Freedom Road Podcast

Julio Hernandez, Sanctuary

Wed, 07 May 2025 00:40:00 -0000

In this episode we are joined by Rev. Julio Hernandez, Executive Director of the Congregation Action Network, based in DC and serving the DC, Maryland, Virginia area (aka the DMV).

We invited Julio to talk with us on Freedom Road about the nearly invisible struggle taking place in the immigrant community in the U.S.. They are receiving the tip of the spear in the current administration’s policy of mass deportation and authoritarian rule.

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Thread or Insta Lisa ⁠@lisasharper⁠ or to Freedom Road ⁠@freedomroad.us⁠. We're also on Substack! So be sure to subscribe to ⁠freedomroad.substack.com⁠. And, keep sharing the podcast with your friends and networks and letting us know what you think!

⁠www.threads.net/@lisasharper⁠

⁠www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us⁠

⁠freedomroad.substack.com

www.congregationactionnetwork.org

Rev. Dr. Charles “Chaz” Lattimore Howard

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 17:38:00 -0000

This episode we are joined by Rev. Dr. Charles Lattimore Howard, the University Chaplain and Vice President for Social Equity and Community at the University of Pennsylvania, his alma mater.

Rev. Dr. Lattimore Howard is also the author of several books, including: The Souls of Poor Folk, The Awe and The Awful, Black Theology as Mass Movement, and Pond River Ocean Rain, a small book about going deeper with a big God. His newest work is Uncovering Your Path: Spiritual Reflections for Finding Your Purpose.

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Thread or Insta Lisa @lisasharper or to Freedom Road @freedomroad.us. We're also on Substack! So be sure to subscribe to freedomroad.substack.com. And, keep sharing the podcast with your friends and networks and letting us know what you think!

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

www.churchpublishing.org/uncoveringyourpath

Leaving MAGA with Rich Logis

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 17:17:00 -0000

This episode we are joined by, Rich Logis, former MAGA podcaster who is now the founding executive director of Leaving MAGA and author of the short e-book, My MAGA Odyssey, available at LeavingMaga.com.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

leavingmaga.org

Isaac Samuel Villegas “Migrant God: A Christian Vision for Immigrant Justice”

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 19:09:00 -0000

This episode we are joined by Isaac Samuel Villegas, author of the new book, MIGRANT GOD: A Christian Vision for Immigrant Justice.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac “Christ in the Rubble”

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 22:38:00 -0000

This episode, we are joined by Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac, Director of the Bethlehem Institute for Peace and Justice—a project of the Bethlehem Bible College—and Pastor of the Christmas Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bethlehem. Rev. Dr. Munther is the author of The Other Side of the Wall: A Palestinian Christian Narrative of Lament and Hope and his new book, Christ in the Rubble: Faith, the Bible, and the Genocide in Gaza (available now).

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

Ilana Trachtman, Ain’t No Back on a Merry-Go-Round

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we are joined by documentary filmmaker, Ilana Thrachtman, director of several films, most recently, “Ain’t No Back on a Merry-Go-Round” about the 1960 Civil Rights Movement in Washington DC that you never heard of. This is a powerful film that resonates with us today. It reminds us of where we’ve been in a not-too-distant America and how we overcame.

Ilana was invited to talk with us on Freedom Road about the insights she gleaned from this little-known corner of the Southern Freedom Struggle. In these days when many of our national leaders seem hell-bent on taking us back to the pre-Civil Rights Movement era, we need to be reminded how far we’ve come. And we need to be equipped with the wisdom they gained in their struggle.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

https://www.aintnoback.com/

Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, III - Being the Church in a Post-Democratic Era

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 17:55:00 -0000

In this episode, we are joined by the Reverend Dr. Otis Moss, III. Dr. Moss is senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. He is a preacher, poet, activist, author and filmmaker with an eye toward justice and equality, as evidenced through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Reverend Dr. Otis Moss, III was invited to be in conversation because we are entering into a new phase of our world. It's called a non-democratic phase of life in America. One can see it just by the the nominations for the next administration's cabinet. One can see these are anti-democratic people. Their goal is to actually tear apart the institutions that make democracy possible. And we also are in a time when the "Middle East" (and that is put in quotes because of what is discussed in this episode) where that region is now on fire. And it's dangerous as in what happens there can affect everybody. So this conversation is ultimately about how to pastor the church through all this.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

www.trinitychicago.org

Kelly Brown Douglas, The Crisis of Christian Nationalism

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 20:46:57 -0000

In this episode we are joined by womanist theologian and author, Rev. Dr. Canon Kelly Brown Douglas, an African-American Episcopal priest, womanist theologian, and interim president of Episcopal Divinity School. She was previously the inaugural Dean of the Episcopal Divinity School at Union Theological Seminary. She also serves as Canon Theologian of the Washington National Cathedral. She has written seven books, including The Black Christ (1994), Black Bodies and Black Church: A Blues Slant (2012), Stand Your Ground: Black Bodies and the Justice of God (2015), and Resurrection Hope: A Future Where Black Lives Matter (2021).

Rev. Dr. Canon Douglas was invited to join us on Freedom Road to help us understand the repercussions of the results of election 2024 and the recent study published by The House of Bishops Theology Committee of The Episcopal Church, titled, “The Crisis of Christian Nationalism”.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

Eliza Grizwold, Circle of Hope

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 16:12:00 -0000

In this episode we are joined by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and author, Eliza Griswold, author of the book, Circle of Hope: A Reckoning with Love, Power, and Justice in an American Church. In Circle of Hope Griswold explores how conflict around anti-LGBTQ inclusion, white supremacy and roots in the church growth movement eventually led the network of congregations to dissolve in January 2024.

Eliza was invited to talk with us on Freedom Road to give us a window into the most consequential struggle within the church today. The struggle to love everyone.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

us.macmillan.com/books/9780374601683/circleofhope

Maya Moore Irons and Jonathan Irons: Love and Justice

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 22:12:37 -0000

This month we are joined by Maya Moore Irons and Jonathan Irons! Basketball icon, Maya is a two-time NCAA champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist, four-time WNBA champion, and WNBA MVP. In February of 2019, Maya revealed that she would miss the upcoming season to focus on family and ministry dreams. Later that year, in a New York Times feature, Maya first went into detail about Jonathan Irons and his wrongful imprisonment and later opted to miss the 2020 season to continue focusing on Jonathan’s case and was ultimately successful when his conviction was vacated in March 2020, and he walked free that July. Maya has since come to be recognized as one of sport and culture’s most important social justice icons.

Jonathan Irons was only eighteen-years-old when he was wrongly convicted by an all-white jury for a crime that occurred when he was sixteen. With no physical evidence tying him to the crime, Jonathan was handed a fifty-year prison sentence, of which he served twenty-three years. After a twenty year long effort by Jonathan, Maya, her family, and other supporters, Jonathan was finally released in July of 2020. The next day, Jonathan proposed to Maya, and weeks later, they were married. Despite over two decades of unjust incarceration, Irons turned his cell into a classroom, pursuing legal studies and advocacy. His fight for exoneration highlighted systemic flaws and inspired a movement for change. He mentored fellow inmates, advocating for rehabilitation and societal reintegration. Upon release, he became a leader in criminal justice reform, advocating for the rights of marginalized groups and offering insights into reentry challenges. Additionally, he mentors disadvantaged youth, demonstrating the transformative power of resilience and determination. Jonathan's story is a call to action for justice, equity, and compassion, inspiring him to change and hope for a better world.

Maya and Jonathan were invited to talk with us about their new book, Love and Justice: A Story of Triumph on Two Different Courts.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

https://books.disney.com/book/love-and-justice/

Corey Nathan, Processing Election 2024 Results

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:40:19 -0000

In this episode we are joined by Corey Nathan, host of Talkin' Politics and Religion Without Killin' Each Other, producer of Freedom Road Podcast and the founder of SCAN Media.

We invited Corey to join us on Freedom Road for a frank, raw conversation meant to help us process the results of election 2024 and their implications for years to come.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

www.politicsandreligion.us

The Journey to Eloheh: Randy and Edith Woodley

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 23:23:04 -0000

This episode we are joined by indigenous theologians and practioners, Randy and Edith Woodley, authors of the new book Journey to Eloheh: How Indigenous Values Lead Us to Harmony and Wellbeing. Randy and Edith are the founders of the Eloheh Indigenous Center for Earth Justice, based in Oregon, which focused on developing, implementing and teaching sustainable and regenerative earth practices. They are also senior consultants with our Freedom Road Consulting group. We invited Randy and Edith to join us on Freedom Road today because our world is writhing right now. We need medicine.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

https://www.eloheh.org/

https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9781506496979/Journey-to-Eloheh

Khristi Lauren Adams, Womanish Theology

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 21:21:13 -0000

In this episode we are joined by theologian and author, Khristi Lauren Adams. Speaker, writer and youth advocate, Rev. Adams is an ordained Baptist Minister. She is the award winning author of Parable of the Brown Girl, as well as Unbossed: How Black Girls Are Leading the Way.

Khristi was invited to join us on Freedom Road to explore the value of children, particularly Black girls, in all of our process of knowing God.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

khristilaurenadams.com

Tim Whitaker, The New Evangelicals

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 04:04:43 -0000

In this episode we are joined by innovator and podcaster, Tim Whitaker, founder and host of The New Evangelicals podcast and growing organization. I also found out he’s a sought after professional drummer! Who knew?! You’ve probably seen Tim’s short, power-packed videos on Instagram and YouTube.

