Date of Award
3-17-2020
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Heritage Studies, Ph.D.
First Advisor
Cherisse Jones-Branch
Committee Members
Deborah Chappel-Daniel; Lauri Umansky
Call Number
LD 251 .A566d 2019 J64
Abstract
The burning of Black churches motivated by racial hatred has an extensive history in America that persists. Drawing largely from primary resources, the dissertation analyzes the resurgence of Black church fires during both terms of President Barack Obama, the first Black president of the United States. The definition of heritage terrorism is applied to churches intentionally burned, particularly the arsons motivated by hatred. The study examines specific arson cases and explains the implications burnings have on the tangible and intangible heritage of communities impacted. Lastly, the study highlights the courage and resilience of communities that rebuilt in the aftermath of terror.
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Jajuan Shonel, "“They Didn’t Burn Down Our Spirit”: Heritage Terrorism and The Resurgence of Black Church Burnings in The Age of Obama" (2020). Student Theses and Dissertations. 414.
https://arch.astate.edu/all-etd/414
