Speak to my Heart Communities of Faith and Contemporary African American Life. Anacostia Museum and Center for African American History and Culture
TOUR

"To bring good news to the afflicted . . . to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, and freedom to prisoners . . . ."

Isaiah 61:1-2 New American Standard Bible

Over the past few decades, public agencies have been burdened by the demand for and cost of social services. African American churches have stepped in to heal the wounds of poverty, despair, and illiteracy.

A student at Clara Muhammad School studies not only language skills but how to live out her faith.

Through outreach ministries and programs, churches meet people, whether or not they are members, on their own ground. Outreach ministries seek to satisfy short-term needs, provide long-term assistance, and move people from dependency toward independence and full control of their lives.

The black church's concern includes both body and soul.