A Community Gathering for Truth, Faith, and Freedom
As our nation faces a troubling rise in authoritarianism, communities are being called to examine the dangerous intersections of religion, politics, and exploitation—and to reclaim faith as a tool for liberation, not control.
The recent event, “Blurred Line of Religion, Politics, and Exploitation,” brought together powerful voices to challenge how religion has been used to uphold systems of oppression.
Emancipate NC Executive Director Dawn Blagrove delivered a compelling keynote on the historic and ongoing use of faith to manipulate voters and justify policies that work against their own interests. She traced the confluence of faith and white nationalism—how it has been weaponized to excuse hatred, control, and exclusion in the name of patriotism.
Blagrove also explored how religion has long been used to pacify the oppressed, beginning in the era of slavery, when scripture was distorted to sustain systems of domination. Yet, she reminded the audience that true faith demands action—to protect, uplift, and love all of our neighbors, not just those who look or believe like us.
Alongside Blagrove, Derwin Smith (Spiritualist and Advocate) and other community leaders shared messages of truth, resilience, and hope. The gathering was both a call to consciousness and a celebration of collective strength—inviting attendees to learn, connect, and commit to building a more just and compassionate society.
Through education, cultural reflection, and dialogue, the event underscored that reclaiming faith from exploitation is not just a spiritual act—it’s essential to preserving democracy and human dignity.
📣 Coming soon: The Blurred Line series will be making its way to the Triangle! Stay tuned for updates on the next gathering and ways to join this vital conversation.