Throughout American history, the Black church has been a pillar of the community, a place for worship and organizing, a provider of spiritual and political leadership, and a target for terrorism and bombings. Above all, the Black church has endured, remaining resilient through both victories and losses.

This Is the Day brings together 24 artistic representations of Black faith and spirituality, including the work of Bruce Davidson, Faith Ringgold, and Arkansas-based photographer Aaron Turner, that illuminate the resilience of the Black church and the community it has served for more than 300 years. From depictions of joy to quiet moments of prayer to images of departure through funerals and terrorism, this focus exhibition displays the church’s significant role in Black history and culture that still endures today.