We invited Tim to join us on Freedom Road to explore what it means to be a New Evangelical in a political moment when the political alliance between evangelicals and the MAGA movement has all but killed the credibility of that stream of the church.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

https://www.thenewevangelicals.com/podcast/

https://www.youtube.com/@TheNewEvangelicals

https://www.instagram.com/thenewevangelicals/

Freedom Road and Truth’s Table Crossover at the DNC

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 23:05:00 -0000

In this episode we're joined by the amazing duo of award-winning Truth’s Table Podcast and Foundation, Dr. Christina Edmondson and the inimitable Ekemini Uwan. Cofounder and cohost of Truth’s Table Podcast and Foundation, Dr. Christina holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology and is a certified Cultural Intelligence facilitator, speaker and trainer. Ekemini Uwan is co-host of the award-winning podcast, Truth's Table and Get In The Word With Truth’s Table. Ekemini and Dr. Christina also co-authored the book, Truth’s Table: Black Women’s Musings on Life, Love, and Liberation.

We are so excited to bring you this special conversation that took place in the Evangelicals for Harris booth at the DNC! Lisa could think of no one she wanted to talk to more than the women of Truth’s Table while experiencing that historic moment. So, buckle up and get ready for a ride with Truth’s Table on FreedomRoad.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

https://truthstable.com/

The Four on Democracy in Black

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 07:01:00 -0000

This episode features three of our favorite people on the planet—Lisa's cohosts on The Four Podcast which cut a blaze of glory in 2022!

The Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, III is senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. He is a preacher, poet, activist, author and filmmaker with an eye toward justice and equality, as evidenced through the gospel of Jesus Christ. He founded The Unashamed Media Group.

The Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis is the first African American and first woman to serve as the senior pastor of Middle Collegiate Church in New York City—the oldest continuous Protestant Church in the U.S. Founding Visionary Leader behind the Freedom Rising Conferences, Rev. Dr. Jacqui uses her gifts as an author, activist, preacher, and public theologian toward creating an antiracist, just, gun violence free, fully welcoming, gender affirming society in which everyone has enough.

Rev. Michael-Ray Matthews is the principal of The Prophetic Foundry, LLC, a consultancy co-creating wisdom, resources, and futures at the nexus of spirituality, healing, and justice. Formerly the Deputy Director of Faith in Action, Michael-Ray also served as the seven-season host of the Prophetic Resistance Podcast.

Together we were the four-host team of The Four Podcast which cut a blaze of glory across the pod-waves in 2022. Plus, we were all fortunate to experience a fabulous flash in the life of the historic Auburn Theological Seminary when we served together as Auburn Senior Fellows for nearly a decade. So, when the news dropped that Biden stepped back and Kamala surged forward, the people we wanted to hear from most were Lisa's Four Podcast buddies.

So, that’s what we’re talking about today. We are talking Election 2024, Democracy, why it matters to our faith, why it has mattered to our lives, why it matters to our world (think Gaza, Sudan, Congo, etc), and finally, what’s up with this Project 2025 thing?

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 18:01:27 -0000

This episode we are joined by one of our favorite people shaping the political landscape right now! The inimitable Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas 30th District, basically Dallas County). You might have seen the viral clip of Congresswoman Crockett handing it to Marjorie Taylor Greene in the middle of a hearing on Capital Hill. The term was “Beach blonde bad built butch body.” As AOC said, “Don’t dish it if you can’t take it.” But we’re hear to talk about something more important today: This election and the stakes with Project 2025 looming on the horizon.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

https://crockett.house.gov/about

Daniel Bannoura

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0000

This episode we are joined by Daniel Bannoura: PhD Candidate, Palestinian theologian, Qur’an scholar, Podcaster, and Entreprenuer.

Daniel was invited to speak with us today, because he was one of the authors of the October 2023 Palestinian leaders’ call for western church leaders and theologians to repent. We wanted to talk about the condition of the western church and its response to what is happening in Gaza.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

https://danielbannoura.com/

Tony Deik at Christ at the Checkpoint: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTw5U6fLO5Q

Revolutionary Optimism: 7 Steps for Living as a Love-Centered Activist, by Paul Zeitz

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 17:33:35 -0000

This episode we are joined by Dr. Paul Zeitz, a preventative medicine epidemiologist, author, and award-winning champion of global justice and human rights. Zeitz is the initiator of the Unify Movements, a movement building platform dedicated to catalyzing new, social, economic, and political systems committed to our collective repair, justice and peace.

We invited Dr. Zeitz to speak with us today about his new book, Revolutionary Optimism: 7 Steps for Living as a Love-Centered Activist.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

unifymovements.org

revolutionaryoptimism.com

Rev. Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil, Empowering to Repair

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 13:28:05 -0000

In this episode we are joined by speaker, educator and author, Rev. Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil, who is Associate Professor of Reconciliation Studies and Director of the Reconciliation Studies program at Seattle Pacific University. Rev. Dr. Brenda is also associate pastor of preaching and reconciliation at Quest Church in Seattle, Washington, as well as the author of several books, including Becoming Brave, Roadmap to Reconciliation, Roadmap to Reconciliation 2.0, and the classic, A Credible Witness.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

www.saltermcneil.com

Kristen Irving, True Believer

Tue, 07 May 2024 15:07:14 -0000

In this episode we are joined by the filmmaker of the new power-house documentary, True Believer, Kristen Irving. You might have noticed we’ve spoken with several filmmakers recently. All have released documentaries focused on White Christian Nationalism. They are all fabulous. But, folks, as Lisa mentioned, "True Believer hit me in a place I didn’t even know I had. As the credits rolled, I wept like a baby." True Believer is an intimate story of healing within and between a daughter and her mother, as they examine the impacts of their years inside a White Christian Nationalist church. #POWERFUL And in the interest of transparency, Lisa is in it. Such an honor.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

https://truebelieverfilm.com/

IG: @truebelieverfilm

FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/True-Believer-Film/61556623256360/

Purity Culture Resources

Erica Smith:

Site: https://www.ericasmitheac.com/

IG: @ericasmith.sex.ed

Dr. Laura Anderson

Site: https://drlauraeanderson.com/links

IG: @drlauraeanderson

Books:

PURE

Here's a list: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/158935.Unlearning_Purity_Culture

Grace Ji-Sun Kim, When God Became White

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 15:51:12 -0000

In this episode we are joined by theologian and author, Dr. Grace Ji-Sun Kim. Dr. Kim is Professor of Theology at Earlham School of Religion and the author or editor of 24 books, including: Surviving God, Spirit Life; Invisible; Hope in Disarray; Keeping Hope Alive and Reimagining Spirit. She is a co-editor for the Palgrave Macmillan Book Series, “Asian Christianity in the Diaspora” and she is the host of Madang podcast, which holds conversations on Christianity, religion and culture. Madang is hosted by Christian Century Magazine. Dr. Kim’s most recent book, When God Became White is already creating a stir and we’re here for it!

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

gracejisunkim.wordpress.com/

www.amazon.com/When-God-Became-White-Christianity-ebook/dp/B0CKYJ3PGH?ref_=ast_author_mpb

The Cross, The Resurrection and Gaza

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0000

This episode comes to you in partnership with Inverse Podcast. The diverse InVerse podcast community explores how the Scriptures can turn the world upside down, or be weaponized to uphold the status quo. So, this episode we’re going to talk the “T” word—theology. Theology is simply how we understand God and our relationship with God. Christian social ethics teaches that our understanding of God forms the basis for everything we do in the world. It impacts everything.

This will we be a very special deep dive into the theo-ethical questions rising in the context of the genocide in Gaza. We will talk with three leading Palestinian Christian theologians as they approach Good Friday and Easter Sunday in the context of genocide.

Rev. Dr Mitri Raheb is Founder and President of Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem. The most widely published Palestinian theologian to date, Dr. Raheb is the author and editor of 50 books including: Decolonizing Palestine: The Land, The People, The Bible; In the Eye of the Storm: Middle Eastern Christians in an Age of Empire and Faith in the Face of Empire: The Bible through Palestinian Eyes—among many, many others.

Rev. Dr. Muther Isaac is Pastor of the Christmas Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bethlehem and Dean of Bethlehem Bible College. Rev. Dr. Munther is the author of The Other Side of the Wall: A Palestinian Christian Narrative of Lament and Hope.

Omar Haramy, is an Arab, Palestinian, Jerusalemite, Christian, and Greek Orthodox. Since 2017, Omar has served as the director of the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center. Sabeel is a Palestinian ecumenical grassroots liberation theology movement that deepens the faith of Palestinian Christians, promotes unity among them, and guides them to engage for justice and peace. Omar also serves on the Kairos Palestine steering committee.

Our Inverse Podcast cohost today will be Jarrod McKenna, a peace award winning Australian pastor and social change educator who has been described by American Civil Rights legend Rev. Jim Lawson as “an expert in nonviolent social change”. Jarrod is the Founding Director of “Common Grace” that represents over 65,000 Christians in Australia pursuing “Jesus and justice” and serves with Lisa as one of the co-founders of the global GazaCeasefirePilgrimage.com movement that is now found on every continent, including Antarctica, in over 150 cities around the world.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

www.inversebible.org/podcasts

www.gazaceasefirepilgrimage.com/

Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac “Jesus Under the Rubble”

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0000

This episode comes to you in partnership with The Historic African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In the spirit of the Historic Black Church, which has begun to rise up and call for a ceasefire in Gaza, St. Thomas’s 17th rector, The Very Rev. Canon Martini Shaw and his team decided to focus the church’s Lenten season on understanding what’s going on in Gaza and why it matters for our faith. So, a portion of this episode has been listened to by the St. Thomas’s Community!

Last episode we spoke with historian Dr. Rashid Khalidi to help us understand “What’s going on?” This episode we spoke with Lisa's friend and brother, Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac, Pastor of the Christmas Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bethlehem and Dean of Bethlehem Bible College. You may have seen the video of Dr. Isaac’s viral Christmas Eve sermon. If not, after listening to this conversation, the next thing you do must be to listen to that sermon. It as a theological plea to the global church to intervene in the ongoing genocide of Dr. Isaac’s people—the Palestinian people. Rev. Dr. Munther is the author of The Other Side of the Wall: A Palestinian Christian Narrative of Lament and Hope.

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Thread or Insta Lisa @lisasharper or to Freedom Road @freedomroad.us. We're also on Substack! So be sure to subscribe to freedomroad.substack.com. And keep sharing the podcast with your friends and networks and letting us know what you think!

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md_hw_A-oIs

www.ivpress.com/the-other-side-of-the-wall

www.aecst.org/

Rashid Khalidi “The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine”

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 19:13:00 -0000

This special episode comes to you in partnership The Historic African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas. In the spirit of the Black Church, which has begun to rise up and call for a ceasefire in Gaza, St. Thomas’s 17th rector, The Very Rev. Canon Martini Shaw and his team decided to focus the church’s Lenten season on understanding what’s going on in Gaza. So, a portion of this episode has been listened to by the parishioners of Historic African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Church!

When considering who should help us understand “What’s going on?” there couldn't be anyone better than the author of The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine, Palestinian historian Dr. Rashid Khalidi (Edward Said Professor of Modern Arab Studies at Columbia University in NYC). Dr. Khalidi is the author of eight books, in addition to The Hundred Years’ War, including: Palestinian Identity, Brokers of Deceit, and The Iron Cage.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

www.aecst.org

us.macmillan.com/books/9781627798556/thehundredyearswaronpalestine

history.columbia.edu/person/khalidi-rashid/

God & Country

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0000

In this critical election year where the most dedicated base for the GOP candidate is a rising tide of White Christian Nationalism within the evangelical community, we must take the time to understand it. So, we invited the producer/director of God & Country, Dan Partland, to join us in conversation. Based on the book, The Power Worshipers by Katherine Stewart, God & Country focuses in on the inner-workings of the White Christian Nationalism Movement, the decision-makers and the funders.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

godandcountrythemovie.com/

godandcountrythemovie.com/filmmakers/

Bad Faith: THE FILM

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0000

This episode we are joined by the filmmakers of the newly released and riveting documentary, “Bad Faith: Christian Nationalism’s Unholy War on Democracy.”

Director Stephen Ujlaki has produced more than 25 feature films, made-for-television movies and documentaries, and served as dean of the Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television. With 10 years of directing and producing experience in Hollywood, Chris Jones, co-directed the film.

“Bad Faith” offers us all an incredible lesson in the roots and fruits of Christian Nationalism in the U.S. The film follows two streams of Evangelicalism: One rooted in the thick faith that fueled the abolitionist, suffrage, civil rights, and environmental justice movements, and the other rooted in the racialized weaponization of thin fundamentalist faith. “Bad Faith” follows these two streams as they vie for the soul of American Democracy.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

www.documentary.org/project/bad_faith_cnwod

2023! with guests Rev. Dr. Waltrina Middleton, Dr. Claudia Owens Shields and Corey Nathan

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 18:29:23 -0000

This episode we have part of Lisa Sharon Harper's posse on the show! Rev. Dr. Waltrina Middleton, Dr. Claudia Owens Shields and Corey Nathan are all partners with our work on Freedom Road.

Waltrina is the executive director of Community Renewal Society and a senior consultant with Freedom Road, specializing in Spiritual Formation. Claudia is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in multi-ethnic psychology, formerly tenured professor at the Chicago School of Psychology. Claudia also serves as a senior consultant with Freedom Road. And, finally, Corey Nathan is the celebrated host of the Talkin' Politics and Religion without Killin' Each Other podcast. He doubles as the engineer and producer of the Freedom Road Podcast.

These friends were invited to join Lisa to help us reflect on 2023.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

waltrina.org/

freedomroad.us/who-we-are/dr-claudia-owens-shields-ph-d/

www.politicsandreligion.us/

Rabbi Sharon Brous

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 15:45:00 -0000

This episode we are joined by Rabbi Sharon Brous. In 2013 Rabbi Brous was listed as America’s #1 most influential Rabbi. Her 2016 TED Talk “It’s Time to Reclaim Religion” has been viewed 1.5 million times and is utterly inspiring. At 30 years old, Rabbi Brous founded IKAR back in 2004. IKAR is a spiritual community in Los Angeles that has become a magnet for LA’s unaffiliated Jews. Rabbi Brous has joined us on Freedom Road Podcast before when she and T’ruah president, Rabbi Jill Jacobs, helped us to understand Anti-Semitism.

Rabbi Brous was invited to join us on Freedom Road because her new book, The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Mend our Broken Hearts and World, has something to offer as we step into what is projected to be one of the most tumultuous election years in American history. Rabbi Brous is also a personal friend of Lisa's and watching her sermon at IKAR online was heart breaking and helped in terms of connecting with the pain reverberating through the Jewish community after October 7. Rabbi Brous has wrestled with the tensions of Zionism and confronted the slaughter of Palestinian people happening in Gaza and the West Bank with clear-headed honesty. Let's hear her wisdom concerning the future of Israel/Palestine.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

ikar.org/team/rabbi-sharon-brous/

www.ted.com/talks/sharon_brous_it_s_time_to_reclaim_religion?language=az

ikar.org/

www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/720048/the-amen-effect-by-sharon-brous/

Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb: Advent in Palestine – Today

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0000

On this episode we are joined by Dr. Mitri Raheb, Founder and President of Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem. The most widely published Palestinian theologian to date, Dr. Raheb is the author and editor of 50 books including: Decolonizing Palestine: The Land, The People, The Bible; In the Eye of the Storm: Middle Eastern Christians in an Age of Empire and Faith in the Face of Empire: The Bible through Palestinian Eyes—among many, many others.

Dr. Raheb was invited to speak with us from Bethlehem, because the world has watched the death toll of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank multiply. We have watched as the government of Israel has committed acts that three separate Palestinian human rights orgs and the United Nations have all called “genocide and incitement to commit genocide.” The world is praying for the return of the Israeli hostages taken by Hamas. We are praying for a ceasefire. And we are praying for the full freedom and flourishing of the Palestinian people to come. In that context, the Christian church stands poised to enter the season of Advent—a time when Christians remember the birth story of the brown, colonized Palestinian Jew from the West Bank, named Jesus. Dr. Mitri Raheb is with us today to bring us a word—from Bethlehem.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

www.mitriraheb.org

www.mitriraheb.org/en/pdf-list/publications

David Gushee: Defending Democracy from its Christian Enemies

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0000

This month we are joined by one of the foremost Christian ethicists in the world, Dr. David Gushee, Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University, and Chair of Christian Social Ethics at Vrije Universiteit (“Free University”) Amsterdam, and Senior Research Fellow, International Baptist Theological Study Centre and he is the author of several books, most recently, Defending Democracy from its Christian Enemies.

Dr. Gushee was invited to speak with us because, well—we need his wisdom and expertise right now. Not only is the Christian church a consistent foe of democracy in an age when democracy is at risk around the world and here at home—but also to hear his thoughts on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com

www.davidpgushee.com

www.davidpgushee.com/book/defending-democracy-from-its-christian-enemies

Robert P. Jones: The Hidden roots of White Supremacy and the Path to a Shared American Future

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0000

This month we are joined by Robert P Jones, President and Founder of Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) and the New York Times Best Selling author of several books, including: The End of White Christian America and White Too Long. Most recently, you might have heard the hubbub about his latest book,The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy and the Path to a Shared American Future.

We invited Robby to speak with us today, because Robert’s work with PRRI, coupled with his outstanding work as an historian and the homework he has done as a southern white man has the power to help understand our current moment and point the way forward toward the Beloved Community.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com/

www.prri.org/staff/robert-p-jones-ph-d

www.prri.org

www.amazon.com/Hidden-Roots-White-Supremacy-American/dp/166800951X/

Britney Whaley “Cop City”

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 17:25:20 -0000

This episode we are joined by Britney Whaley, South East Regional Director of the Working Families Party. There’s a lot to unpack, just when we mention the Working Families Party and we will get there. But the reason Britney was invited to join us is because she is a core organizer in the struggle to stop Cop City in Atlanta, GA.

We need to understand what is happening in Atlanta and its implications for the world we are building for the next generations.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com/

workingfamilies.org

www.copcityvote.com and @copcityvote on social

Tamice Spencer-Helms: Faith Unleavened

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 22:46:49 -0000

On this episode we are joined by Tamice Spencer-Helms, author of Faith Unleavened: The Wilderness Between Trayvon Martin and George Floyd and founder of Sub:Culture Incorporated, a nonprofit that provides holistic support and crisis relief for Black College Students.

We invited Tamice to speak with us about internalized oppression – the oppression of the self over the self. How to see that its present? How to acknowledge it? And How to break free?

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com/

www.faithunleavened.com

www.subcultureinc.org

Dr. Claire A. Nelson

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 16:08:46 -0000

On this episode, we are joined by Dr. Claire Nelson, Futurist, Sustainability Engineer, Social Entrepreneur, Storyteller, the Founding President of the Institute of Caribbean Studies, and the chief ideation leader of the Futures Forum.

