when Rev. Jackson was the leader of Operation Breadbasket, later Operation Push.
I attended a nearby Christian university, where we were required to take a certain number of theology classes. Don't think for one minute that these were fluff classes. They were work! My comparative religion and comparative Christianity classes were exhausting. I took an entire class on Old Testament prophets and Psalms.
I took a class called The Church and the Race issue. We studied a great deal of American history and the history of how slaves and later free black people were treated by the establishment churches. I learned things I never dreamed of.
One of the required activities was attendance of at least two of the church services of Operation Breadbasket, later Operation Push. And while these meetings were informative social and musical events, they were indeed church services. They were exuberant. They lasted all morning. Church was never so much fun! The services included guest appearances by all sorts of black politicians and entertainers. I saw Cannonball Adderley and Sammy Davis Junior. I listened to the incredibly talented choir. Reverend Jackson sat on the edge of the stage and chatted informally with some of us before the services. I spoke with him at all three of my visits.
I was required to write a detailed paper about my attendance. I needed to include details about the guests and the speakers, including Reverend Jackson's sermon. I still remember his sermon about hunger in the community and the need for a program like food stamps, which started during that time. I remember him talking about welfare and how it was nothing to be ashamed of. He described the government subsidies to various corporations and businesses, and said of each one, "That's welfare." It became a responsive chant.
In my written class assignment, I was required to reflect on whether or not I had learned anything about "black theology." That was a tough one. I don't remember how I responded.
This was one of the most rewarding experiences of my undergraduate education. God bless the teacher who assigned this. The memory still brings tears to my eyes.
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