On the Shoulders of Greatness: Black History in Unity
African Americans played a vital role in the development of the spiritual movement at Unity. Celebrating and commemorating those leaders helps propel us toward a more loving, inclusive, and connected consciousness—evolving to reach a greater understanding of our divine oneness.
Honoring Black history and the struggle for racial equality, this collection of articles, stories, and educational resources explores Unity history and the influence of Black leaders, past and current, in its growth. In the spirit of Sankofa—looking to the past to inform the future—Unity recognizes how these individuals played a key role in teaching the principles that proclaim the divinity of all people and how together we can affirm a path of inclusion for all.
We extend special gratitude to the Black ministers and leaders in Unity who told their stories and helped develop these resources.
“Spirit gave me the vision of doing this work. Also vision of a temple and a home. I immediately started to do something about it.”
—Rev. Helen Mouton, 1948 Unity Field Department Survey
ArticleExplore Black History
For Black History Month, some of the Black ministers in Unity suggested ways that all people can explore Black history
ArticleUnity and Race: A Truthful History
Mistakes, Apologies, and Actions Through the Years This article was edited by Rev. Ellen Debenport with contributions from CEO Jim
ArticleA Timeline of Race Relations at Unity World Headquarters
As part of an effort to recognize and rise above its own systemic discrimination, Unity World Headquarters compiled this chronology
ArticleIt Works If You Work It: The Legacy of Rev. Dr. Johnnie Colemon
I was still fairly new to the Unity teachings. There was so much to learn. Some of the teachings left
ArticleThe House That Ruth Built
Ruth M. Mosley was born March 10, 1930, the eldest child of Myles and Versie Newborn in Olive Branch, Mississippi
ArticleFrom a Path With Heart … Rev. Sallye Coe Taylor
Rev. Sallye Coe Taylor, ordained a Unity minister in 1979, forged a path with heart in the Unity movement, a
ArticleRev. Catherine Brooks, a Pioneering Spirit in Unity
When the founder of Unity Temple of Truth set out to pioneer a church that focused on the spiritual needs
ArticleUnity Urban Ministerial School: Built on a Dream and Commitment
“What can we do to help your people?” That was the question Stan Hampson, minister of Unity Village Chapel, asked
ArticleArchive Letter Sheds Light on Social Change Within Unity
As a spiritual movement, Unity has evolved in its consciousness of race relations. Letters written in 1956 between a congregant
BookletGems of Wisdom from Black Leaders of New Thought Booklet
For decades, Black spiritual leaders have been teaching New Thought principles, offering wisdom from their unique points of view and
VideoBlack History Month Video Reflections
Black History Month gives us an opportunity to evolve our consciousness to a higher level, making us more awake. These
A Timeline of Race Relations at Unity World Headquarters
As part of an effort to recognize and rise above its own systemic discrimination, Unity World Headquarters compiled this chronology
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ArticleStanding Together Resource Center
We Stand Together in Unity At Unity, we know that profound systemic changes need to occur to protect the rights
A Timeline of Race Relations at Unity World Headquarters
As part of an effort to recognize and rise above its own systemic discrimination, Unity World Headquarters compiled this chronology
Explore Black History
For Black History Month, some of the Black ministers in Unity suggested ways that all people can explore Black history
Unity Honors Black History Month
Unity honors Black History Month with powerful collections—articles, videos, and booklets featuring Rev. Ruth Mosley, Rev. Dr. Johnnie Colemon, gospel playlists, and teachings on racial equality in New Thought.