Shifting the Spotlight

Being a white ally means playing a supporting role as BIPOC people take center stage. During this historic shift, how can white Christians embrace roles where they cease to be the stars of the film but are instead cast as extras – people whose advancement of the plot is good but not essential to the future? And how can BIPOC people regain agency and become the leaders they are meant to be?

On the third anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, Minnesota Council of Churches invites people of faith to an evening with music from Sounds of Blackness and a prophetic word from Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III.

This event is organized in partnership with the George Floyd family and will conclude in time for participants to join the evening candlelight vigil scheduled at George Floyd Square.

Sponsored by The Minneapolis Foundation.

About Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III

A third-generation warrior for civil and human rights, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, III, has built his ministry on community advancement and racial and social justice activism. As Senior Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, Ill., since 2008, Dr. Moss routinely preaches and practices a Black theology that unapologetically calls attention to the problems of mass incarceration, environmental justice, and economic inequality.

Dr. Moss’ latest book project, Dancing in the Darkness: Spiritual Lessons for Thriving in Turbulent Times, released in November 2022, has been lauded as a “life-affirming guide to the practical, political, and spiritual challenges of our day.”

With a unique gift to communicate across generations, Dr. Moss’ creative bible-based messages have inspired young and old alike. His intergenerational preaching gift has made Dr. Moss a popular speaker on college campuses, at conferences, and churches across the globe.

Dr. Moss is an ordained minister in the Progressive National Baptist Convention and the United Church of Christ.  In addition to his other ministerial duties, he also serves as chaplain of the Children’s Defense Fund’s Samuel DeWitt Proctor Child Advocacy Conference.

About Sounds of Blackness

FROM JAZZ AND BLUES TO ROCK & ROLL, R&B, GOSPEL, SPIRITUALS, HIP­HOP, REGGAE AND SOUL, WE COLOR EACH AND EVERY “SOUND OF BLACKNESS” WITH UPLIFTING MESSAGES OF HOPE, UNITY, LOVE AND PEACE FOR ALL HUMANKIND – AND WE WORK PASSIONATELY TO ACHIEVE IT.

The Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness' tireless endeavors under the direction of Gary Hines, has:

Performed on five continents for everyone from homeless persons, prison inmates, and orphans, to Kings, Queens, Presidents, Ambassadors, Diplomats and Heads of State at such events as the Denver Summit of Eight, the World Music Awards, several Embassies and, five White House appearances.

Delivered demonstrations on African­ American music, culture and history at every level from preschool to post­graduate and, from the Smithsonian Institution to the Kennedy Center. They educate while entertaining at schools, colleges and universities, hospitals, men’s and women’s prisons, youth correctional facilities, half­way houses, battered women’s shelters, synagogues, mosques, temples, churches, community centers, and corporations. 

In 2015, the recording "Black Lives Matter: No Justice No Peace" gave resounding voice and added depth to the powerful Black Lives Matter movement.  Now, "Royalty" has topped the charts at #14 and is stirring a young generation to believe in their majesty and ability to change the world.

We Give Thanks and Praise To God For All Things and Everyone.