We invited Dr. Nelson to speak with us because as we consider the question of Repair, it helps us to broaden our view to consider what it will take to grow Black voices in a just society.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com/

icsdc.org/founder___president

icsdc.org/home

Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes: Sacred Self-Care

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 21:44:51 -0000

On this episode, we are joined by Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes, theologian, psychologist, and author of Too Heavy a Yoke, Black Women and the Burden of Strength, and her newest work, a 49-day devotional titled, Sacred Self-Care: Daily Practices for Nurturing Our Whole Selves.

We invited Dr. Walker-Barnes to speak with us, because folk are tired for multiple reasons. The gig economy has folks working 2-3 jobs while climate change has folks running from forest fires while dodging tornadoes, trying to breath when you take your dog for a walk, and trying to survive record-breaking heat. And people of color, women, the LGBTQIA+ community and Transwomen in particular, are increasingly having to survive legislated attacks against our personhood.

***FLY will be streamable everywhere on September 22, 2023.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com/

www.drchanequa.com

www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/22647232

www.goodreads.com/book/show/125156825-sacred-self-care?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_64

Rev. Dr. Michael Nabors “Doing Reparation”

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 16:54:31 -0000

On this episode we are joined by Rev. Dr. Michael Nabors, Senior Pastor of the Historic Second Baptist Church of Evanston, IL. Recently, Second Baptist Church has become a leading faith center in America in facilitating Race Talk Solidarity Circles in local communities. Since 2019, Dr. Nabors has been part of the Steering Committee for Evanston Reparations, the first municipal reparations program in the United States, allocating 10 million dollars to Black Evanstonians to repair historical damages due to racism.

We invited Rev. Dr. Nabors to speak with us because the bulk of truth-telling and reparations work happening in the U.S. today is taking place on a local level. Dr. Nabors is doing that work. We need to know how his community is doing it, so that we can begin to engage the process in our own communities.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com/

www.secondbaptistevanston.org/pastor

www.cityofevanston.org/government/city-council/reparations

Dr. Terence Lester – All God’s Children

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 23:52:00 -0000

On this episode we are joined by Dr. Terence Lester, PhD, author of several books, including his most recent, All God’s Children: How Confronting Buried History Can Build Racial Solidarity.

We invited Terence to speak with us because his book, All God’s Children offers practical advice for the next generations of faith communities that understand in order to move forward, they have to look back.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com/

www.mahoganybooks.com/9781514005958

John Blake – More Than I Imagined

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 23:23:32 -0000

On this episode we are joined by John Blake, award winning journalist at CNN and author of the celebrated book, More Than I Imagined: What A Black Man Discovered About The White Mother He Never Knew.

We invited John to speak with us because – HIS STORY. OMG. And the way he tells it. OMG. You must know about it and you must read it.

www.threads.net/@lisasharper

www.threads.net/@freedomroad.us

freedomroad.substack.com/

www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/706045/more-than-i-imagined-by-john-blake/

Andre Henry

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0000

On this episode we are joined by Andre Henry, author of All the White Friends I Couldn’t Keep, cohost of the Hope and Hard Pills Podcast, local LA-based activist and singer/songwriter/producer. His work has been featured in The Nation, The New Yorker, New York’s Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C., and Super Bowl LVI.!

Andre was invited to speak with us because he understands joy! And he understands the power of the arts to bring hope and vision and health—and we need some of that. So, in these summer months, amid historic indictments, historic environmental hazards, political targeting of everyone who isn’t a white male...

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Tweet to Lisa @LisaSHarper or to Freedom Road @FREEDOMROADUS. We're also on Substack! So be sure to subscribe to The Truth Is... and Freedom Road. And, keep sharing the podcast with your friends and networks and letting us know what you think!

twitter.com/lisasharper

twitter.com/FreedomRoadus

lisasharonharper.substack.com/

freedomroad.substack.com/

hope-hard-pills.simplecast.com/

www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/673889/all-the-white-friends-i-couldnt-keep-by-andre-henry/

American Psychological Association Study: Racial discrimination and telomere shortening among African Americans: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study - psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fhea0000832

Rev. Gail Song Bantum

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 22:55:24 -0000

On this episode, we are joined by Rev. Gail Song Bantum, Lead Pastor of Quest Church, which recently voluntarily cut ties with its denomination—the Evangelical Covenant Church—because of its hard right turn on LGBTQIA+ inclusion.

Pastor Gail was invited to speak with us today, because she is an eye witness to a profound come-to-Jesus moment taking place right now inside of white evangelical denominations. She posted her letter to the denomination online. Lisa read it. We are going to talk about it.

twitter.com/lisasharper

twitter.com/FreedomRoadus

lisasharonharper.substack.com/

freedomroad.substack.com/

www.thebantumspace.com/gailbantum

seattlequest.org/

BONUS EPISODE: Lisa Sharon Harper on Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 01:04:02 -0000

This is a special presentation of an interview with Lisa Sharon Harper on TALKIN' POLITICS & RELIGION WITHOUT KILLIN' EACH OTHER. Here are the show notes on this episode from our friends at TP&R:

"In this conversation with renowned speaker, writer, activist and artist, Lisa Sharon Harper, we discuss Lisa's own genealogy, which she painstakingly researched for her 2022 book FORTUNE: How Race Broke My Family and the World and How to Repair It All, and how doing the work of genealogy is doing the work of history. We also got into some theology! In particular, we explored a profound reading of the first chapters of Genesis. Spoiler alert: I love when Lisa said, 'It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know this is not science!' The truths communicated in Genesis are much more profound than the reductionist reading of some of our young earth creationist friends. That leads us to explore the concept of TOV and TOV M'OD. And we went on to discuss what it will take to repair what race broke in the world."

www.democracygroup.org/shows/talkin-politics-religion

twitter.com/coreysnathan

twitter.com/lisasharper

twitter.com/FreedomRoadus

lisasharonharper.substack.com/

freedomroad.substack.com/

Rev. Carlos Rodriguez

Wed, 24 May 2023 14:39:04 -0000

On this episode, we are joined by Carlos Rodriguez, CEO of The Happy Givers and author of Simply Sonship, Drop the Stones and the upcoming book, Flip the Tables.

We invited Carlos to speak with us today, because he is one of the most dynamic speakers doing this work. His recent posts on Instagram have been captivating followers. He’s bringing the prophetic fire and we're here for it.

www.happynpo.com/

www.instagram.com/carloshappynpo/

twitter.com/lisasharper

twitter.com/FreedomRoadus

lisasharonharper.substack.com/

freedomroad.substack.com/

Transgender Lives Matter

Tue, 09 May 2023 16:18:00 -0000

On this episode, we’re going to talk about transgender identity and its weaponization within the American political arena. We’ve invited three people whose voices, lives and faith can shed light on a topic that has been intentionally obfuscated in the melee of political warfare.

Nicole Garcia, a queer transgender Latina, is currently the Faith Work Director for the National LGBTQ Task Force.

Carmarion D. Anderson-Harvey is a trans-identified woman who is the Alabama State Director within Human Rights Campaign’s Project One America. Carmarion is also currently serving as the National Co-Minister and South Region Coordinator for Trans Saints ministry of The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries.

Michael Vazquez, public theologian and policy wonk, is Founding Partner of The Maiden Group.

So, you can see we are set for the conversation we need to have on Freedom Road, for such a time as this.

twitter.com/lisasharper

twitter.com/FreedomRoadus

lisasharonharper.substack.com/

freedomroad.substack.com/

www.thetaskforce.org/

www.hrc.org/events/project-one-america

www.radicallyinclusive.org/

themaidengroup.co/

Ally Henny: I won’t shut up!

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 23:25:00 -0000

In this episode, we are joined by popular influencer, Ally Henny, Vice President of The Witness: A Black Christian Collective, and the author of I Won’t Shut Up: Finding Our Voice When the World Tries To Silence You.

Ally was invited to speak with us today, because in these days of terror and targeted violence against Black and Brown bodies we need a word from someone demonstrating her kind of courage.

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Tweet to Lisa @LisaSHarper or to Freedom Road @FREEDOMROADUS. We're also on Substack! So be sure to subscribe to The Truth Is... And, keep sharing the podcast with your friends and networks and letting us know what you think!

https://allyhenny.com/

https://thewitnessbcc.com/

https://allyhenny.com/books/

twitter.com/lisasharper

twitter.com/FreedomRoadus

lisasharonharper.substack.com/

Morgan Harper Nichols: You Are Only Just Beginning

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 20:56:00 -0000

In this episode, we are joined by popular poet and artist, Morgan Harper Nichols.

We invited Morgan to speak with us today, because her poetry and art are forces for healing in the world. And we need some healing right about now.

www.morganharpernicholsart.com

www.instagram.com/morganharpernichols

twitter.com/lisasharper

twitter.com/FreedomRoadus

lisasharonharper.substack.com/

Rev. Dr. Luke A. Powery on BECOMING HUMAN

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 16:51:46 -0000

On this episode, we are joined by Rev. Dr. Luke A. Powery, Dean of Duke University Chapel and associate professor of homiletics at Duke Divinity School. He is also the author of the new and celebrated book, Becoming Human: The Holy Spirit and the Rhetoric of Race.

We invited Dr. Powery to speak with us today, because we have been on a decolonizing journey this year. And the wisdom Dr. Powery drops in his book, Becoming Human, can help us on this journey.

