Trinity United Church of Christ Receives $5 Million Grant to Amplify Black Spirituality with ‘Rooted’ Series

Trinity United Church of Christ, led by Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, has received a $5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its National Storytelling Initiative on Christian Faith and Life.& The funding will support a new project called “Rooted,” which will showcase stories centered on Black spiritual traditions. The initiative aims to highlight the resilience and triumphs of Black individuals and communities, using film, music, podcasts and educational curricula to inspire and educate. Rooted will explore the deep cultural and spiritual heritage of the Black community, offering a window into its lived experiences and faith journeys.& “It is our hope the Rooted series will transform the narrative nationally about the impact, significance, and modern relevance of faith and spirituality in the lives of African Americans,” said Pastor Moss. Trinity is one of 13 organizations selected nationwide to receive grants from Lilly Endowment Inc. The initiative supports media organizations, churches, publishers and educational institutions working to portray the vibrancy and hope of Christian faith. The Rooted series will be produced by Unashamed Media Group, the church’s production arm founded in 2015.& Unashamed Media Group has previously produced music projects, plays, podcasts, and films, including the award-winning documentary Otis’ Dream...