Black Theology as Mass Movement

The Rev. Charles L. Howard is University Chaplain at the University of Pennsylvania, USA

"Black Theology as Mass Movement is a fascinating book, as the author has adopted a very brave methodological stance in seeking to write in a manner than compliments and affirms the very modus operandi of Black Theology itself; namely, to be a resource for ordinary people on the streets. ... a rich source of commentary for inspiring pastors, community organisers and activists to develop mass movement orientated forms of Black Theology." (Anthony G. Reddie, Black Theology, Vol. 13 (3), November, 2015) "This book introduces a new generation to the creativity that is Black Theology. By demonstrating that its organic connection to the cultural and material realities of Black communities is the heart of Black Theology, Howard is able to make connections between the contemporary voice of Black cultural creativity - Hip-hop, and the rich theological heritage of Black Folks. For anyone interested in the new directions of Black Theology and the theological promise of Hip Hop Culture, this is THE book." - Stephen G. Ray Jr., Ph.D., Neal A. and Ila F. Fisher Professor of Theology, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, USA. "This book represents whatever future theological writing might have. Chaz Howard is writing for the emerging generation of Black liberation activist/theologians by creating synapses that link the rich sources of African American history with critical expressions of youth culture and in those synaptic spaces finding the creative energy that will 'grow legs and march ' Black Theology as Mass Movement is a fresh contribution that weaves theory and praxis in ways that will challenge and mobilize its readers!" - Rev Dr. Katie Day, Charles A. Schieren Professor of Church and Society, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, USA "In this brilliant and timely book, Charles Howard challenges us to reimagine the history, power, and possibilities of Black Liberation Theology. Through his trenchant analysis and compelling prose, Howard delivers Black Liberation Theology from Ivory Tower abstractions and Right Wing misrepresentations. This work will enlighten, inspire and, most importantly, allow for the "word" of Black Liberation Theology to be "made flesh" through critical thought and engaged activism." - Marc Lamont Hill Ph.D, Associate Professor Teachers College, Columbia University, USA, and host of Our World with Black Enterprise and HuffPost Live

• 1. Black Liberation Theology: Introductions, Definitions, and A Calling for a New Era 2. Movement Centric Origins 3. Imagining the Black Gramsci: A Marxian and Gramscian Critique 4. Outward Commitments: Imagining a Black Public Theology 5. Black Stars: Learning Movement Making from Marcus Garvey and the U.N.I.A. 6. The Souls of Black Theological Folks: Reconsidering Du Bois and the role of the Black Intellectual in Mass Movements 7. Larry Neal's Ghost: Inspiration and Passion from the Harlem Renaissance, Negritude, and Black Arts Movement 8. Dreamers and Panthers: Dialectical Lessons from the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Power Movement 9. From Accra to Philadelphia and Back Again: Kwame Nkrumah's Mass Movement towards Pan-African Liberation 10. From Padmore to Dead Prez: New Conceptions of Pan African Radical Thought 11. Freestyle Revolutions and Global Ciphas: Lessons from the Global Hip Hop Movement Epilogue. On Courage and Love: Daring to view Black Theology as Mass Movementand making it happen.