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Tweet to Lisa @LisaSHarper or to Freedom Road at @FREEDOMROADUS. We're also on Substack! So be sure to subscribe to The Truth Is... And, keep sharing the podcast with your friends and networks and letting us know what you think!

www.amazon.com/Becoming-Human-Holy-Spirit-Rhetoric/dp/066426722X

twitter.com/lisasharper

twitter.com/FreedomRoadus

lisasharonharper.substack.com/

Christena Cleveland: I'm Too Sacred For This

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 07:01:00 -0000

On this episode, we are joined by Christena Cleveland, a social psychologist, public theologian, author, and activist. She is the founder and director of the Center for Justice + Renewal as well as its sister organization, Sacred Folk.

Christena has been on a living pilgrimage of transformation recently—the decolonizing pilgrimage. One of the products of this transformational journey was Christena’s awe-inspiring book, God is a Black Woman, which dropped onto bookstore shelves in February 2022. She’s also built a powerful Patreon community that is doing the work of decolonizing their faith and their minds.

This is the era we are in. It is time to decolonize our minds.

www.christenacleveland.com

www.justiceandrenewal.org

www.christenacleveland.com/god-is-a-black-woman

twitter.com/lisasharper

twitter.com/FreedomRoadus

lisasharonharper.substack.com/

A New Vision for Public Safety with Jamila Hodge (EJ-USA)

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 18:39:00 -0000

On this episode, we are joined by Jamila Hodge, executive director of Equal Justice USA (EJ-USA). Jamila brought 15 years of criminal justice experience as a prosecutor, policy advisor, and technical assistance provider to her role at EJ-USA when she joined the team as their new leader in 2021.

EJ-USA is a national organization that works to transform the justice system by promoting responses to violence that break cycles of trauma. EJ-USA works at the intersection of criminal justice, public health, and racial justice to elevate healing over retribution, meet the needs of survivors, advance racial equity, and build community safety.

In light of the proliferation of gun violence, police violence and the corresponding temptation to incarcerate our way out of this problem, "Jami" joined the conversation to help us dream of a new way to do public safety together.

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Folks can follow Freedom Road on Substack at freedomroad.substack.com. You can also Tweet @LisaSHarper or to Freedom Road at @FreedomRoadUS. And, keep sharing the podcast with your friends and networks and letting us know what you think!

ejusa.org

freedomroad.substack.com

twitter.com/lisasharper

twitter.com/FreedomRoadus

Candice Benbow and Church Girls

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 01:44:00 -0000

On this episode, we are joined by Candice Benbow: Author, Essayist, Public Theologian and Eductor. Candice is the creator of the Lemonade Syllabus, the author of Red Lip Theology, which launched to much acclaim earlier this year, and a regular contributor to Essence Magazine.

Candice was asked to join us for this conversation because as we enter 2023, this is a year deeply meaningful for people of African descent on U.S. soil. We commemorate several major milestones this year; the 160th anniversary of the Emancipation Declaration, the 60th anniversary of the Birmingham Children’s March, the 60th anniversary of the 4 little girls, and the March on Washington. Rarely do we center the women when commemorating the march toward freedom, but we have had a march of our own. And the work Candice is doing represents a critical Freedom March happening inside the Black community right now.

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Tweet @LisaSHarper or to Freedom Road at @FreedomRoadUS. And, keep sharing the podcast with your friends and networks and letting us know what you think!

candicebenbow.com/

www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/665375/red-lip-theology-by-candice-marie-benbow-foreword-by-melissa-harris-perry/

Dr. J. Robert Clinton’s book The Making of a Leader - www.goodreads.com/book/show/151739.The_Making_of_a_Leader

twitter.com/lisasharper

twitter.com/FreedomRoadus

Fox and Rob “Time”

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 02:45:39 -0000

On this episode we are joined by Sibil Fox and Rob Richardson, featured in the award-winning Amazon documentary, Time, which is now published as an incredible book that tells more of the story. Fox and Rob are a formerly incarcerated couple. Fox served 7 years and Rob did 21 years time behind bars in Angola prison in Louisiana. Lisa invited Fox and Rob on the program because they learned something about resilience, they learned something about our broken justice system, they learned something about grace—doing all that time.

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Tweet Lisa at @LisaSHarper or Freedom Road at @FREEDOMROADUS. And, keep sharing the podcast with your friends and networks and letting us know what you think!

www.amazon.com/Time-Fox-Rich/dp/B08J7DDGJY

foxandrob.com

twitter.com/lisasharper

twitter.com/FreedomRoadus

Michael Emerson and The Religion Of Whiteness

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 01:00:00 -0000

On this episode we are joined by Dr. Michael Emerson, renowned sociologist and Head of the Department of Sociology at University of Illinois, author of the landmark sociological study on evangelicals and race, Divided by Faith.

In the context of the rise of white Christian nationalism—and the shameless claiming of that moniker by a growing gaggle of politicians— we invited Dr. Emerson to Freedom Road, because Lisa was blown away by a talk that he gave based on his most recent study of the white evangelical religion. There are things that he and his team found that are both clarifying and really scary.

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Tweet Lisa @LisaSHarper or Freedom Road at @FREEDOMROADUS. And, keep sharing the podcast with your friends and networks and letting us know what you think!

www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/273885.Divided_by_Faith

twitter.com/lisasharper

twitter.com/FreedomRoadus

Voices of Lament with Natasha Sistrunk Robinson

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 11:00:00 -0000

This month we are joined by Natasha Sistrunk Robinson, T3 Leadership Solutions, founder and cochair of Leadership Links. Most noted for her book, A Sojourners Truth and Mentor for Life. Natasha’s latest project brought together a bunch of dynamic women writers to contribute to Voices of Lament: Reflections on Brokenness and Hope in a World Longing for Justice.

Natasha was invited to speak with us because Voices of Lament lifts the curtain to help us see past the white veneer of the evangelical church—to see its impact on women of faith—of color.

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Tweet to Lisa @LisaSHarper or to Freedom Road at @FREEDOMROADUS. And, keep sharing the podcast with your friends and networks and letting us know what you think!

Join us on a journey through the power and the practice of Faith-Rooted Organizing

www.t3leadershipsolutions.com

www.leadershiplinksinc.org/home

www.ivpress.com/a-sojourner-s-truth

www.natashasrobinson.com/voicesoflament

asistasjourney.com/2021/04/29/a-black-woman-at-war/#content

twitter.com/lisasharper

twitter.com/FreedomRoadus

freedomroad.us/downloads/the-power-and-practice-of-faith-rooted-organizing

Join the Resistance with Michelle Ferrigno Warren

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 02:21:00 -0000

This month we are joined by Michelle Ferrigno Warren, President and CEO of Virago Strategies, a consulting group that provides strategic direction and project management for civic engagement campaigns alongside communities affected by racial and economic injustice. Michelle's new book, JOIN THE RESISTANCE: STEP INTO THE GOOD WORK OF KINGDOM JUSTICE, offers a roadmap into the movement for so many of you who are looking around and saying how can I help make difference?

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Tweet Lisa @LisaSHarper or Freedom Road at @FREEDOMROADUS. And, keep sharing the podcast with your friends and networks and letting us know what you think!

https://michelleferrignowarren.com/

https://michelleferrignowarren.com/join-the-resistance/

https://twitter.com/lisasharper

https://twitter.com/FreedomRoadus

www.instagram.com/lisasharper/

Please join us at Justice Revival:

https://justicerevival.org/donate/

Buried Seeds with Alexia Salvatierra and Brandon Wrencher

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 21:54:00 -0000

This month we are in conversation with Rev. Dr. Alexia Salvatierra and Brandon Wrencher. Dr. Alexia, a national leader in faith engagement in immigrant justice for decades, is the dean of Centro Latino and associate professor of integral mission and global transformation at Fuller Theological Seminary. Brandon Wrencher is a minister, community organizer, teacher and facilitator whose work falls in the intersection of decolonizing church, contemplative activism and local presence to build beloved communities.

www.fuller.edu/centro-latino/

www.goodneighbormovement.org/leadership

www.instagram.com/goodneighbormovement/

twitter.com/lisasharper

www.instagram.com/lisasharper/

Kamal Bell - Dirt and Healing

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 17:28:57 -0000

This month Lisa Sharon Harper is joined by Kamal Bell, founding owner of Sankofa Farms. The goal of Sankofa Farms is to create a sustainable food source for ethnic minorities in both rural and urban areas located in Durham and Orange County, North Carolina. We invited Kamal to come speak with us because his work offers a way forward toward repair of what racial hierarchy broke in the world.

www.sankofafarmsllc.com/

www.instagram.com/sankofafarms/

twitter.com/lisasharper

www.instagram.com/lisasharper/

Robert Draper (The New York Times Magazine): The GOP's Anti-Democracy Experiment

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 15:39:00 -0000

This month we are joined by Robert Draper, New York Times Magazine political journalist to discuss his most recent article: “The Arizona Republican Party’s Anti-Democracy Experiment”. Apart from being a regular commentator on MSNBC, CNN and Washington Journal, among others, Draper is also the author of several books, including his most recent bombshell, To Start a War: How the Bush Administration Took America into Iraq (2000).

In Robert Draper's essay on the Arizona GOP’s Anti-Democracy Experiment, he goes under the hood and explains how it all happened. And given the fact that we are about a month away from one of the most consequential elections in American history, we had to get Robert’s take on how we understand what’s going down and the stakes for our nation.

www.nytimes.com/2022/08/15/magazine/arizona-republicans-democracy.html

twitter.com/DraperRobert

twitter.com/lisasharper

Featuring The FOUR: Ruby Sales

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 01:12:27 -0000

This month, we feature an episode from a new podcast featuring Freedom Road's Lisa Sharon Harper: The FOUR. You can check out other episodes of The FOUR at thefour.black.

