( CNN ) I am atheist -- and I am black . Yes , we exist -- even if many in the media sometimes do n't notice us . In a CNN special that aired on Tuesday , for example , people of color were not as well-represented as American atheism 's more familiar face : You know , white males . In fact , African-American atheists represent a still small -- though growing -- segment of American atheists at large . Does this mean that blacks and other minorities generally just do n't gravitate towards nonbelief , or are there other factors which keep us hidden ? There is a harsh truth to face here . Most blacks identify as religious . Belief in God is touted with pride , and the church is intricately tied to tradition , history and culture . It is not uncommon to assume that I attend services as a black woman . The question often is n't if I go to church -- it 's where . And even if one does n't go to church , surely they still have faith -- because our people have endured and overcome so much hardship that it had to be the work of a god . All of this makes the words `` black '' and `` atheist '' hard for many to imagine in the same sentence . It can be extremely difficult to discuss religion objectively in the black community . Many have social , emotional and financial stakes invested in this institution , so for one to even say they have doubts is like committing treason . To openly identify as an atheist in the midst of heavy religious influence can be next to impossible , and good luck finding other blacks who also do n't believe . It is very important to note however , that the Internet has made it easier for black atheists to find each other , and there is a large community of us online . Though I was raised secular -- a rarity in my community -- I 've had to endure ostracism from family and friends as a result of openly identifying as an atheist . However , my journey is far from tragic . In founding my organization , Black Nonbelievers , in 2011 , I have been fortunate to connect with others who were either raised secular like myself , or who were brought up extremely religious and left it behind . And they have done so bravely , defying the perception and expectation that all blacks blindly accept religion . The Friendly Atheists Next Door . My experience in the secular community as a black atheist has ranged from feeling totally welcome to feeling totally isolated , and even ignored . On the one hand , there is common ground shared -- our nonbelief and even discontent with religion unites us . On the other hand , there is a notion that since we share this common ground that there are no other issues to address . The lack of people of color at secular events is a problem -- partly because there is unawareness of such events existing , but also because there is limited effort placed in accommodation and care . We are sometimes treated as if we are invisible , or even as an afterthought -- which does not make the few persons of color feel welcome . Fortunately , all is not lost . Progress has been made . There are now a number of secular groups that have helped to bring about more diverse representation for people of color , women and children . There is a more concentrated focus on support for the LGBT demographic , as well for others who come from marginalized and disfranchised backgrounds . There are support systems for people who have lost loved ones , yet they have no religious affiliation . Moreover , there is a tremendous amount of literary and artistic talent . Such representation is now reflected at organized events , in leadership , as well as in media coverage . While the number of visible minority atheists is still small , we are here and we 're here to stay . We will continue to grow , in both the black and secular communities . We can lead the charge for this change . The more we make our presence known , the better our chances of working together to turn around the disparities we face , and bolster the recognition we so rightly deserve . We are not alone .
African - American atheists represent a small but diverse group of American blacks at large . Most blacks , though , identify as religious , and the church is intricately tied to tradition , history and religion .