What Comes First, the Color or the Creator? Understanding Black Christan Nationalism

Author: Avianka Landrine

Field of Study: Social Sciences

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Matthew Cole

Easel: 48

Timeslot: Midday

Abstract: The love of God and America is a staple in republican spaces, with the depths of this sentiment holding space for Christian Nationalism as understood by many white Christians. Given their unique relationship with and position in America, what about Black Christians? This article explores the presence of intersectionality between race, religion, and political behavior within African Americans. This article seeks to answer the questions of what makes Christian Nationalism appealing to African Americans. Is this appeal enough for African Americans to switch political behavior and does this pose a threat to America's democracy? Using the historical context of Black oppression and religion, this paper aims to formulate a deeper understanding of what Black Christianity looked like in stricter racialized times within American history. By going back to the slave trade and using the recent rhetoric of Black pastors and the results of the 2024 presidential election, this paper seeks to gage this observation.