Black in America
I’ve long been intrigued by black history and issues. I was excited when CNN recently aired Black in America, examining the trials and triumphs of black men, women, and families (for the record, I’m about as black as Google’s home page).
I haven’t finished the entire show, but so far it’s been enlightening. The special includes a few vignettes inside churches and a brief interview with TD Jakes about the dangers children face when growing up without a father.
Here are some of the more grim realities facing black America:
- Nearly 70% of black children are born to single parents
- About half of pregnancies among black women are terminated
- Black Americans account for 50% of new HIV/AIDS cases in the U.S.
- AIDS is now the number one killer of black women aged 25-34
- 49% of homicide victims are black
I don’t quote these statistics for any reason other than to show a need. The government can’t address all these issues effectively and Jesse Jackson does more harm than good these days. So where does the church fit in? How can metropolitan and inner city churches demonstrate Christ’s compassion to those with AIDS or without fathers?
I don’t really know the answers. But I do know I serve a God of compassion and providence. A God who provides salvation and healing to all.
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