African-American Movements Influenced by African-American Pentecostalism

Several African-American groups attempted to establish ties with Africa, Judaism, or some mystical aspect of Pentecostalism. Common features were their small sizes, embracing of radical ideologies, leader-centered worshiping, and flamboyant rituals. Marcus Garvey called for an all-black religion and the return of African Americans to Africa. Mother Adorka's African Universal Church advocated an Africanized religion during the 1920s. Various black Jewish groups sought their roots with ancient Israel. Beth B'Nai Abraham, Black Hebrew Nation, and the Universal Temple of Tranquility argued that African Americans were the 'true' Israelites. European Jews were simply foreign "interlopers." The Church of God and Saints of Christ expressed similar notions about Judaism.