Home > African American Religious Affairs

African American Religious Affairs

The African American Religious Affairs division (AARA) is a joint project of People For the American Way and People For the American Way Foundation created to mobilize and support progressive activism in African American congregations and communities. AARA works primarily through two programs — People For Foundation’s 501(c)(3) nonpartisan African American Ministers Leadership Council (AAMLC) and People For’s 501 (c)(4) African American Ministers in Action. Ministers organize around five core issues central to African Americans: civic participation, economic justice, equal justice, health care, and public education.

African American Ministers Leadership Council

African American Ministers Leadership Council (AAMLC) is a non partisan network of ministers working to build the beloved community. AAMLC is empowering communities through voter registration and civic participation programs, and by building public support and political momentum for stronger public schools.

We celebrate the historical role of the Black Church as a place of refuge and a source of strength in the midst of oppression. We believe that our churches are called to be the center of caring and action, and that religious leaders are called to lead by example. We respond to the call by giving pastors and lay leaders tools and access to mutual support for strengthening congregational and community participation in civic life.

AAMLC, a 501(c)(3) project of People For Foundation, is dedicating resources to strengthen existing relationships and expand the network of ministers and congregations actively involved in the Foundation's work.

African American Ministers In Action

African American Ministers In Action (AAMIA) is a network of progressive ministers dedicated to influencing the political agenda on a local, state, and national level in five key areas: civic engagement, economic justice, equal justice, public education, and health care.

We embrace the Black Church's historical witness by speaking truth to power. We reject cynical strategies that would use the moral authority of the Black Church to build power for political leaders pursuing an agenda that will further enrich the most fortunate and further impoverish the most disadvantaged. Together we raise our voices in pursuit of the broad justice vision championed by Martin Luther King, Jr. We advocate for public policies that support our vision, including advocacy for and against specific local, state and federal legislation.

AAMIA is a 501(c)(4) project of People For the American Way and we are dedicated to strengthening existing relationships and expand the network of ministers and congregations actively involved in People For’s work.

Contact the staff of AARA at ContactMIAMLC@pfaw.org.