Human Rights: A Spiritual Imperative
The last several days I’ve been attending the 60th session of the Human Rights Council of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. It’s a fascinating experience, the halls buzzing with diplomatic types, issue experts, and leaders of non-governmental and human rights organizations. Over the course of these days I sat in on conversations on all […]
What Should I do – Know Your Rights!
Your voice matters—and so do your rights. The Cook County Bar Association has created a resource to help you stay safe, informed, and empowered while exercising your First Amendment rights.
✅ Your rights if stopped or arrested
✅ Guidance on photographing/filming demonstrations
✅ Illinois-specific laws you should know
✅ Legal hotlines and support resources
Residents protest federal interventions in Chicago
CHICAGO—From the bustling streets of Pilsen to the steps of Grant Park, Chicago saw a wave of protests as communities mobilized in response to sightings of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity. Residents and clergy across the city responded to the Trump administration’s launch of “Operation Midway Blitz”—an immigration enforcement campaign targeting sanctuary jurisdictions, including […]
Black Pastors Refuse To Canonize Charlie Kirk
The pulpit shook beneath him as Rev. Howard-John Wesley of Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, stood behind the microphone. His face was taut with conviction. The choir stood robed in crimson and gold behind him. The sanctuary was alive with that electric stillness that falls right before the truth lands. And then he […]
Black and Asian Christian leaders discuss role of church in fighting racism
In the summer of 2020, as the death of George Floyd shined a spotlight on racism and violence against Black Americans, the Asian American Christian Collaborative marched for Black lives. Months later, leaders of the Black and Asian American churches involved in that march began to plan a second event uniting their communities against racism. […]
Black Pastors slam Trump’s attacks on civil rights and democracy
Mayor Brandon Johnson at Rainbow PUSH. In separate appearances, Rev. Dr. Jamal H. Bryant and Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III fiercely criticized Donald Trump and his policies, which they say are rooted in racism and aimed at dismantling civil rights and healthcare protections for poor Americans. Delivering a passionate message on Saturday, April 5, 2025, […]
When Texas silences voters, faith calls us to speak out
Texas state Rep. James Talarico speaks during a July 24 rally to protest against redistricting hearings at the Texas Capitol. Eric Gay/Associated Press Though our democracy may be in crisis, we believe, as the Psalmist does in Psalm 27, that we shall see “the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” […]
‘Credo’ calls Black Church to rise up amid Trump presidency
A group of Black ministers has released a new document to protest white Christian nationalism and provide moral and spiritual strength to African Americans during the coming Trump presidency. “A Credo to Legatees of the Black Church Tradition” is rooted solidly in the Black church tradition of resistance, praises Black Lives Matter and Critical Race […]
Ministers condemn Trump’s D.C. law enforcement takeover
“From the White House, the president sees a lawless wasteland. We beg to differ. We see fellow human beings … each made in the image of God,” the interfaith statement read. It’s a tradition as old as the Black church itself: preachers using their influence, bolstered by scripture, to speak out against injustice, motivating their […]
Biden addresses ‘humanitarian crisis in Gaza’ at Morehouse amid growing tensions on campuses • Georgia Recorder
President Joe Biden renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and highlighted federal spending in historically Black colleges during Sunday’s speech before hundreds of Morehouse College graduates who represent a demographic Biden needs to win the Nov. 5 election. Biden’s role as commencement speaker at the storied historically Black college in Atlanta had […]