When you hear Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), what thoughts come to mind? Do you think politics? Do you think the advancement of African-Americans? Do you think of equal political opportunity for everyone? Regardless, the CBC has made notable advancements over the course of history since the 1970s. They stand for not only educating African-Americans on public policy and important issues in America, but they also have a huge incorporation with the word of God, a religious side that was expressed thoroughly in the 45th Annual Prayer Breakfast -- an event within the Annual CBC Legislative Conference -- which I had the gracious opportunity of attending.
The CBC Prayer Breakfast was held on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Despite an early hour, the message along with some knowledge of what the CBC represents made the event worth waking up early.
When Joe Biden came to speak for a brief moment, some important words were emphasized within America’s own “Pledge of Allegiance”: one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. This warm welcome was an interesting thing to witness because it shows that religion does in fact have a place in politics. This was the entire theme of the Prayer Breakfast, which Biden supported fully in how he spoke with the CBC executives and the crowd when presented. He communicated with the group as a real person, not as a man who has been in politics for over 40 years.
In a similar manner, keynote speaker Rev. Otis Moss, III, a senior pastor at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, also preached what it meant to overcome adversity. During his speech, he emphasized this by saying that regardless of “how you start, it’s how you finish.” Everyone is on a “desert assignment,” meaning everyone has a purpose in life to create the tract to greatness for the rest of the world as well as themselves. What was significant about his words was that he paused to pray and read scriptures to the audience throughout his speech -- “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man” (Ephesians 3:16). Essentially, in order to solve issues we face every day in America and become educated about them, you need to have God in your heart because he will evoke powerful change and give you something to believe in when times are rough. When you have God in your heart, you will inevitably help others, developing a sense of morale that will consistently be challenged but remained rooted and strong in whatever journey you have been given.
Why is there such a concern about religion holding a place in politics? Ultimately, it conflicts on a number of levels. First, there is the issue that most people are not inherently religious. The second reason is that they may support a different religion that does not have a God. Lastly, issues that people in politics believe in aren’t what the Word advocates for. Nonetheless, I wholeheartedly believe religion needs to be taken seriously within politics for the simple fact that morals and ethics are what drive a world that will solve problems. It’s not politically correct to say, “You need to change,” but it is ethically and morally correct, and it is the kind of honesty that will advance us as people and keep us from being so sensitive in issues that are ultimately bigger than any individual.
After hearing these notable speakers at the breakfast, it not only confirmed these claims, but spoke truth into the lives of an audience that will go out and make a difference, will make change within the CBC itself, will become the next Barack Obama or Libby Schaaf. Although religion may conflict with politics and is often seen as a “barrier” to solving problems in America that are supposedly bigger than religion, it is the thing that will drive America to be the best it ever was.
