National Black Church Leaders Launch “Substance Over Symbolism” Campaign Ahead of September 17 Rally

The Black Church Center for Justice & Equality, a coalition of historically Black denominations, has launched the “Substance Over Symbolism” campaign, signaling a shift in focus from symbolic gestures to tangible policy solutions. The initiative, which includes the launch of SOSforAmerica.org, aims to address the economic needs of the American people by demanding concrete action from policymakers. The campaign is set to culminate in a rally on September 17, where Black pastors and congregations will gather outside the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters and the offices of Third Way.

Dr. Delman Coates, founder of the Black Church Center for Justice & Equality and senior pastor of Mt. Ennon Baptist Church in Clinton, Md., emphasized the need for real change. “We cannot feed our families on rhetoric, images, and aspirational politics,” Coates stated. He criticized policymakers for prioritizing special interests over the public interest, noting that the Black community has long been offered proclamations and photo opportunities instead of meaningful policy.

The campaign reclaims the unfinished policy objectives of the Civil Rights Movement, which focused on federal legislation to eliminate unemployment and provide universal health care. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s teachings, which emphasized “a better distribution of wealth for all of God’s children,” are cited as a guiding principle. The coalition argues that efforts to label these policies as “un-American” are misguided and reflect a disconnect from the realities faced by the poor, the working class, and the Black community.

The campaign’s policy demands include the establishment of basic economic rights through the passage of widely supported legislation. In the short term, the coalition seeks productive conversations with national political parties about their agenda. In the long term, they aim to build public support for and passage of these policies. The coalition highlights the struggles of families in their congregations, who work hard but still face barriers to housing, health care, child care, and college affordability.

The initiative reflects a broader movement within historically Black denominations to address systemic issues through advocacy and policy engagement. By uniting under the “Substance Over Symbolism” campaign, these leaders are calling for a return to the core mission of the Black Church: to serve the community through tangible action and justice. As they prepare for the September 17 rally, the coalition remains committed to demanding accountability and change from those in power.

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