National Baptists launch social justice center near US Capitol

WASHINGTON (RNS) — Months ahead of the midterm elections, leaders of the National Baptist Convention U.S.A. Inc., a historically Black denomination, have launched a Center for Social Justice steps away from the U.S. Capitol and across the street from the Supreme Court.

At an introduction ceremony on Tuesday (July 14), NBCUSA President Boise Kimber  cited numerous challenges facing African Americans that he said need to be addressed: “Voting rights are being eroded. Black political leaders are being decimated by redistricting. Black history is being whitewashed and erased. Economic equality is also moving farther out of reach.”

The announcement of the center was made in the chapel of the United Methodist Building where leaders said the NBCUSA will be sharing space with the National Religious Partnership for the Environment.

Cassandra Carmichael, the partnership’s executive director, told RNS in a statement that her organization offered some of its space to the denomination.

“We are currently working through the final details but definitely looking forward to working alongside them as they advocate for social and environmental justice issues,” she said.

In his remarks,…