Albert Cleage Jr. and the Black Madonna and Child

This collection examines the legacy of Albert B. Cleage Jr. and the Black Madonna, exploring its impact on black identity and theology.

In Albert Cleage Jr. and the Black Madonna and Child, a diverse group of black religious scholars and pastors come together to explore the profound legacy left by Albert B. Cleage Jr. Their expertise spans various fields including theology, ethics, and the psychology of religion, making their insights particularly rich and varied. The discussions delve into the significance of the Black Madonna and child, examining how this powerful symbol has shaped contemporary understandings of black womanhood and motherhood. Through their contributions, the authors shed light on the intersection of faith and identity within the black community.

The book commemorates a pivotal moment in religious history: Easter Sunday, 2017, marked the fiftieth anniversary of Cleage's unveiling of a mural depicting the Black Madonna and child in his Detroit church. This mural represented a radical shift in theological thought, helping to ignite the Black Christian Nationalism movement and influencing the broader Black Power movement in the United States. The authors reflect on the enduring impact of this act, questioning how Cleage's emphasis on the literal blackness of Jesus continues to resonate today.

Moreover, the contributors address critical questions regarding the legacy of Cleage's theology, particularly its influence on Christian education, Africana pastoral theology, and the Black Arts Movement. By engaging with these themes, Albert Cleage Jr. and the Black Madonna and Child offers a comprehensive exploration of how religious symbols and ideas can shape cultural narratives and community identities.