Roundtable Session Annual Meeting 2024

The Long and Shifting Shadow of ‘Negro’ Religion: A Critical Reappraisal of E. Franklin Frazier’s *The Negro Church in America* on Its 60th Anniversary

Monday, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM | Convention Center-3 (Upper Level West) Session ID: A25-200
Abstract for Online Program Book (maximum 150 words)

E. Franklin Frazier’s *The Negro Church in America* is a foundational text in African American religious studies, examining the intersection of religion, sociality, and politics. Published in 1964 amid the Civil Rights Movement, it analyzes the historical trajectory of African Americans, from the transatlantic slave trade to the Great Migration. This roundtable reevaluates Frazier’s work, assessing its enduring significance and offering contemporary insights. Presenters delve into specific chapters, discussing themes such as the impact of slavery on religious practices, the development of independent Black churches, and their roles post-Emancipation. Panelists critique Frazier’s theories on assimilation and gender dynamics, reflecting on their implications today. With diverse perspectives from scholars of various backgrounds, the roundtable aims to deepen our understanding of African American religious history. The discussion seeks to engage multiple audiences, highlighting Frazier's enduring legacy and the ongoing relevance of his scholarship in contemporary discourse.

Audiovisual Requirements
LCD Projector and Screen
Play Audio from Laptop Computer
Comments
To capture the full complexity of the study of African American religions and how Frazier's work has shaped the field, AV support is needed to help the audience engage with visual and auditory material. Several of the panelists will provide materials that convey core elements in the study of African American religions that are not readily accessible through a written text. AV support allows the audience and the presenters to fully engage with themes of the roundtable that can only be communicated if they are presented visually and aurally.
Tags
#E. Franklin Frazier; The Negro Church in America; African American Religious History; intellectual history; politics; race; religion