Social Justice Ministry


Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.
(Psalm 82:3)


In accordance with our Biblical mandate, the mission of the Social Justice Ministry of Nineteenth Street Baptist Church is to lift up and support those in society who cannot do for themselves 

The definition of social justice is to ensure equal access to wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society. Our ministry is tasked to raise awareness and generate support for social justice issues within the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.

Below are some of the projects and programs sponsored or supported by the Social Justice Ministry.


  • Vigil for Community & Democracy: Nineteenth Street participates in community vigils, most recently a September 8 vigil organized by religious organizations on 16th Street. Almost 75 church members, family and friends stood together in hope, unity and determination—lifting their voices for justice, representation, and the right to be heard. 
  • History and Reconciliation Project: Nineteenth Street Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Washington, D.C., which are bound together by history forged during the era of American slavery, took an unprecedented journey together to examine our past and cast a future of reconciliation. 
  • Black Lives Matter (BLM): Our church supports the Black Lives Matter movement advocating for nonviolent protest against incidents of police brutality against African Americans and people of color. We participate in rallies and marches and we host discussions.
  • Congregation Action Network (CAN): Our church is part of a network of faith communities in Washington, D.C., that provide support to immigrants who fear being detained, deported, or profiled. We participate in regular meetings, called rallies, and budget hearings where legislation and resources are being considered to support immigrant families.


We continue to seek opportunities to work together as a congregation for justice and peace in our city, country and world as a church without walls so that all people may experience the transformative power of God’s love. Volunteers are always welcomed to participate in these critical actions.


For more information, please contact:

• Deacon Sandra LeSesne or Deacon Deborah Crain-Kemp

• Email: SocialJustice@19thstreetbc.org

• Phone: 202-829-2773 (church office)