By Dr. Deborah BaileyAFRO Contributing Editor
Nationwide Council for Negro Girls (NCNW) CEO and President Shavon Arline-Bradley issued a problem and name to motion for worshipers on the Nationwide Cathedral in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 18.
In a sermon titled “America, What Have We Completed,” Arline-Bradley challenged parishioners gathered on the Nationwide Cathedral to stay dedicated to a public coverage agenda that echoed the values of Dr. Martin Luthering King Jr. whereas additionally mirroring NCNW’s up to date strategy.
She additionally requested them to look again on the nation’s document.
“Did we feed the hungry or did we minimize SNAP and WIC advantages? Did we quench the thirst, or is there nonetheless contaminated water in Flint, Mich., and Jackson, Miss.? Did we take care of the sick? Or did we repeal laws that would lengthen tax credit for thousands and thousands of Individuals?” Arline-Bradley requested.
She challenged worshippers to transcend hand-wringing within the face of civil rights and free speech violations occurring throughout the USA.
“Now the query ought to change from, ‘America, what have you ever carried out,’ to ‘America, what’s going to you do now?’Arline-Bradley stated. “Will the church simply spectate or will we take part?”
She inspired members of the religion group throughout America to talk out publicly, commit sources and take part within the motion for justice, voting rights and human rights.
It was Arline-Bradley’s capability to convey the clear connection between King’s social-justice perspective and religion connection that compelled Nationwide Cathedral member, Dr. Chinwe Ifejika, to search for NCNW membership sign-up after church.
“All of us should have a hand,” Ifejike stated. “Folks have needed to rise up for the proper factor earlier than us, and now we have now to proceed. We are going to get there with God.”
Kendra Glover of Woodbridge, Va., is a member of NCNW. She attended the service to assist Arline-Bradley and stated she felt she bought marching orders for 2026, a 12 months she stated compares with the challenges King confronted.
“She gave us the problem we would have liked to listen to. We’re as prepared to maneuver towards motion in 2026 as they have been throughout Dr. King’s time,” Glover stated.
Arline-Bradley has been president of the NCNW for almost three years, since March 2023.
Her management represents a brand new period for the group. An ordained minister with a background in well being fairness, Arline-Bradley is the primary president to serve underneath the group’s new by-laws connecting the group’s nationwide base with public coverage points like voting rights, well being care, academic alternative and justice.
The group has expanded outreach to highschool and faculty girls and reached out to develop partnerships with nationwide Black girls’s organizations and different girls of coloration throughout the U.S.
Elena Mangahas, from Stockton, Calif., was in Washington, D.C. for a Filipino tradition exhibit on the Smithsonian Middle for American Tradition. She got here to the Nationwide Cathedral King Day service with members of her group and stated the direct message expressed by Arline-Bradley, within the face of immigrant raids occurring throughout the U.S., resonated along with her.
“We really feel strongly in regards to the actions which can be being taken towards the immigrant group of this nation. The speaker lined all the pieces that wanted to be stated. She was direct and didn’t mince any phrases – and it didn’t sound political. That is actuality,” stated Mangahas. “That is what we’re more and more going through on daily basis. The arch is touchdown now on this explicit time. It’s time to act, not only for immigrant teams like us, however for everyone.”
In an unique interview with the AFRO, Arline-Bradley stated members of NCNW and others are in discussions about taking activism to a brand new degree in 2026, particularly with regards to voter registration efforts.
“On the finish of the day, November 2025 taught us a lesson. When the individuals are uninterested in this sense, they’ll act. Properly, the individuals are drained, and it’s time,” she stated. “We’re popping out of malaise. There’s a lot much less worry now. As soon as we’re prepared to face the worry of retaliation and understand God has bought us lined, 2026 goes to be completely different.”
Arline-Bradley stayed for an hour after the service, listening to parishioners and speaking with them about readiness for a brand new degree of activism.
“I’m observing Black folks, White folks and other people of all backgrounds say the very same factor: ‘I’m drained, however now that I’ve heard you, I’m prepared.’”
“I feel 2026 goes to be a 12 months of reckoning,” Arline-Bradley added. “Black folks will proceed to steer, and communities are going to observe our lead as a result of we’ve at all times been constant in preventing for justice.”
