Righteousness and Justice at Wayman A.M.E. Church
Wayman African Methodist Episcopal Church, Congregational Spotlight. Written by Dylan Novacek, Content Specialist
“Advocacy for housing justice gives us all an opportunity to ball up a fist and impact the systemic issues of homelessness and the lack of quality affordable housing,” reflected Rev. Richard Coleman (pictured left) of Wayman African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church in North Minneapolis. “This is an interfaith effort that draws on our deepest values.”
One of the several historic Black denominations and congregations present in Minnesota, those at Wayman A.M.E. view housing as a right. Collaborating around community outreach and anti-racism work, the congregation plays an important role in the creation of homes at Emerson Village, family supportive housing in North Minneapolis from Beacon. Together, we grow our power to see that all people have a home.
“We cannot exist without being present in supporting the real needs of people who have less access to home. Our congregation believes in collaboration for the broader community. We work around the mission of connecting with people spiritually, intellectually, socially, and economically.
“Emerson Village means a lot to our congregation and to the North Side,” Rev. Coleman continued. “We’re going to be able to retain people in the community who would have otherwise been left out and forced to move elsewhere. The affordable housing Beacon brings to the community is of a different value.”
Writing letters to elected officials, attending meetings, and speaking out for home are just a few of the ways Wayman A.M.E. works to ensure the new homes at Emerson Village become a reality. However, this work doesn’t stop with housing. The congregation understands that housing plays an important role in combating the racial inequities that impact far too many individuals.
Here in Minnesota, 77 percent of white people own their homes, compared to 25 percent of Black homeowners. This astounding gap is one of the worst disparities in the country. Coupled with the fact that more people of color are forced to pay more than they can afford in rent every single month, these realities lock far too many people of color out of building financial stability.
“The racial problems families of color face are better overcome when they are able to make economic gains and have their own home,” asserted Rev. Coleman.
Social justice is a key component of the work done at Wayman A.M.E. Rev. Coleman feels that his congregation stands as a prophetic voice in speaking out against white supremacy and racism. They do this in several significant ways such as trainings, community collaborations, and more.
Following the murder of George Floyd, much of their work has been focused on racial reconciliation and healing.
“What I love about the healing context for racial justice is that it puts us all together. It recognizes we’re in community together. Our pain is not all the same, but we can acknowledge that we are wounded as a society and we can work with a different level of commitment to healing,” he exclaimed. “When we gather people in healing, there is great opportunity for change.”
Living into their deepest values, Wayman’s collaboration with Beacon goes hand in hand with their mission for social justice through a faith centered lens. The congregation defines their social justice work through the biblical mandate in Psalm 89:14:
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.”
“We see the creation of the supportive homes at Emerson Village as the best opportunity to give accessible, equitable, and resourceful components to families who would have otherwise not had the opportunity,” Rev. Coleman continued. “Affordable housing reduces the barriers that families face.”
This work is interconnected to the faith values of Wayman A.M.E. because the core of their congregation is rooted in collaboration.
“The model of the A.M.E. church speaks to people as a community. And Beacon serves as a way to connect to the broader community of believers. We have this opportunity to collect and work on these systemic issues together.
“After the murder of George Floyd, I’ve seen so many congregations dig their heels into this anti-racist work with us. There is an understanding that we can’t go back after all we’ve been through.”
Mission focused as can be, the congregants believe in this work and believe in home. Looking back on their relationship with Beacon, Rev. Coleman’s stand out moment has been their firm advocacy for Emerson Village and the families who will one day call it their home.
“Hosting Families Moving Forward provided an opportunity for us to connect with families that we would have not likely spent time with,” he said. “Emerson Village is going to provide families like them with a next step towards a more stable and safe life.”
At Beacon we currently have five new homes in development, many which are designed for families making at or below 30% AMI. For a family of four, that means they are making $31,000 a year. It takes relentless passion and collaboration from congregations such as Wayman A.M.E. to see that homes like Emerson Village become a reality.
“We’re all in this unique space when we work with Beacon. I value doing this work and embracing our uniqueness and diversity. There is little we would be able to achieve if not for Beacon. Working as a collaborative gives an expression to our values so we can impact families for real.”
We invite you and your congregation to take action for home. Build power through advocacy with Beacon. Click here to learn more.
