New Generation of Black Church Leadership Rising to Continue Battle for Freedom

December 25, 2025

Kevin Lamár Peterman, a 32-year-old minister whose calling emerged during 2014 protests over the police killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, has been installed as pastor of Washington DC's historic Nineteenth Street Baptist Church, which dates back over 180 years. His installation represents part of a broader movement of young clergy taking leadership positions at historically significant Black churches in major cities across America. These emerging pastors view their roles as continuing the civil rights work of previous generations while adapting their approach to contemporary challenges and modern communication methods.

Who is affected

Kevin Lamár Peterman (installed as pastor)
Nineteenth Street Baptist Church congregation in Washington, DC
Young Black clergy members including Rev. Devon Jerome Crawford (San Francisco), Rev. Art Gordon (Boston), Rev. Malcolm J. Byrd (New York), Rev. Marissa Farrow (Baltimore), and Rev. Rodney Carter (Washington, DC)
Historic Black church congregations across major American cities
Black communities concerned with racial justice issues
Peterman's mother, Mrs. Donna Holley-Nelms, and his mentor who ordained him

What action is being taken

Young Black pastors are taking over leadership positions at historic Black churches in major cities
These ministers are performing social justice work and social impact initiatives while preaching salvation
Peterman is working to embrace technology and increase social media communication at Nineteenth Street Baptist Church
The new generation of pastors is joining with their mentors who remain alongside them in ministry

Why it matters

This represents a resurgence of civil rights leadership within the Black church as racial justice issues continue to intensify across the nation. The transition marks a generational shift where young clergy are inheriting the responsibility to advance the causes established 60 years ago during the civil rights movement, ensuring that each generation moves progress forward. The movement combines traditional ministry with modern approaches, including technology and social media, to effectively reach and mobilize communities in the 21st century while maintaining the church's historic role as a center for both spiritual guidance and social justice advocacy.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint