National Black Church Initiative Sets June 15 Membership Deadline as Health Campaigns Expand

The National Black Church Initiative set June 15, 2026, as the deadline for member churches to renew their participation in the coalition, the organization announced this month.

The NBCI, which represents 150,000 churches and 27.7 million members, has been expanding its health advocacy work in 2026. Current campaigns include the "Beautiful Black Babies" initiative, which targets maternal health disparities, and the launch of the African American Parkinson's Patient Advocacy Organization, known as AAPPAO.

The maternal health campaign focuses on reducing the gap in birth outcomes between Black and white mothers in the United States. Black women in the U.S. die from pregnancy-related causes at roughly three times the rate of white women, according to federal data. The NBCI has partnered with hospitals and community health workers to provide education and support to expectant mothers in underserved areas.

The Parkinson's campaign addresses a separate but significant health disparity. Research suggests Black Americans are less likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease despite having similar or higher rates of the condition, partly due to barriers in accessing neurological care.

NBCI President Rev. Anthony Evans said the membership renewal is critical to sustaining these programs. "Our churches are the front line of health care in many Black communities," Evans said. "When our coalition is strong, our communities are stronger."

The organization also maintains an immunization tracking program and has coordinated national boycotts and advocacy campaigns on issues ranging from housing equity to technology access.

Member churches that miss the June 15 deadline can apply for reinstatement, though the process requires additional documentation.