Discourse of Faith and Power: Turnaround Tuesday, a Case Study

Abstract

This paper explores the spiritually ambiguous identity of the jobs movement Turnaround Tuesday and how it is reflective of Baltimore City’s history of utilizing the church as a reactive force against structural violence. Due to long lasting effects of segregation, black Baltimoreans continue to struggle with generational poverty, high incarceration rates, and limited employment options. Time and again, congregations have taken their concerns to city hall and have made progress in resolving some of these issues. However, in today’s world, where unaffiliated Americans make up the largest religious group in the United States, this model of organizing is quickly losing influence. This paper does not wish to question the role of faith within the individual’s life, but that of the community. Striking a balance of church and faith-based activism, Turnaround Tuesday is learning how to navigate contemporary questions of faith, while still fighting against the same cyclical oppressions of time's past.