In the days of enslavement in America, it was an act of resistance for those enslaved to gather in religious worship. Small shelters known as “praise houses” were for used for expressions of communal faith.
A series of public art installations under the banner of the “Praise House Project: Standing on Hallowed Grounds” has seen replica praise houses created in Atlanta sites, such as Oakland Cemetery, with opportunities for learning inside.
In this interview, the project creator, artist and activist Charmaine Minniefield joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes to talk more about the newest “Praise House” at Emory University’s Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church.
“There were laws that were intended to dismantle our identity and our community but because we were worshiping, we were allowed to gather,” Minniefield commented.
“Praise House Project” is open to the public at the Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory, and more information is available here.
