Modeling Jesus Beyond the Black Square: Perspectives on Allyship, False Hope, and Amplifying Silenced Voices

Abstract

The Triune God has always championed the cause of those who are oppressed. Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension display the perfect embodiment of social justice. #BlackOutTuesday was one of the largest online social justice demonstrations to date. The proceeds of #BlackoutTuesday and the overwhelming lack of follow-up action after the event provide a window into current activism and the ways in which historic patterns are still prevalent despite the veneer of increased awareness. While current patterns of activism may commonly stop at a black square, the call of Christ invites his followers to move beyond such performative actions into true anti-racist action. This article aims to apply the integration of psychology and theology to modern-day social justice issues using three perspectives that center allyship, false hope, and amplifying silenced voices through the lens of the impetus for #BlackoutTuesday, its misrepresentation in the media, and its actual impact and fallout.