The Red Ribbon and the Black Cross: A Qualitative Study of the Relationship between Social Activism and Contemporary Black Church Responses to HIV in Oakland, CA

The Black Church as a social institution has been a source of social activism during racial crises, but there is a lacking social activist response by Black churches to HIV’s disparate impact on Black communities. Previous research does not adequately explore the influence of community-based organizations on Black church responses to HIV in the context of social activism. This study examines the relationship between social activism and contemporary Black church responses to HIV in Oakland. It considers community-based organizations (CBOs) as potential drivers of social activism. Semi-structured interviews with Black church leaders in Oakland were conducted and content analyzed along with associated church websites to thematize contemporary responses to HIV. Findings reveal that Black churches that have adequate resources, are committed to social justice, and welcome and affirm gender and sexual minorities are motivated to address HIV through social activism