gOD-Talk: Reimagining Faith in the 21st Century

Explore how and why African American millennials are creating new ways to engage with religion and spirituality during this free, in-person film screening hosted in partnership with the Smithsonian.

Led by the National Museum of African American History’s Center for the Study of African American Religious Life in association with the Pew Research Center, the documentary is the culmination of a five-year study exploring the lives of seven Black millennials who identify as Atheist, Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, Ifá, and Spiritualist and how they have reimagined faith in the 21st century.

The rise of the “spiritual but not religious” designation has led to a decline of millennial participation in mainline religious traditions with many questioning the relevance, mission, and overall purpose of organized religion in the 21st century. From issues pertaining to gender and sexuality, abuse and trauma, hip-hop culture and music, gentrification, race and racism, patriarchy, and more, the film explores a rising phenomenon of religious and spiritual shifts among the largest generation and one of the most influential demographics in the U.S., Black millennials.

Following the screening, a panel discussion featuring the film producer and director will take place.

This screening is presented in partnership with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.