Black is Not a Monolith
By: Jordyn Wright
On May 17, the Riverside Kansas Avenue SDA Church was transformed into a vibrant celebration of sound, soul, and spiritual depth through an event titled “Black Is Not a Monolith.” Created and curated by young adult, Marissa Wright, the night sought to challenge the narrow assumptions often placed on Black worship—namely, that it exists solely within the gospel tradition.
The evening featured a diverse range of musical expressions, from classical choral pieces and hymns to jazz, contemporary worship, and spoken word—all offered through the lens of Black spirituality. For Wright, the title and vision of the event were deeply personal and years in the making. “The title came from a moment in a theology class where a professor asked how we worship,” Wright recalled. “My friend Joseph Smittick responded simply, ‘Black is not a monolith.’ That stuck with me. We are not a singular sound or story.”
Wright’s own worship journey spans various communities—from gospel services at Kansas Avenue to classical performances with the Aeolians of Oakwood University. “I was hoping to communicate our versatility,” she said. “There’s nothing we can’t do—and we do it excellently. This event was about showcasing the range of Black expression in worship, something many people haven’t had the chance to see.”
Delroy Brooks, associate pastor of Kansas Avenue, offered support for the event, and emphasized the importance of creating space for new voices in ministry. “I see myself as a cheerleader,” he said. “Events like this show us that young people aren’t walking away from church—they’re transitioning. We need to make room for their creativity.”
The event sparked meaningful reflection on how church communities can better honor the fullness of Black identity. “Our identity has too often been shaped by media or politics,” Brooks noted. “My hope is that we return to our first love and allow our worship to reflect the truth of who we are in God.” While Wright is cautious about promising a series, she’s open to what’s next. “I definitely want to do this again,” she said. “But only with the same level of prayer, purpose, and intention.”
Black Is Not a Monolith was more than a program. Instead, it was a movement in melody that reminded all in attendance that Black worship is, and always has been, a beautifully complex tapestry.