Abyssinian Baptist Church and Its Impact

The Abyssinian Baptist Church, founded in 1808 due to racial segregation, celebrated its bicentennial in 2008 with various events, including a pilgrimage to Ethiopia. The church has had influential pastors like Adam Clayton Powell Sr. and Jr., who contributed significantly to civil rights and legislation. The church has played a vital role in Harlem's community development, focusing on affordable housing and education. It addresses gentrification by advocating for the rights of the poor, emphasizing a class struggle rather than a racial one.

Why was the Abyssinian Baptist Church founded?

• To promote Ethiopian culture

• Due to racial segregation in another church

• To establish a new religious sect

• To create a community center

What significant event did the Abyssinian Baptist Church celebrate in 2008?

• Its 150th anniversary

• The opening of a new building

• Its bicentennial

• A new partnership with Lincoln Center

Who was a notable pastor of the Abyssinian Baptist Church known for his civil rights work?

• W.E.B. Du Bois

• Adam Clayton Powell Jr.

• Frederick Douglass

• Martin Luther King Jr.

What was one of the key contributions of Adam Clayton Powell Jr.?

• Founding the NAACP

• Establishing the first black church in America

• Leading the Civil Rights March on Washington

• Producing significant domestic legislation

What type of community resources did the Abyssinian Baptist Church focus on developing in Harlem?

• Luxury apartments

• Affordable housing and schools

• Sports complexes

• Shopping malls

What was the purpose of the Abyssinian Development Corporation?

• To build luxury condos

• To improve housing and education in Harlem

• To create a new church building

• To establish a new supermarket chain

What was the first new high school building in Harlem in over 50 years?

• Harlem Renaissance High School

• Pathmark High School

• Abyssinian High School

• Lincoln High School

What is the main issue addressed by the church's efforts against gentrification?

• Class struggle and displacement of the poor

• Racial displacement

• Environmental concerns

• Cultural preservation

What does the church aim to provide for poor communities in New York?

• High-end shopping experiences

• Opportunities to live and prosper

• Luxury housing

• Exclusive clubs

What is the church's stance on gentrification?

• It is neutral on the issue

• It opposes gentrification that displaces the poor

• It supports gentrification for economic growth

• It encourages gentrification for cultural diversity