Episode 217: Jemar Tisby

In this episode, Jemar Tisby takes us through the rich history of Black Christians fighting for justice in America. From Phillis Wheatley's powerful poetry to the legal strategy that toppled Jim Crow, Tisby highlights how the "spirit of justice" has driven Black Christians to resist oppression and work towards greater freedom. He emphasizes the crucial distinction between "slaveholder Christianity" and the true Christianity of Christ, which compels us to love our neighbor. Tisby stresses the importance of maintaining a "smoke detector" mentality - staying vigilantly engaged in the ongoing struggle for justice. Ultimately, Tisby's message is one of hope and inspiration. By studying the stories of those who've gone before, we can tap into that same spirit of justice and keep moving the needle towards a more righteous and equitable society.

Jemar Tisby is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the Church's Complicity in Racism, How to Fight Racism, How to Fight Racism: Young Reader's Edition, and his latest The Spirit of Justice. He is also a Professor of History at Simmons College of Kentucky in Louisville. Jemar has been a co-host of the "Pass the Mic" podcast since its inception seven years ago. His writing has been featured in the Washington Post, The Atlantic, and the New York Times among others. He is a frequent commentator on outlets such as NPR and CNN's New Day program. He speaks nationwide on the topics of racial justice, U.S. history and Christianity. Jemar earned his PhD in history and he studies race, religion, and social movements in the 20th century. You can follow his work through his newsletter, Footnotes, and on social media at @JemarTisby.

Jemar's Book:
The Spirit of Justice

Jemar's Recommendation:
Disarming Leviathan