Religion

Black Christians and Muslims Unite Around Burned Churches

Published

11 years ago

July 14, 2015

By Jazelle Hunt
NNPA Washington Correspondent

WASHINGTON (NNPA) – In the last week of June, as the nation was still mourning and mulling over the massacre at Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, S.C., seven other Black churches across the South went up in flames.

Solidarity came out of the ashes.

Since July 2, the Respond With Love campaign has raised more than $66,000 and counting toward rebuilding the churches. The Muslim-led fundraiser is a joint effort between Ummah Wide, a global digital media storytelling organization for and by young Muslims; MuslimARC, which combats racism within the Muslim diaspora; and the Arab American Association of New York.

As the reports of the fires spread to the masses, Chicago resident Faatimah Knight and her friend David Craun, founder and executive director of Ummah Wide, felt they had to do something. They began a fundraiser on LaunchGood.com, hoping to raise $10,000 to contribute to a general outpouring. Over the next day, Knight, Craun, and leaders of the other groups teamed up.

“I feel this was racially motivated crime, and being a Black person, I naturally feel implicated. Even though I’m not Christian, I’m still Black – I’m still a part of that target group,” Knight says, adding that she also has Christian friends and family to worry about.

A flurry of media coverage and the month of Ramadan, which began the day after the Mother Emmanuel attack, boosted the campaign’s profile. In 12 hours, donations swelled past the original $10,000 goal. The bar was raised to $30,000, then to $50,000, and currently to $75,000, as donations keep coming in.

“It’s a time of year when Muslims are hyper-aware of their faith and their duties to others, their duties to God,” Knight explains. “At Ramadan, Muslims spend so much time at mosque. It’s a time when we value our place of worship more than any other time. I can definitely empathize with someone having that taken away.”

Since the September 11 attacks, mosques and Muslim communities have remained targets of racial and religious hatred. During Ramadan 2012, an arsonist who identified as a conservative Christian Iraq veteran burned the Islamic Center in Joplin, Mo. to the ground. It was his second attack that summer on the same center.

In April, former Tennessee Congressional candidate, Robert Doggert, was arrested for planning a violent, burning-shooting attack on a Muslim community in upstate New York. In May, “patriots” in Dallas and Phoenix launched Muhammad drawing contests and armed demonstrations outside of mosques.

Namira Islam, executive director of Detroit-based MuslimARC, says the church burnings remind her of both the attacks on mosques and the history of Black church burnings and bombings.

“Our mosques have been attacked. There are mosques that have been burned down, too. In that sense, all of our fates are intertwined. It’s happening again – knowing the history behind…Black church burnings in the U.S. It’s outright terror,” she says.

“When you think about fire, something like arson…. It’s a hate crime. Obviously, there is a legal definition involved, but the act is very hateful.”

Black churches have been burned, bombed, or otherwise threatened regularly since Emancipation, with spikes during the Civil Rights Movement and again during the 1990s – to the point that President Bill Clinton created the now-defunct National Church Arson Task Force.

One study published in the official journal of the National Association of Social Workers found more than 300 racially motivated church bombings or burnings in the 1960s, and an additional 200 between 1989 and 1996. After President Obama’s election in 2008, two White men were convicted of burning down Macedonia Church of God in Christ church in Springfield, Mass. in response.

Three of the seven torched Black churches have been declared arson: College Hill Seventh Day Adventist Church in Knoxville, Tenn., God’s Power Church of Christ in Macon, Ga., and Briar Creek Road Baptist Church in Charlotte, N.C. None are being investigated as hate crimes.

The FBI says a lightning strike started the fire at Mount Zion AME in Greeleyville, S.C., the last of the seven churches lost. In 1995, two Ku Klux Klan members burned it down; when it was rebuilt a year later, Clinton visited and made a speech on racism.

The fire at Fruitland Presbyterian Church in Fruitland, Tenn. was also attributed to lightning. The cause of Glover Grove Baptist Church’s fire, in Warrenville, S.C. remains a mystery. At Greater Miracle Temple Apostolic Holiness Church in Tallahassee, Fla., investigators say an electric accident after a thunderstorm felled a tree and downed power lines was to blame.

Knight says that the shared experience of being targeted isn’t the only connection between Muslims and Black Christians.

