically conservatives like myself fall in this camp. I am not a fan of equal opportunity or programming that bends rules or changes things to even the playing field. I have heard both sides and I’m not discounting some major points from the opposite view although I will always come back to the question “When does it end?” If we continue to create programs like Affirmative Action and have quotas that are unfair to someone involved, it fuels racism or domination or anti-dignity, and fans the flame as long as it exists.
Do you see this in your world? You said “Conservative Evangelical Christians have doubts” as if it is fact. I’m not disagreeing with you, I guess I’m asking how are you seeing this in your work or life and coming to this realization?
Thanks!
Michael, thank you for a positive Christian response summary of Lloyd’s work. Your approach was thoughtful and insightful in pulling together the essence of the Black dignity and the Christian’s ongoing fight for justice.
However, I thought Lloyd at times painted a very hopeless picture of ever dismantling systemic racism. What term(s) might you use to express the future of the fight for justice?
Thanks, Audrey. I struggle with all of this. Not from a racist side but probably a more selfish and unfamiliar lens. I was raised that color is beautiful, we are all equal and God loves us all the same. My mother had a ministry as a child called Color Blind that helped tear down walls of racism and later became a missionary in Africa and black culture has been a huge part of my upbringing. I attended a 75% black church for years and some of my closest friends are black so I say anything with that mindset and genuine confusion when it comes to this. I think it is more evil. Politics divide us, race, religion, education, you name it. I hate it and I don’t think it’s the way of God. To answer you question though, I do feel a tad hopeless in this fight right now. I think the world is going in the wrong direction and if there was hope for decades, it appears to be gone now. I don’t know what the answer is except to turn to Christ and find your identity and dignity in Him.
You are an expert in this field, how do we fix it?
Thanks, Audrey.
Michael,
This is interesting and I am curious if you have other thoughts on this:
“negativity can be contagious and I believe in some instances it is not a battle of race or even dignity, it is a battle of good versus evil.”
I am not sure about this. I need to go back and read my blog to remember what Lloyds thoughts are regarding Christianity. I do not remember him being hopeful in this. I may have missed something he wrote.
I’m reflecting on:
“he demonstrates that the struggle for Black dignity is inherently connected to the Christian pursuit of a more just, loving, and equitable world.”
I am curious what your thoughts are on Christ not resisting the domination that came to him at the end of his life. I am curious how the self emptying power comes into play (Simon Walker)? I wonder what Walker would say about Lloyds work?
I’m refering to this quote:
“echoing the Christian commitment to liberation, which is grounded in the freedom to resist and rebel against all powers that threaten human life.”
Your thoughts on the TA make me want to go and watch this. I have not done this yet. Sounds interesting.
Wow, great questions. I’ll do my best.
1. Good vs. Evil. I stand by it. I think the devil uses people, groups, hopelessness, selfishness, whatever he can to influence us in the direction that points furthest from God. In this case, the TA was dominating the class by pressuring students to not stand out or perform to their own standards to level the playing field for black students. This is ridiculous to me and feels dark to do it behind closed doors.
2. I’m not saying Llyod speaks to Christianity, I’m just stating that his view on dignity runs parallel with real Christianity. Therefore, if there were more Christ-centered people, I believe there would be less division.
3. Kinsosis. I love the self-emptying aspect of Christianity. Christ is the epitome of Kinosis and serves as a great testament and model for leadership. I think Walker showed signs of this in his struggle and resurrection so to speak and there is great hope in being humble and having faith. There is definitely power in meakness or weakness.
4. The podcast was interesting. Lloyd is sharp and Coleman did a nice job interviewing him. He told the story of a TA disrupting a summer seminar because of her strong views which led to her own domination and injustice for many.
Thanks Michael
for answering these questions!
Great Post Michael,
“This book serves as a reminder that the struggle against domination is a mission that transcends individual backgrounds and calls us all to work toward a world where justice, dignity, and love reign supreme.”
I like your conclusion and hope for a time when Christians will stand together in unity for justice. Risking to sound pessimistic though, Christians are too divided and too disconnected to be united for the kind of victory needed.
Thanks, Jean. You said it, “unity.” That is what we need. One body in Christ. I am with you brother, I do not have a lot of hope in that subject and fear we have already gone too far down that divides so many.