We started the Cultural Artifacts episodes in 2015 because we wanted to encompass the awesome things -- books, albums, podcasts, sermons, people, events, movies, TV shows, and so on -- that we’ve consumed in a given year. (Here’s the kicker: it doesn’t have to come out in the given year. It just has to be consumed in the given year.

Black un-dignity is a gift from God because it’s a stumbling block to the indignity of racism. God has given Black people the beauty of our culture for the ashes of oppression.

The Jesus signs and Christian imagery carried by the insurrectionists turned many a stomach, but it also does us the favor of further differentiating between Christ’s true disciples and Cultural Christians. The former are pliable clay in the Master’s hands; the latter are silly putty in the hands of corrupt leaders.

We have the distinct privilege of running an excerpt from Jemar Tisby’s latest book, How to Fight Racism. We hope that you enjoy it and that you will purchase a copy at www.HowToFightRacism.com. Jemar is the founder of The Witness BCC and CEO of The Witness Inc.

The white nationalism cloaked in self-righteous Jesus worship absent Christ-likeness has been enthroned as the state religion in America yet corrupting many expressions of Christianity beyond her shores and is such a telling indictment. So many of the Christian voices I’d come to love and respect have become loudly complicit in this dangerous religious circus and Jesus cult that many are growing increasingly despondent of.

Let’s be clear, y’all: January 6 was a lot, but sometimes you have to (trauma) laugh to keep from crying. Thankfully, Black Twitter never disappoints. Here are some of the dopest (Safe For Work) tweets and memes that we have curated that brought some hilarity the insurrection.

In times when those who are in authority refuse to deal with oppression (even within Church), still we rise. As we push back against oppression, it is important for each of us to prioritize our mental health, especially during particularly trying times. We see you. We value you. Most of all, we want to see you flourish.Here is a list of songs curated by our staff to help you lament, pray, and heal.

"...I believe that I speak on behalf of millions of Black Americans when I say: We BEEN told y’all."

What we saw at the Capitol is a natural consequence of the white supremacy that has been loud and “proud” in American society for the past four years. When white supremacy doesn’t get what it believes will most speedily accomplish its ends, it becomes destructive.

Adapted from August Wilson’s 1982 stage play, Ma Rainey tells the fictionalized story of recording artist Ma Rainey and her band as they record an album in Chicago. Set in the 1920s, the subjects of race, prejudice, and exploitation sit at the story’s forefront. The movie speaks to the Black condition in America both then and now.