“[The Quran says] you’ll find some of the closest people to you are Christians, because they are humble and not arrogant,” she says, referencing Quran verse 5:82. “In our own Scripture, God praises another group for their character. Trying to live out those words is important.”

In addition to the Respond With Love fundraiser, the Christ Church Cathedral in St. Louis, Mo. has launched a national fundraising effort that has earned almost $160,000 so far and counting. Simultaneously, nearly 200 churches, mosques, and synagogues around the country have also pledged to take up a special offering this month in connection with the campaign.

Some of the Respond with Love donations went toward floral arrangements for each of the surviving family members of the nine people killed at Emanuel AME Church. MuslimARC is also providing educational resources on the history of White supremacist terrorism against Black churches, and other opportunities for those who cannot donate but want to help. Ummah Wide members, including Knight, are discussing the possibility of visiting one of the churches to help with construction.

Knight and Islam say they have been in minimal contact with some of the leadership of the affected churches, but that the congregations are still processing the tragedies and figuring out logistics. In the meantime, the organizers are deciding how best to distribute the funds once the campaign closes on July 18.

“Churches are places where God’s name is remembered. When a place where people praise God is taken away, that creates a void,” says Knight. “I didn’t want [the fires] to be the end of the story.”

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Black History

IN MEMORIAM: The Rev. Leon “Sonny” Clark, Longtime Orange County Pastor and Community Leader, Dies at 72

Rev. Leon William “Sonny” Clark, the longtime pastor of New Spirit Baptist Church in Santa Ana and a prominent faith and community leader in Orange County, passed away on September 9 at the age of 72. Born in Bennettsville, South Carolina, Clark was a U.S. Navy veteran who dedicated his life to service. He served various Southern California churches before leading New Spirit Baptist Church for over 22 years, extending his work into counseling, mentoring, and civic engagement, and supporting the African American community. To learn more about his life and contributions, read more.

Published

7 days ago

September 28, 2026

Post News Group

The Rev. Leon “Sonny” Clark. File photo.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Rev. Leon William “Sonny” Clark, longtime pastor of New Spirit Baptist Church in Santa Ana and a respected faith and community leader in Orange County, died Sept. 9. He was 72.

Born Oct. 2, 1953, in Bennettsville, South Carolina, Clark was a U.S. Navy veteran who later built a life of service centered on family, faith, ministry, and community.

Clark began his formal ministry at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Altadena in 1978. After acknowledging his call to ministry in 1980, he preached his first sermon and went on to serve churches throughout Southern California, including Second Baptist Church in Riverside, Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Rubidoux, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Pomona, and Friendship Baptist Church in Yorba Linda.

In November 2003, Clark was called to lead New Spirit Baptist Church in Santa Ana, where he served as pastor for more than 22 years. His work extended beyond the pulpit through counseling, mentoring, civic engagement, and efforts to strengthen Orange County’s African American community.

Clark served on the Orange County Heritage Council and supported efforts to preserve and celebrate African American history and culture. He helped organize the Orange County Black History Parade and Unity Festival, served on the Interfaith Committee and the Orange County Transit Authority, and served as president of the Orange County Ministers Conference.

In 2024, the City of Santa Ana recognized Clark for his contributions to the community. He also received the Orange County Southern Baptist Association Hall of Faith Award and was previously honored as Pastor of the Year by the Orange County Heritage Council.

Clark is survived by his wife, Andrea Joyles Clark; six children, Shawn Williams, Le Ondra Clark Harvey, Kyla Coward, Joshua Clark, Marissa Clark and Ashley Clark; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings; extended family; and the New Spirit Baptist Church congregation.

A wake will be held Thursday, Oct. 1, from 4 to 8 p.m. at New Spirit Baptist Church, 701 S. Sullivan St. in Santa Ana, with a remembrance service from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, Oct. 2, at Friendship Baptist Church, 17145 Bastanchury Road in Yorba Linda. Viewing begins at noon, followed by the service at 1 p.m.

Burial will take place Monday, Oct. 5, at 10:15 a.m. at Riverside National Cemetery.

Clark often shared a guiding principle that shaped his ministry: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

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Black History

In Wake of Death on Doorstep, Williams Chapel Baptist Church Calls for Better Care, Funding for Unhoused

An unhoused individual was found deceased on the steps of Williams Chapel Baptist Church in East Oakland at approximately 6:30 a.m. Monday. The church, located at 1410 10th Ave., extended condolences to the individual’s family, noting the tragedy reflects a broader crisis. Williams Chapel Baptist Church provides shelter and referral services, working with West Side Missionary Baptist Church. They call for increased funding and collaboration to expand services for unhoused individuals. Read more to learn about the church’s efforts and the call for solutions.

