“Redeeming Deserted Places”: The Black Redemptive Rhetoric of Rev. Dr. Heber Brown III

Ryan Tabrizi

doi:10.14321/rhetpublaffa.27.4.0029

Rhetoric & Public Affairs Dec 2024

“Redeeming Deserted Places”: The Black Redemptive Rhetoric of Rev. Dr. Heber Brown III

Ryan Tabrizi

Abstract

Abstract This essay analyzes the redemptive rhetoric found in Rev. Dr. Heber Brown III's sermon “Redeeming Deserted Places.” I argue that Brown's rhetoric of redemption serves as a powerful rhetorical tool for critiquing whiteness, anti-Black racism, and justice-based movements. Through my analysis, I reach three key findings. First, Brown radically redefines the starting point for rhetorics of redemption. While Burke suggests that redemptive rhetoric's origin begins with the roles of the victim, Brown suggests that the starting point of redemption can also stem from the liberator. Second, Brown defines redemption as a form of liberation. Following in the footsteps of Cone's Black liberation theology, Brown argues that redemption plays a role in the process of liberating Black communities from anti-Black racism. Finally, Brown's use of the rhetoric of redemption centers on Black subjectivity while de-centering whiteness. By insisting that Black communities redeem themselves from white supremacy, Brown contends that redemption is a catalyst for actively implementing anti-racist policy and preserving marginalized Black communities rather than a tool for forgiving white supremacy.

Journal: Rhetoric & Public Affairs
Published: 2024-12-01
DOI: 10.14321/rhetpublaffa.27.4.0029
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Topics: rhetorical criticism race and writing
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“Redeeming Deserted Places”: The Black Redemptive Rhetoric of Rev. Dr. Heber Brown III

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