Recently, a Houston Black church burned down. That should be troubling to all who care about justice.
The tried-and-true tactic of attacking Black people by destroying the institutions central to Black life—Black churches—is as old as Black churches in this country.
From 1963’s racist bombing of Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church to the string of church burnings that took place during the terms of presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, white domestic terrorists recognized the organizing power and spiritual and emotional significance Black churches have had with Black people.
Thus, burning down Black churches was an attempt to destroy the fight, organizing power, and will of members of the Black community.
And in 2024, when a Black church burns, there’s good reason to suspect white domestic terrorism. Both this country’s racial history and its current racial reality give people reason to believe that nefarious aims are behind such destruction.
Enter Sheletta Brundidge, Guiding Light Baptist Church member, located in the heart of Acres Homes, on Houston’s Northwest side.
“On Oct. 23, 2024, at 8:30 a.m., Houston Fire Marshals came to our door to give us devastating news that our church, Guiding Light Baptist Church, had been burned down.,” said Brundidge. “We don’t know who or why someone would do this, but we do know we can’t let the devil in hell think he won.”
In January and February of 2010, 10 Black churches were burned in East Texas. Two local men, Jason Bourque and Daniel McAllister, were arrested and pleaded guilty. Bourque was sentenced to life and 20 years in prison, and McAllister received a life sentence.
In Paris, TX, near the Texas/Oklahoma border, Love Tabernacle Church was burning to the ground on Sept. 29, 2024.
Like U.S. clockwork, the burning followed two racial slurs being spray-painted on the exterior wall of the church.
Brenda Cherry, a local civil rights activist, said the time in which the wall was plastered and the fire began is unknown, but that it should be investigated as a “hate crime.”
“I’ve been doing this for over 20 years, and things don’t get better because they’re not addressed. They’re glossed over or hidden,” said Cherry. “I’ve not known of a Black church being burned before. Not in this era, but racist graffiti – that’s a common thing.”
Vera Baker, whose husband Joseph Baker is the pastor of Acres Homes’ Guiding Light Baptist Church, created a GOFUNDME page to seek help for the congregation to rebuild its sanctuary.
“It is such a hurtful feeling, knowing our meeting place is gone. But we trust God that He will direct us accordingly as we rebuild,” said Vera. “All donations accepted, whether monetary or building supplies, will be greatly needed and appreciated. Please pray with us, for us, and walk with us, as we walk by faith, and not by sight. We’re knocked down, but please don’t count us out! On behalf of The Light, Pastor Baker, and myself, thank you in advance for your help.”
