Detroit’s religious community grew significantly during The Great Migration of the 20th century when millions of African Americans left the South in search of a better life.  

The Great Migration occurred between 1910 and 1970, beginning before World War I, continuing through the Great Depression and World War II, and spanning into the Civil Rights era of the 1960s. The historical event helped define some of America’s major cities, industries, music, food and politics. 

It’s also the focal point of Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.’s latest PBS documentary series, “Great Migrations: A People on the Move.” In conjunction with the docuseries, American Black Journal’s “Black Church in Detroit” series looks at the role of Black women in the church during the migration.  

Much is documented about the men who migrated and the jobs they found once they arrived in Detroit.  However, the impact and influence women had during that time is lesser known. 

Host Stephen Henderson examines the major role women had in the church and the community during the Great Migration with his guests, Rev. Dr. Constance Simon of Fellowship Chapel and Rev. Paula Lee-Barnes from In His Presence Ministries.  

They discuss the responsibilities women had at home, in the community and in the church, organizing and managing the social, economic and political activities. They share how women helped struggling families adjust to their new lives and environment, taught Sunday school, and helped build close-knit communities. 

Plus, Dr. Simon and Rev. Lee-Barnes reflect on their own families’ experiences of migrating to Ohio and Detroit, respectively, from the South. They each recall stories involving their grandparents, parents and other relatives, as well as the role the Black church played in their families’ lives.  

Their discussion also touches on the power of women in the Black church and how younger members in their congregations are taking on leadership roles. They talk about the barriers that have been knocked down and the challenges that remain for women in the church. They also discuss the impact Black women are having today in relation to national and global conflicts.