This paper traces the role of the Black church in American history. The Black church is portrayed as an institution through which Blacks have worked to achieve social, economic, and political equality as well as spiritual guidance and social interaction. In the Colonial era the dominant purpose of having Blacks attend church was to condition them for their life in slavery. Yet after the Revolutionary War, Blacks in the north began to form their own churches to avoid the segregation and discrimination of white churches. Prior to the Civil War, the Black church was slowed considerably by whites fearing the Black church would incite slave revolts. After the Civil War and during the late 19th century, the Black church continued its fight against white discrimination and served as a center for educational activities. Throughout the 20th century, the theme of the Black church has been civil rights for all Blacks. The 1960's and 1970's have seen the church actively increasing community involvement, and social and economic programs for Black Communities. Blacks turned to the church for leadership because they were severely separated from other social, political, and economic areas of American life. (Author/DE)