At Tulsa massacre’s centennial, two Oklahoma churches focus on racial unity
‘When we’re segregated … then how can we look like Christ?’ one minister asks. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — At the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, two preachers — one Black, one White — stand on stage at a suburban church. They face each other, hold hands and bow their heads. “Help us, Father, to learn to erase the … Continue reading At Tulsa massacre’s centennial, two Oklahoma churches focus on racial unity
Christian faith drives two leading advocates of Tulsa Race Massacre justice
Rep. Regina Goodwin and Sen. Kevin Matthews both attend the same predominantly Black congregation, near where the 1921 mob violence occurred. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle TULSA, Okla. — Two weeks after her 107th birthday, Viola Fletcher traveled to Washington, D.C., this month to tell a congressional subcommittee what happened to her as a little girl. Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the Tulsa … Continue reading Christian faith drives two leading advocates of Tulsa Race Massacre justice
Tulsa Race Massacre prayer room highlights churches’ 1921 sins, seeks healing
By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged TULSA, Okla. — The words on the wall are jarring. They are filled with racist language and victim blaming. Worst of all, they are taken from the mouths of professed men of God — from sermons preached on the Sunday after the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. “I got emotional about some of the things that I did not know,” … Continue reading Tulsa Race Massacre prayer room highlights churches’ 1921 sins, seeks healing
As daughter graduates, just one request
After a year away because of the pandemic, history major returns to campus. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MALIBU, Calif. — My 21-year-old daughter, Kendall, and I are driving through a dark tunnel on a twisty canyon road when a perfect dad joke hits me. At just the right moment, as the sun beams up ahead, I try out my bit of humor. … Continue reading As daughter graduates, just one request
Mourning two amazing people and journalists: Rachel Zoll and Amy Raymond
By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” features analysis, fact checking and top headlines from the world of faith. Subscribe now to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. In 31 years of full-time journalism, I’ve been blessed to work with some incredible people. The world lost two of the best this past week. Rachel … Continue reading Mourning two amazing people and journalists: Rachel Zoll and Amy Raymond
In city where George Floyd died, minister emerges as key champion for justice
Russell A. Pointer Sr. thanks God for Derek Chauvin’s murder conviction but says the struggle goes on. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MINNEAPOLIS — To Russell A. Pointer Sr., feeding hungry neighbors is biblical. So, too, is fighting for justice. The 56-year-old preacher might not be a household name in this Midwestern city of 435,000. But to prominent leaders from Minnesota Gov. Tim … Continue reading In city where George Floyd died, minister emerges as key champion for justice
A tragic death, a tough dialogue
‘Why are you even talking about it?’ some Christians ask in the year after George Floyd’s killing. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle WOODBURY, Minn. — A year ago, George Floyd’s killing sparked outrage around the world. At the Woodbury Church of Christ, a predominantly White congregation about 20 miles east of Minneapolis, the Black man’s death under a police officer’s knee provoked difficult conversations. Some church … Continue reading A tragic death, a tough dialogue
‘I prayed that God’s justice … would prevail’
After ex-officer’s conviction in George Floyd’s killing, Jerry Taylor reflects on police reform, spiritual activism and peacemaking. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle As former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted on all counts in George Floyd’s killing, millions of Americans watched on live television. Jerry Taylor, founding director of the Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action at Abilene Christian University in Texas, was not … Continue reading ‘I prayed that God’s justice … would prevail’
Bobby Ross Jr.’s bombing, racial justice, tornado stories honored for outstanding journalism
My 2020 stories on topics such as the Oklahoma City bombing anniversary, racial justice protests and faith-based disaster relief have earned recognition in three regional and national journalism contests. • • • Great Plains Journalism Awards, an eight-state regional contest sponsored by the Tulsa Press Club Finalist, Great Plains Writer of the Year, for a portfolio of stories for The Oklahoman, The Associated Press and … Continue reading Bobby Ross Jr.’s bombing, racial justice, tornado stories honored for outstanding journalism
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 