What is Black Liberation Theology anyway? Barack Obama's former
pastor, Jeremiah Wright catapulted black liberation theology
onto a national stage, when America discovered Trinity United
Church of Christ. Understanding the background of the movement
might give better clarity into Wright's recent vitriolic
preaching. A clear definition of black theology was first given
formulation in 1969 by the National Committee of Black Church
Men in the midst of the civil-rights movement: Black theology is
a theology of black liberation. It seeks to plumb the black
condition in the light of God's revelation in Jesus Christ, so
that the black community can see that the gospel is commensurate
with the achievements of black humanity. Black theology is a
theology of 'blackness.' It is the affirmation of black humanity
that emancipates black people from White racism, thus providing
authentic freedom for both white and black people. It affirms
the humanity of white people in that it says 'No' to the
encroachment of white oppress