Chicago Preacher Defies Radio Broadcast Censorship During Civil Rights Era

Rev. C.J. Rodgers spoke out about the Freedom Riders despite being threatened with having his sermon cut off the air.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:00pm

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In the mid-1950s, Rev. C.J. Rodgers, the pastor of Mount Eagle Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, boldly spoke out in support of the Freedom Riders during his Sunday sermon, despite being warned that the radio broadcast would be cut off if he did so. Rodgers refused to be silenced, declaring that if they were going to cut him off, 'you better slice that cut, because I'm gonna speak the truth.' The congregation was inspired by Rodgers' courage and ensured his message got out, even after the radio broadcast was cut.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the pivotal role the Black church played in the civil rights movement, providing a platform for courageous leaders like Rodgers to speak out against injustice and mobilize their communities. The economic independence and institutional strength of the Black church allowed pastors to freely advocate for change without fear of repercussions from white power structures.

The details

During a Sunday sermon in the mid-1950s, Rev. C.J. Rodgers, the pastor of Mount Eagle Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, was warned that the radio broadcast of his sermon would be immediately cut off if he chose to speak about the Freedom Riders heading south to work for voting rights. Undeterred, Rodgers boldly declared from the pulpit, 'Well, if you're gonna cut me off, you better slice that cut, because I'm gonna speak the truth.' True to their threat, the radio station did cut Rodgers' sermon, but the hundreds gathered at Mount Eagle that day ensured his message still reached the community.

  • In the mid-1950s, during the height of the civil rights movement.

The players

Rev. C.J. Rodgers

The pastor of Mount Eagle Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, known for his courageous and outspoken advocacy for civil rights during the 1950s.

Mount Eagle Missionary Baptist Church

A prominent Black church in Chicago that provided a platform for civil rights leaders like Rev. Rodgers and was economically independent from white power structures.

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What they’re saying

“Well, if you're gonna cut me off, you better slice that cut, because I'm gonna speak the truth.”

— Rev. C.J. Rodgers, Pastor, Mount Eagle Missionary Baptist Church

The takeaway

This story highlights the vital role the Black church played in the civil rights movement, providing a platform for courageous leaders to speak out against injustice and mobilize their communities. The economic independence and institutional strength of the Black church allowed pastors like Rodgers to freely advocate for change without fear of repercussions from white power structures.