Boston Black Church Vitality Project

The Boston Black Church Vitality Project is an initiative dedicated to understanding and preserving the legacy of the Black Church in Greater Boston. Our vision is to see Black churches established as integral parts of Black communities, displaying holistic models of prophetic leadership, spiritual formation, community care, and the pursuit of justice.

Historically, the Black Church has played an essential role in the overall project of Black liberation in America. In addition to being a waymaker for past and present generations to return to God through Jesus Christ, the Black Church has a rich history of advocating for justice and functioning as a vanguard of Black culture. Now, in the 21st century, old and new social, cultural and spiritual challenges compound in the Black community. How can we build and nurture a Black Church ecosystem that is relevant and responsive to the needs of Black people in Greater Boston?

• Facilitate action-oriented learning communities that build relationships and shared vision in Greater Boston’s Black Christian community.

• Provide support and resources that help Black churches in Greater Boston minister to Black people.

• Share Black stories so we can learn from them.

• Activate Black Church spaces through cultural programming and events.

For more information about current projects, resources, and events, visit BlackChurchVitality.org

Jaronzie Harris
Director of the Black Church Vitality Project

Jaronzie Harris is a native of Durham, NC with deepening roots in Boston. She is a graduate of Emerson College’s Theatre Education program and a current student at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary where she is pursuing a Master of Divinity. She is a teacher, playwright, musician and burgeoning gardener. Her passion and primary body of interest lies in using arts-based methodologies to build models of Christian education and spiritual formation with young people in Afro-diasporic communities.