Published

7 days ago

September 27, 2026

Post News Group

Oakland Police and emergency vehicle arrive to Williams Chapel Monday morning. Courtesy photo.

By Special to The Post

Church extends condolences to individual’s family and loved ones

At approximately 6:30 a.m. Monday, an unhoused individual was found deceased on the steps of Williams Chapel Baptist Church, located at 1410 10th Ave. on the corner of 10th and International in East Oakland.

The individual appears to have come to the church seeking safety and may have needed medical support. We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the individual’s family and loved ones.

This tragedy reflects a broader crisis affecting unhoused individuals and families throughout the Bay Area. Too many people are living without reliable shelter or timely access to medical care, mental health support, and other essential services. Limited funding and insufficient resources continue to leave vulnerable people without the help they need.

Williams Chapel Baptist Church, a member of the Interfaith Council of Alameda County, works alongside West Side Missionary Baptist Church to provide safe-haven overnight parking, tiny-home emergency shelter, and wraparound referral services to the unhoused.

With funding, both East and West Oakland sites can increase to full capacity and extend to other congregations, creating more safe places for people living on the streets to seek shelter, support, and connection to services.

We invite government agencies, nonprofit organizations, interfaith communities, businesses, and neighbors to join us in this work. By working together with compassion and purpose, we can develop meaningful solutions and help more people experiencing homelessness receive care, stability, and dignity.

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Black History

Nuna Phillips-McKee Celebrates 100 Years: ‘A Century of Faith, Family and God’s Amazing Grace!’

OAKLAND POST — Nuna’s life has been one of Christian service. A longtime member of Wings of Love Maranatha Ministries, now Incredible Church, she serves as director of Community Services and is actively involved in the church’s Food Ministries.

Published

3 weeks ago

September 14, 2026

Post News Group

Nuna Phillips-McGee, far right, will be celebrating her 100th birthday with sisters (l. to. r.) Donna Hayes, Ida Williams, Sandra Phillips and Enis Harrison. Photo by Carol Dossman.

By Special to The Post

Nuna Phillips-McKee will reach an extraordinary milestone on Sept. 24 —her 100th

birthday, marking a century filled with faith, family, service, laughter and the amazing grace of God.

Born Sept. 14, 1926, in Oakland, Nuna has witnessed a world of change during her lifetime, yet the values that have guided her remain constant: a deep faith in God, devotion to family, a strong work ethic and a heart for serving others.

She enjoyed a distinguished career as a civil servant for more than 40 years, demonstrating the dedication, dependability and strength that have characterized so much of her life.

Nuna’s life has been one of Christian service. A longtime member of Wings of Love Maranatha Ministries, now Incredible Church, she serves as director of Community Services and is actively involved in the church’s Food Ministries.

Through the years, she has continued to help meet the needs of others—not merely with food, but with kindness, compassion and a genuine desire to serve. Her ministry reflects a simple principle by which she lives: when God blesses you, you bless others.

Nuna is the proud mother of one son, whose memory she carries in her heart, and the beloved grandmother of three grandchildren, as well as six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

At 100, she has the rare blessing of seeing several generations of her family carrying forward a legacy that began long ago.

She remains the loving, intelligent, witty, and, when the occasion calls for it, delightfully sassy Nuna that her family and friends know so well. Her contagious laugh, quick wit and youthful spirit have endeared her to generations of relatives, church members and friends.

Nuna was born into the large and loving Phillips family of seven sisters and one brother, with bonds that formed in childhood and have remained precious throughout the decades. Their shared love, faith, and family traditions have continued to be a source of joy, strength and countless treasured memories.

As family and friends gather for this special occasion, they will celebrate far more than a number. They will celebrate 100 years of prayers prayed and answered; 100 years of lessons learned and wisdom shared; 100 years of family, faith, laughter and love; 100 years of serving God and serving others.

Most of all, they will celebrate a life that stands as a testimony to God’s faithfulness through every season.

Nuna’s century-long journey can be summed up in the words chosen to commemorate this remarkable occasion: “100 years of God’s amazing grace.”