Conference

Black Atheists of the Civil Rights Movement

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Abstract

This presentation will challenge the notion that the Civil Rights Movement was solely an outgrowth of the black religious conscience. Discussion will focus on how humanist and sec ular val ues were strong influences on the Movement as a whole, and spec ifically on key actors such as A. Philip Randolph, James Baldwin, Bayard Rustin, and others. Although much of the street level organization was done within the wa lls of religious · institutions, many of the intellectual leaders in the struggle for equality were motivated by strong irreligious philosophies that have largely been lost in our retelling of history. This presentation wi ll shed light on this important aspect of one of the most pivotal eras of black history in America. Dialogue will follow on how these values can continue to influence positive change in the community.