Wearing black “becomes a small but powerful act of resistance”

When did you first become interested in building momentum for Thursdays in Black? What sparked your passion?

Rammekwa: My interest in building momentum for Thursdays in Black emerged through my work with young people and my growing awareness of the hidden struggles we carry, more especially within religious spaces. I began to realize that gender-based violence is often treated as a “societal problem,” something that happens outside the church, yet many young people experience silence, shame, spiritual manipulation, and abuse within faith communities themselves. It is in these spaces where harmful behaviors are sometimes ignored, spiritualized, or protected in the name of unity, respect for leadership, or fear of scandal.

What sparked my passion was recognizing that the church, while preaching justice and love, sometimes can unintentionally become a place where survivors are unheard and perpetrators are shielded. Therefore Thursdays in Black gave me a way to challenge this denial gently but firmly, to say that faith spaces are not exempt from accountability. To me as a leader, this campaign is a bridge between faith and truth-telling, by way of inviting churches and young people alike to confront what we have normalized and to actively build safer, more honest communities.

What about Thursdays in Black appeals to young people?

Rammekwa: I personally believe it appeals to young people because it is simple, visible, and meaningful. Wearing black becomes a small but powerful act of resistance, one that says, “I see, I believe, and I stand for justice.” Moreover, especially to young people who often feel unheard or excluded from decision-making spaces, such campaigns offer an accessible way to participate in change without needing permission or a platform.

It also resonates because it connects faith with real-life struggles. Young people want a faith that is honest, courageous, and relevant to the world in which they live. Thursdays in Black affirms that justice, dignity, and safety are spiritual matters, not side issues.

What do you wish more churches would do about preventing gender-based violence?

Rammekwa: I wish more churches would move beyond awareness toward intentional prevention and accountability. Meaning including teaching openly about power, consent, and dignity, creating safe and trusted reporting spaces, and ensuring that leaders are held accountable regardless of position or status. In some instances, silence and protection of reputation should never be valued more than the safety of people.

My dream is for churches to partner with professionals, community organizations, and survivors themselves, in recognizing that prevention requires humility and collaboration. Most importantly, churches must listen especially to young people and survivors and allow their voices to shape policies, theology, and ministry practices because that is where true transformation begins.

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