Final answer:
The black church has been a cornerstone for African-American communities, providing both spiritual and socio-political support. Although there's no direct reference to a mass return to the church in the 1990s by the African-American middle class, the historical importance of the church suggests continued engagement in various capacities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship between the African-American middle class and the church in the 1990s can be understood in the context of the broader historical and socio-political developments affecting black communities in the United States.
Following the gains of the civil rights movement, there was an expansion of the black middle class. However, the 1980s saw challenges such as a retreat in support of affirmative action, urban ghettoization, and economic hardships.
Throughout history, the black church has provided a foundation for political action and community support for African Americans.
This role continued through the Civil Rights Era, where churches not only served as places of worship but also as centers for political strategy against Jim Crow laws and societal hubs for networking and communal support.
In this light, although there isn't a direct reference to a widespread return of the African American middle class to the church in the 1990s, the black church has historically been a bedrock of support and empowerment.
It played a multifaceted role in nurturing black communities, preserving African-American culture, and fostering socio-political engagement.
Given this enduring significance, it would not be surprising if the African-American middle class continued to engage with the church, seeking solace, community, and a platform for activism.