Few have worked harder to cut and mend the ties between oppressor and oppressed than the one and only Ruby Nell Sales. The FOUR are honored to be joined by this iconic human rights activist, public theologian, and social critic.

Ms. Sales’ long fight for freedom began in the 1960s with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, SNCC, at Tuskegee University, as a student freedom fighter in Lowndes County, Alabama. And it nearly got her assassinated. Jonathan Daniels, a white freedom worker from Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, pulled Sales out of the line of fire. But Daniels was shot and killed. The assailant was acquitted by an all white jury.

Ms. Sales witnesses profound strength in the American Black family, including her own. But for too many people of African descent, family stories were buried as a strategy to conquer us, and that toll remains to this day. It’s something TheFour’s Lisa Sharon Harper has taken on, documenting this nation’s history through a richly researched 10 generations of her family story—Black, white and Native American—in her newest book, Fortune: How Race Broke My Family and the World and How to Repair It All. Like Harper’s family story, Mama Ruby calls for repair through truth-telling, reparation and a measure of forgiveness to cut the ties that still bind.

Featuring The FOUR: Kristin Kobes Du Mez

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 18:21:23 -0000

This month, we feature an episode from a new podcast featuring Freedom Road's Lisa Sharon Harper: The FOUR. You can check out other episodes of The FOUR at thefour.black.

Kristin Kobes Du Mez catapulted to the top of the best-seller list with her book, Jesus and John Wayne. A leading church historian, she joins The FOUR in a real eye-opener for the team. Kristin pulls back the curtain on conservative white evangelical America to give us a behind-the-scenes look at the white evangelical movement, what got us to January 6th, and where we may go next. In sum, at times The FOUR were left speechless.

This Here Flesh with Cole Arthur Riley

Sat, 04 Jun 2022 17:00:00 -0000

This month, Americans will pause to commemorate the day when the last enslaved African Americans were notified that they had been set free, on June 19, 1865 (two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation). In this context, Lisa Sharon Harper and Cole Arthur Riley (author of This Here Flesh, creator @BlackLiturgies on Instagram) reflect on the impact of 400 years of subjugation on Black flesh and Black souls. Listen as Cole taps into the spirituality of her father and grandmother to find the resilience needed for the next leg of the journey.

Funding Color

Wed, 04 May 2022 16:28:47 -0000

At a moment when our nation stands at one of the greatest transition points in its history, the work of faith leaders of color is critical, yet often goes underfunded--leaving leadership pipelines that lack capacity to maximize their gifts, apply their grassroots knowledge and scale innovative strategies that could bless us all. Click into this convo with movement leaders of color, grounded in their faith and visioning new ways to fund America's transformation! Listen in as Rev. Dr. Alexia Salvatierra (Academic Dean of Centro Latino, Fuller Seminary, alexiasalvatierra.com), Micky ScotBey Jones (The Justice Doula, mickyscottbeyjones.com) and Nikki Toyama-Szeto (Executive Director, Christians for Social Action, christiansforsocialaction.org) and host, Lisa Sharon Harper (president and founder, Freedom Road, https://freedomroad.us) dive into this timely and necessary conversation.

The Call for Radical Truth-Telling and Reparations

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 15:39:17 -0000

This month listen in as Lisa dives deep with two awe-inspiring leaders whose work is reshaping America. Dr. Ron Daniels is convenor of the National African American Reparations Commission and president of the Institute of the Black World 21st Century. Dr. Gail Christopher recently retired from her role as Senior Advisor and Vice President at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, where she was the driving force behind the foundation's Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation initiative. In concert these leaders are calling the nation to wade into the waters of radical truth-telling and reparations in the U.S.

Reverend Otis Moss III

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 04:29:59 -0000

Lisa Sharon Harper welcomes Rev. Otis Moss III, pastor of Chicago's historic Trinity United Church of Christ, and they discuss the twin passions for community advancement and social justice that are the foundations of his ministry

The Call to Soul Force with Michael-Ray Mathews

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 20:19:12 -0000

Listen in as Lisa talks with Michael-Ray Mathews (Deputy Director of Faith In Action, an international faith-rooted federation of community organizing networks). In the shadow of the 1/6 commemoration, Mathews says we all must go deeper. We must tap into the source that powered the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. King called it, “Soul Force.”

Fierce Love with Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 01:15:00 -0000

Join host Lisa Sharon Harper and the Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, senior minister of Middle Collegiate Church in New York City, as they talk about the world's need for Fierce Love today

We're Not Playing: A Vaccine Update with Dr. Nicolette Louissant

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 00:46:06 -0000

Join host Lisa Sharon Harper and Dr. Nicolette Louisssant, executive director of Healthcare Ready, as they sift through the fears and get to the facts about COVID-19 vaccination.

Race and Repair: In Conversation with Jen Hatmaker

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 01:27:56 -0000

At a time when white nationalism is threatening democracy, itself, join Lisa Sharon Harper and Jen Hatmaker (New York Times best selling author and host of the For The Love podcast) in this special deep dive between friends on what it will take to repair what race broke in the world. Listen in as Lisa shares some early lessons gleaned from her forthcoming book, Fortune: How Race Broke My Family And The World And How To Repair It All (due for release Feb 8, 2022, Brazos).

Bad Faith with Randall Balmer

Fri, 06 Aug 2021 18:20:36 -0000

Join host, Lisa Sharon Harper and Rev. Dr. Randall Balmer, author of Bad Faith: Race and the Rise of the Religious Right. In the past Balmer has gestured toward the connection between race and The Religious Right. In Bad Faith, Balmer draws a direct, straight line. His book and this mind-blowing conversation shine clege-lights on the relationship between the rise of the Civil Rights Movement and the Rise of the Religious Right. This episode is a must listen. Grab your pen and paper and take notes. The professor is in session!

Meet Gen Z

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 19:57:52 -0000

Listen in as host, Lisa Sharon Harper, dives deep with Gen Zers Joseph Baah (17 years old) Janelle Addison (13 years old) and Jazzlyn Addison (10 years old), on how they are processing the events and traumas of the past year. These American siblings are processing the changes and struggles and they are ready to speak on what it means to be an American, they're hopes for society 20 years from now, education justice and the Supreme Court verdict on the Voting Rights Act, which had not yet been issued as of the time of this recording.

The Equal Rights Amendment

Fri, 07 May 2021 17:47:43 -0000

Join host, Lisa Sharon Harper and her guest Allyson McKinney Timm, founder and Executive Director at Justice Revival, as they discuss the history - and the future - of the Equal Rights Amendment

Who Stole My Bible?

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 14:17:12 -0000

On January 6th, White Christian Nationalists stormed the U.S. Capitol and revealed the breadth and depth of the distortion of Christianity in the U.S.. Listen in as host, Lisa Sharon Harper, Rev. Jennifer Butler, author of Who Stole My Bible?: Reclaiming Scripture as a Handbook for Resisting Tyranny, and South African public theologian, Rev. Rene’ August, lean deeper into our sacred texts in a way that shines light on the path forward to meet our challenges today.

Anti-Semitism: Rabbi Sharon Brous and Rabbi Jill Jacobs

Sat, 06 Mar 2021 00:05:00 -0000

This month marks the 88th Anniversary of the opening of the very first Nazi concentration camp in the small town of Dachau. For five years the neo-Nazi movement in the U.S. gained ground during the 2016 Election cycle and under the Trump administration. On January 6, 2021, when white nationalists attempted an insurrection, Nazi language was scrawled across t-shirts and on banners. Marginalized communities across the country were stunned by what we saw. Given Jews' serial experience of expulsion and genocide, it is arguable that no group felt more of an existential threat on that day.

Join host, Lisa Sharon Harper and guests, Rabbi Sharon Brous (IKAR) and Rabbi Jill Jacobs (T'ruah) as they engage in this transparent, vulnerable, mind-blowing conversation that leans into critical questions that we all must understand in this current moment: What is anti-Semitism? What are its roots? How do we recognize it when it is in the room? And what can we do about it?

Where Do We Go From Here? Reflections on Dr. Martin Luther King's final book with Dr. Drew Hart

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 17:00:19 -0000

The world recently watched white nationalists scale the walls of the US Capitol Building to attempt an insurrection; killing 6 people, including 3 police officers. The world watched as 147 GOP members of Congress affirmed the lie that fueled the insurrection. The world watched as scores of GOP Senators voted not to even hear the evidence against the one man most responsible for the violence and the lies. Where do we go from here?

Writing months before his passing, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr tells us exactly what happened on January 6, 2021 as he charts the path for America’s reformation. Listen in as host, Lisa Sharon Harper, and guest, Dr. Drew Hart, launch a six-week national study of Dr. King's book, Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?, in this special episode of Freedom Road Podcast.

For a deeper dive, join the National Book Study here: https://freedomroad.us/downloads/national-book-study-where-do-we-go-from-here-by-rev-dr-martin-luther-king/

Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 06:00:00 -0000

In the final dark days of 2020, six presidents of Southern Baptist Seminaries issued publicly condemned Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality; forbidding the subjects from being taught at their institutions. Join host Lisa Sharon Harper on Freedom Road with special guests: Dr. Ange-Marie Hancock Alfaro (Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality scholar), Marlena Graves (evangelical scholar and activist), Dr. Drew Hart (professor of Theology, Race and Justice), Dr. Dennis Edwards (Pastor and New Testament scholar), Dr. Chris Williamson (Pastor of a multi-racial church in Nashville, TN and author). Dive deep, lean in and listen as these evangelical scholars and leaders of color set the record straight.

