It looks at ways in which liturgy, vestments, and decor have changed in order to be more reflective of African American culture. It is an examination of the collective will of religious leaders and an exploration of the ways in which individual belief shapes and changes African American history and culture. While the exhibit focuses primarily on Christian churches and congregations, it also acknowledges the variety of religious traditions which are historically part of the African American experience including Islam, Black Hebrew, and African based-religions. Congregations may belong to African American denominations or be part of traditionally White denominations. Each congregation defines its own rules, traditions, and group identity.
Individuals take meaning from the particular character of their church or congregations.