On this episode, I had the amazing opportunity to speak with Phil Allen, Jr. Phil is a Ph.D. candidate in Christian Ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary. He earned a bachelor’s degree in theological studies, with an emphasis in Christian ministries from The King’s University and a Master of Arts in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, studying Christian ethics. His research involves race theory, theology, ethics, culture, and the theology and ethics of Martin Luther King, Jr. Phil is the founder of the Racial Solidarity Project based in Los Angeles, CA. He is also a pastor, and the founder of Own Your Faith Ministries located in Santa Clarita, CA. Phil has been a speaker/preacher across the U.S. and abroad.
Phil is a poet and a documentary film producer. His short film Open Wounds premiered in Los Angeles in January 2020. Phil’s passion is for racial justice and healing trauma from racial tragedies and existing structures that perpetuate racial inequities. His book, Open Wounds: A Story of Racial Tragedy, Trauma, and Redemption, published by Fortress Press, is currently out now. The film and book recounts the murder of Phil’s grandfather, Nathaniel Allen. His grandfather was murdered on the Sampit River by his white employer, who lured him into the meeting under the false promise of reconciliation. Allen’s death was recorded as an accidental drowning, a deliberate cover-up of the bullet hole seen by more than one witness.
During this important conversation we talked about Open Wounds, the process of making it and the important message it carries about race and trauma. Phil’s description of his family’s suffering and the “discipleship of trauma” his and other black families have had to endure is harrowing and powerful. It’s a honest and frank conversation about the problem of empty reconciliation and the necessity for solidarity. I was very much moved by Phil’s story and his perspective, and I hope you will be too.
Learn more: https://www.philallenjr.com/
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Liminal Theology 