Changes

So this black man was, basically, an atheist.  And he was going to remain an atheist for the rest of his life.  But where did this lead him?  Apart, and alone — which is how many black atheists working to make things better for other black individuals may feel.  If you’re a black atheist, you may often find yourself isolated if you’re around predominantly black friends.  I’ve talked with black people who have noticed that, due to cultural and experiential differences, it can feel lonely (I’ve experienced this somewhat, as well).  It’s not like you get extraordinary benefits from being a black atheist.  More than a white atheist, you can feel like you’re on the outside, looking in.  Very few of us are willing to accept this fate.  But this man was, and would have continued to be accepting of this fate, if it hadn’t been for one thing — the black church was absolutely irresistible.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/barrierbreaker/the-reason-there-arent-more-black-atheists/ Why Aren’t There More Black Atheists?] by Martin Hughes</ref>}}

So this black man was, basically, an atheist.  And he was going to remain an atheist for the rest of his life.  But where did this lead him?  Apart, and alone — which is how many black atheists working to make things better for other black individuals may feel.  If you’re a black atheist, you may often find yourself isolated if you’re around predominantly black friends.  I’ve talked with black people who have noticed that, due to cultural and experiential differences, it can feel lonely (I’ve experienced this somewhat, as well).  It’s not like you get extraordinary benefits from being a black atheist.  More than a white atheist, you can feel like you’re on the outside, looking in.  Very few of us are willing to accept this fate.  But this man was, and would have continued to be accepting of this fate, if it hadn’t been for one thing — the black church was absolutely irresistible.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/barrierbreaker/the-reason-there-arent-more-black-atheists/ Why Aren’t There More Black Atheists?] by Martin Hughes</ref>}}

In June 2014,  Sikivu Hutchinson wrote in the ''Washington Post'' that atheist organizations generally focus on church/state separation and creationism issues and not the concerns the less affluent African-American population faces.<ref name="washingtonpost.com"/> Hutchinson also mentioned that church organizations do offer significant help to poor African-Americans.<ref name="washingtonpost.com"/>  

In June 2014,  Sikivu Hutchinson wrote in the ''Washington Post'' that atheist organizations generally focus on church/state separation and creationism issues and not the concerns the less affluent African-American population faces.<ref name="washingtonpost.com"/> Hutchinson also mentioned that church organizations do offer significant help to poor African-Americans.<ref name="washingtonpost.com"/>