Mandisa Thomas is the founder and president of a secular nonprofit organization called Black Nonbelievers. The organization focuses on support for black atheists and skeptics, and the representation of African Americans in the secular space. The organization also advocates for racial justice, social awareness, LGBTQ+ equality, and minority equity. 

The first part of the interview touches on the importance of the Black Nonbelievers organization, on the history of racism and what role religion plays in it, and on the deep-rootedness of religion in black community. Mandisa reminds us of freethinkers throughout black history and the stigma the word “atheist” still carries in the community.

Black Nonbelievers 

Black Nonbelievers (Facebook)

Black Nonbelievers (Instagram)

Black Nonbelievers (Twitter) 

Black Nonbelievers (YouTube)

Women of Color Beyond Belief (Conference) 

BN SeaCon 2021 

DragonCon 

African Diaspora Network 

WRFG Radio 

The Mis-Education of the Negro (Carter Godwin Woodson) 

Black Past - Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters

Black Past - Organization of Afro-American Unity  

NAACP - W.E.B. Du Bois 

Lorraine Hansberry Books 

Religious Freedom Center 

Smithsonian - National Museum of African American History & Culture 

Sikivu Hutchinson


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Common Strides is an interview-focused show that highlights progressive issues from around the world. Our goal is to bridge cultural divides by exploring the stories and actions of those who strive for political awareness, social acceptance, and the advancement of human rights causes.

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