Without Oars with Wes Granberg-Michaelson

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 18:00:08 -0000

Cast out in a boat without oars with host, Lisa Sharon Harper, and special guest, Wes Granberg Michaelson, author of Without Oars: Casting Off Into a Life of Pilgrimage. In our post-Trump America it is clear that white Americans are experiencing a major shake-up—especially white men. Something more is needed to address the questions of the white soul. Wes’s new book, Without Oars, might just point the way toward the transformation we need to embrace a new future for our nation and for the Church.

Brian McLaren: On White Men—After Trump

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 00:47:04 -0000

Brian McLaren (author, speaker, activist) thinks outside of the box. He’s a true prophet who decodes the current moment and casts vision for what’s coming. Join host, Lisa Sharon Harper, and Brian McLaren as they dive deep on the state of white men in the post-Trump era--and what spiritual re-formation will require of them in this shifting age.

National Town Hall on Evangelical Faith and Politics

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 17:14:45 -0000

This fall Evangelicals launched an honest, raw conversation about our values for integrity and leadership. We decided this conversation was too good and the stakes are too high not to share with our podcast audience! We asked this core question: In our churches, are the principles of our faith guiding our politics? OR Is our politics guiding our principles?

Join Lisa Sharon Harper as she hosts Rev. Dr. Alexia Salvatierra (Assistant Professor, Fuller Seminary), Kyle J. Howard (Theologian and trauma-informed soul-care specialist), Justin Adour (Lead Pastor at Redeemer East Harlem) and Andrea Lucado (Author and Journalist) in this National Town Hall on Evagelical Faith and Politics.

Public Safety Town Hall: Dreaming Another Way

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 20:48:01 -0000

Interfaith leaders came together in the wake of the death of Mr. George Floyd by officers who knelt on his neck and body as he pled with them, “I can’t breathe!” In the weeks before and since Mr. Floyd’s death, multiple other black men, women and children have been killed by police. Listen as 14 of the most prolific and prophetic faith leaders in our nation engage the National Town Hall on Policing and Law Enforcement.

Featuring:

Host, Lisa Sharon Harper, Freedom Road

Rabbi Sharon Brous, IKAR- Los Angeles

Valarie Kaur, Revolutionary Love Project

Bishop Yvette Flunder, Fellowship of Affirming Ministries

Stosh Cotler, Bend the Arc

Bishop Darren Ferguson, Healing Communities USA

Shane Claiborne, Red Letter Christians

Sister Simone Campbell, NETWORK Lobby

Jim Wallis, Sojourners

Rev. Dr. Leroy Barber, The Voices Project

Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, Trinity United Church of Christ

Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, The Poor People’s Campaign

Rev. Aundreia Alexander, National Council of Churches

Rev. Adam Taylor, Sojourners

Co-sponsored by Freedom Road, LLC and Faith in Public Life

The Poor People's Campaign

Sat, 18 Jul 2020 21:33:16 -0000

In the context of the most divided nation since the 1960’s millions of Americans came together online for The Mass Poor People’s Assembly and Moral March on Washington. Join host, Lisa Sharon Harper, in conversation with three leading voices of The Poor People’s Campaign: Rev. Liz Theoharis (Co-Chair), Yara Allen (Director of Theomusicology) and Callie Greer (Impacted Anti-Poverty Activist). Three powerful women of the Campaign give us the story behind the story of Poverty in America.

Disability and its Intersections with Everything

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 18:19:35 -0000

In this raw, honest, beautiful episode host, Lisa Sharon Harper, is joined by three guests, all of whom have intersections with the issue of disability. Shannon Dingle, Lisa Anderson, Amy Kenny and Lisa engage a rare kind of conversation--the kind that changes them in rare time, as we listen in. See the world through the eyes of these three disabled women. Be inspired and be changed forever.

LGBTQ+ Inclusion and Exclusion in the Church

Wed, 06 May 2020 14:59:20 -0000

Much like the issue of slavery in the early 19th century, the issue of LGBTQ inclusion is splitting denominations across the United States. On opposite sides of the fault-line are those calling for inclusion and those engaging processes and crafting policies that exclude LGBTQ+ people from various levels of membership and leadership. Churches usually avoid this conversation, because the stakes are so high and the outcomes so painful.

This month Freedom Road Podcast, Activist Theology Podcast and Red Letter Christians leverage the power of story to engage this fraught conversation together. Join Lisa Sharon Harper, Dr. Robyn Henderson-Espinoza and Shane Claiborne as they wade through the troubled waters of this sensitive, necessary and timely conversation; charting a way to the other side with raw honesty and grace.

Whiteness and Womanhood with Pantsuit Politics

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 04:24:00 -0000

Join host, Lisa Sharon Harper, in conversation with the women of the Pantsuit Politics Podcast, Beth Silvers and Sarah Stewart Holland. On this collaborative extended episode, released on both platforms, listen in as Lisa, Beth and Sarah talk COVID-19, sci-fi movies, canaries in mines and wrestle over one hard question: What will alliance with women of color require of White women in 2020? Be prepared to hear all of the things that need to be said. The times we are living in require it.

It’s Time to Talk about Abortion and Reproductive Justice

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 18:29:28 -0000

The issue of abortion has the level of power it does in our nation because we never talk about it. So, we’re going to talk about it. Listen in as host, Lisa Sharon Harper, is joined by Rev. Susan Chorley (Exhale), Rev. Shekinah Hamlin (Christian Church Disciples of Christ) and Andrea Lucado (evangelical journalist) to talk about Abortion and Reproductive Justice. This is a #mustlisten conversation.

Otis Moss III: The Power of Pilgrimage and Legacy

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 02:41:59 -0000

Listen in on this powerful conversation between Lisa Sharon Harper (host) and Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III (Lead Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ). The two dive deep on the power of pilgrimage and legacy. As the son of a Civil Rights hero, Moss shares how pilgrimage helped him understand his father better and himself as a man of African descent in the US.

Power and Solidarity

Sun, 12 Jan 2020 23:57:27 -0000

Join host, Lisa Sharon Harper, and guest Belinda Bauman as they go off-script and dig deep in this vulnerable and raw conversation about the relationship between power and solidarity. #silenceisnotspiritual #solidaritysunday

Larycia Hawkins and Linda Midgett: Embodied Solidarity and #SameGodFilm

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 23:54:07 -0000

Advent is about God's embodied solidarity with humanity. In December 2015 Dr. Larycia Hawkins, political science prof at Wheaton College in Illinois placed a hijab on her head, took a picture and posted a message on Facebook in solidarity with Muslim women who were being targeted and forced to take off their hijabs in public spaces within democracies around the world. Standing in embodied solidarity with Muslim women as her Advent practice, Dr. Hawkins lost her job and became the target of white patriarchal evangelicalism. Join host, Lisa Sharon Harper, as she examines the intersectional oppressions of race, gender and religion with Dr. Hawkins and the Emmy Award Winning filmmaker who documented Hawkins's story, Linda Midgett, director of "Same God."

Want to see #SameGodFilm? Please tag @PBS in your region and @Netflix and ask them to carry #SameGodFilm! And don't forget to use the hashtag #embodiedsolidarity.

Ruth Ana Buffalo and the Stories the Land Tells

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 22:15:01 -0000

This month on Freedom Road Podcast join host, Lisa Sharon Harper, and special guest State Representative Ruth Anna Buffalo--the first Native American woman Democrat elected to North Dakota's State Assembly. In honor of Native American History Month, the two recount stories from their recent pilgrimage through the stories of Buffalo's people, the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation on the Fort Berthold Reservation. They consider the stories the land tells about historic and current violence and resilience in Native America.

#1619FamilyFaithFuture

Fri, 11 Oct 2019 20:14:04 -0000

2019 marked the 400th year since Africans first stepped foot on North American shores. Antony and Isabela (their given slave names) were brought from Angola aboard a Portuguese slave ship bound for Mexico. The White Lion, an English warship, pirated the Portuguese ship and stole its human cargo. The first “20 and odd” Africans brought to this land in chains stepped off the White Lion in the year of our Lord 1619. Antony and Isabela were among them. They were traded for food by residents of Jamestown. Bought by Captain Tucker, they eventually found each other and fell in love. They bore the very first African-American in 1624–William Tucker.

This month join host, Lisa Sharon Harper, and her guests Vincent Tucker (Direct descent of Antony and Isabela) and Angelique Walker-Smith (Pan-African and Orthodox Church Engagement, Bread for the World). Learn about life for the first African Americans and consider the path toward America’s healing over the next 400 years.

On Freedom Road: The Fruits of U.S. Exploitation of Immigrant Labor - Migrant Workers and Detention

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 19:43:46 -0000

In this second episode of the Freedom Road Podcast two-part series on Immigration, Exploitation and Labor in the U.S. join host, Lisa Sharon Harper, and company as they travel from The Alamo to the Borderlands; shining light on America's labor system--a system perpetually dependent on the no-cost and low-cost labor of black and brown immigrant labor.

On Freedom Road: The Roots of U.S. Exploitation of Immigrant Labor - Slavery and Peonage

Wed, 03 Jul 2019 14:41:00 -0000

Over the next two episodes pilgrimage with us on Freedom Road Podcast as we stand on the land where whips cracked backs to bleed more work from black and brown bodies. Stand with us in a literal valley of dry bones—a mass grave filled with the bodies of men and boys swept up in the post-antebellum terror of peonage. Sit with us as we speak with a descendant of America’s Bracero program and faith leaders pushing back against the exploitation of asylum seekers in America’s detention system today.

