Dr. Karri Turner Bryant has sparked debate online over what is considered appropriate attire for a pastor’s wife after wearing a black-and-nude illusion gown to a recent fundraising gala with her husband, Pastor Jamal Bryant.
Despite the backlash, Pastor Bryant has defended his wife and the dress she wore at the 42nd Annual United Negro College Fund Mayor’s Masked Ball on 20 December.
During a New Year’s Eve service, in what pastors in the United States call a “watch night service,” Pastor Bryant said the “internet went crazy” over his wife’s dress, yet failed to acknowledge the good that came from the evening.
“They didn’t say anything about the $4 million that was raised for the United Negro College Fund. They never mentioned that she prayed until heaven came down. They never said anything about this being the largest fundraiser… for HBCUs in the country,” he said.
Bryant called his wife’s critics “insecure, jealous, petty, and small-minded” people who created a “false barometer of holiness” based on a dress. He reminded people that the dress was not see-through, but flesh-coloured, and told the congregation that he liked the dress, so he purchased it, USA Today reported.
“I need to set the record straight. I bought the dress, and I like it. I don’t care whether you like it or not. She isn’t married to you. She’s married to me,” Bryant explained as the crowd applauded. “Now, if you wanted a first lady who looked like Little House on the Prairie or Holly Hobbie, you’ve got the wrong church.”
Bryant is the pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, as well as an author and activist. He is also credited with being the driving force behind the Target boycott when the retail giant denounced its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to comply with President Donald Trump’s executive orders.