Host, Lisa Sharon Harper, and Sandy Ovalle (Immigration Campaign Manager at Sojourners) are on pilgrimage from the Whitney Plantation in Louisiana to a mass grave in Sugar Land outside Houston, Texas to the Alamo in San Antonio to the borderlands of McAllen, Texas where they cross the border into Mexico.

This episode features guests:

Ashley Rogers, Executive Director of Whitney Plantation

Dr. Ibrahima Seck, Director of Research of Whitney Plantation

Reginald Moore, Founder of the Sugar Land Convict Leasing and Labor ProjectLiz Peterson, Board Member of the Sugar Land Convict Leasing and Labor Project

Suzzette Montgomery, Communications Director of the Sugar Land Convict Leasing and Labor Project

Click here to find out how you can join us on a Freedom Road Pilgrimage.(Hyperlink to: https://freedomroad.us/what-we-do/freedom-road-pilgrimages/ )

Join us next month for the second half of our pilgrimage into the fruits of American exploitation of immigrant labor.

#AddictionNation

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 16:23:26 -0000

Join host, Lisa Sharon Harper, and Timothy McMahan King (author of Addiction Nation, slated for release June 11) for a profound conversation about King's battle with addiction and what it taught him about the soul of America. This is a #mustlisten, #musttakenotes, then #mustshare episode.

#ChurchClarity

Wed, 08 May 2019 16:12:44 -0000

Throughout the 19th century nearly every protestant denomination in the U.S. split over disagreements on the institution of slavery. Not since then have we witnessed such tectonic fissures in the body of Christ. In the 21st century, the issue is LGBTQ inclusion. Nearly every denomination in the U.S. has or is experiencing the tension. In this moment of profound division many churches are tempted to obscure their views and policies in an effort to hold divided parties together. The creators of Church Clarity believe clarity is just--and can lead to healing.

Join host Lisa Sharon Harper and the creators of the Church Clarity initiative, George Mekhail and Sarah Ngu, for an honest, raw conversation full of ah-has.

#1903 - Ruby Sales: Lessons from the Southern Freedom Movement for Right Now

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 22:21:10 -0000

Momma Ruby Sales is back. As the nation commemorates the life and death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and the invaluable contributions of the Civil Rights Movement, listen in and grab your pen and paper to take notes as Ruby Sales (SNCC activist and celebrated theologian) shares the pearls of wisdom she gleaned from the Southern Freedom Movement.

HER-stories from the #RubyWooPilgrimage

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 02:03:45 -0000

This month on Freedom Road, Lisa Sharon Harper, celebrates Women’s History Month with four women of the Ruby Woo Pilgrimage! Listen in as Meighan Stone (Council on Foreign Relations, Indivisible and former president of The Malala Fund), Andrea Ackerman and Melissa O’Keefe (Christ City Church DC) and Barbara Noe Kennedy (Travel Writer) reflect on the wisdom they gleaned from our nation’s foremothers‘ intersectional struggle for equality. This isn’t just history. This is straight up wisdom for right now.

Ruby Sales BONUS - #BlacknessandHistory

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 20:42:16 -0000

Peek behind the scenes of our #BlacknessandHistory episode with Ruby Sales (SNCC, SpiritHouse Project) with this bonus mini-episode! Listen in as Auntie Ruby and, host, Lisa Sharon Harper, rap the session. Their taped conversation was so electric that it kept going after the mics were turned off--only they weren't turned off! Sound engineer, David Dault, who also joins the conversation, captured lightening in a bottle.

#1901 - Blackness and History

Tue, 05 Feb 2019 17:05:01 -0000

Have you ever had one of those moments when it feels like everyone that experienced it just lived for a split second in another realm? We have. While recording this episode.

This conversation on #BlacknessandHistory between host, Lisa Sharon Harper, and Civil Rights Movement veteran, Ruby Nell Sales (SNCC organizer, celebrated theologian and founder of The SpiritHouse Project), hits new levels of deep within the first few minutes—and they keep drilling down.

More than an interview, this is a transcendent exchange—between an elder and a generation. Listen in as Sales and Harper go in on: Southern Black excellence, intersectional identities, respectability politics, the white imagination of blackness, internalized white patriarchy, beloved community, reparations and humility.

Do not miss this.

For your convenience and because it is that important, we’ve transcribed this episode to help you follow along and take notes. We’ve also provided links to certain terms and names to help you milk this convo for all it’s worth.

Finally, this moment was so special that Harper and Sales kept going for 20 mins after the episode wrapped. We got it on tape! Watch for that bonus episode later this month!

#1812 - Justice Agenda 2019

Tue, 08 Jan 2019 05:49:05 -0000

Join host, Lisa Sharon Harper, in this mind-blowing conversation with East Harlem pastor and author Jose Humphreys, indigenous scholar Dr. Randy Woodley, South African activist Rene' August and white Evangelical consultant Alexei Laushkin. Run and get pen and paper and #takenotes as these four Freedom Road Consultants consider the nature of justice, what justice will require of the church and share their #JusticeAgenda2019!

#1811 - The Power of Art

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 00:05:32 -0000

Host Lisa Sharon Harper welcomes guests Waltrina Middleton, Amena Brown, and Catherine Sherman to discuss how art and justice can work together

#1810 - The Call to Lament and Repent

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 06:33:10 -0000

What responsibility does the church (particularly the Evangelical church) bare for the state of US public life? In this episode Lisa Sharon Harper sits down for a timely reunion with her coauthors of the book, Forgive Us: Confessions of a Compromised Faith. Join Lisa as she explores the possibility of national healing through the lament and repentance of the church with guests Soong-Chan Rah, Mae Cannon, Troy Jackson.

#1809 - The Pain of the Patriarchy

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 20:55:41 -0000

Join us as Lisa Sharon Harper digs deep into the Pain of Patriarchy with Susan Sharkey (visual artist, #metoo⁠ ⁠/church abuse survivor) and Emily Joy (poet and co-creator of #Churchtoo).

#1808 - #SCOTUSpick - Voting Rights and the Supreme Court

Sat, 01 Sep 2018 18:12:27 -0000

Guests Rev. Dr. William Barber and Anisha Singh join host Lisa Sharon Harper to discuss the troubled history of Supreme Court nominations and their effects on the last half century of American struggles for justice.

#1807 - #BlackMensMagic

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 15:11:36 -0000

Lisa Sharon Harper talks #BlackMensMagic with prolific theologian and ethicist, Dr. Reggie Williams (author of Bonhoeffer's Black Jesus). Listen in as Harper and Williams talk Black Panther, Black men fathering Black boys--and girls, decolonizing theological education and who we really are! Grab your pen and paper. You will definitely want to take notes. And this one is one to share and talk about with your friends and communities.

#1806 - Being Latina

Sun, 01 Jul 2018 17:01:00 -0000

This month on Freedom Road, in the long shadow of heinous immigration policy, we are taking a breath and hitting pause on the cray-cray to celebrate the magic, the wisdom and the strength of Latina dragon-slayers! Come listen in as fierce theologian Elizabeth Conde-Frazier, organizer Alexia Salvatierra, community developer Lisa Trevino Cumins and advocate Jessica Cobian share with host, Lisa Sharon Harper, and all of us what they have learned about the world and how to thrive in it by #BeingLatina!

#1805 - Black Girl Magic

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 23:52:39 -0000

This month listen in and "Listen up!" as Lisa Sharon Harper offers this extended convo on #BlackGirlMagic! Rev. Traci Blackmon, United Church of Church Executive Minister of Justice and Local Ministries; Rev. Leslie Copeland-Tune, Director of Ecumenical Advocacy Days; and Rev. Sekinah Hamlin, Director of Faith Affairs at the Center for Responsible Lending join the panel.

#1804 - Poverty is Personal

Tue, 01 May 2018 20:07:51 -0000

This month host Lisa Sharon Harper is joined by guests, Ciara Taylor (Dream Defenders and The Poor People's Campaign), Sister Simone Campbell (Network Lobby), and Rev. Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith (Bread for the World). Four diverse women shine light on this thing we call poverty. Listen as they share their own connections to poverty and wrestle with critical questions: What is poverty? What are its roots in the U.S.? Who is impacted? And how do we end it?

#1803 - MLK50 and Lessons from The Movement

Mon, 02 Apr 2018 15:15:44 -0000

In Episode 3, host Lisa Sharon Harper mines stories and lessons from and for The Movement from very special guests, Rev. C.T. Vivian (Lieutenant of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, JR who coordinated The Civil Rights Movement nationwide) and Sam Fulwood III (Columnist at ThinkProgress at Center for American Progress). #FreedomRoadPodcast

#1802 - Immigration, DACA, and the Dreamers

Thu, 01 Mar 2018 19:48:47 -0000

Our host Lisa Sharon Harper welcomes Philip Wolgin of Center for American Progress, Jenny Yang of World Relief, and Gabriel Salguero of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, to discuss the current crisis in US immigration policy

#1801 - #MeToo, #ChurchToo, #SilenceIsNotSpiritual

Thu, 01 Feb 2018 21:54:24 -0000

Lisa Sharon Harper welcomes LaShawn Warren of Center for American Progress, Nikki Toyama-Szeto of Evangelicals for Social Action, and Belinda Bauman of Together International and One million Thumbprints, to speak about #MeToo and #SilenceIsNotSpiritual