Reflecting on how I became a Black mental health counselor who is a Christian, I had to figure out who I would become. I had a broad collection of inspiring individuals, some well-known and others were unsung. This knowledge enabled me to say,
“If they were able to do that in the time they lived, I could do more.” I am thankful for my public and Sunday school teachers who intentionally shared these stories with me.
Members of the Black race have contributed immensely to our daily lives
George Washington Carver was an agricultural scientist and inventor whose faith in God and daily prayer routine resulted in hundreds of inventions that revolutionized farming and the foods we consume today.
Ida B. Wells was one of the nation’s first investigative journalists whose integrated faith and conviction about race-based suffering gave her the courage to withstand death threats and violence. She chronicled and exposed thousands of lynchings in the southern United States and brought worldwide attention to these horrific events. She integrated religious parables into her work and highlighted the contradictions between these immoral acts and Christian values. [1]
Fredrick Douglass, an author and one of the greatest American thinkers, was known as a friend and positive influence on President Abraham Lincoln. Honest Abe initially had an inhumane view of Black people, his primary concern was to preserve the union. History tells us that this friendship with Douglass helped shape Lincoln’s attitudes that resulted in the treatment of Blacks with respect and dignity as image-bearers of God at a time when this was not a public practice. [2]
May these brief stories increase your appetite to learn about more individuals who harnessed the power of faith, prayer, conviction, love, and friendship to overcome racism and transform this nation.
The national narrative often neglects critical facts
A hard truth that the true historical record is blatantly inaccurate at points, and is banned in certain regions of the country. It is obvious why preconceived notions and misshaped attitudes exist.
World-renowned pastor and Bible scholar Dr. Tony Evans states, “To be fair, we have come lightyears away from slavery, Jim Crow laws, and other overt displays of racial hatred. But tolerance is still a far cry from reconciliation. The mere fact that we remain relationally separated most of the time, only coming together for an event or cross-cultural seminar, shows how far we need to go.” [3]
I believe that Black history month acknowledges that for Christians, God has always been the origin of hope, joy, and peace (Rom 15:13). God brought a people out of bondage and is trustworthy, despite the yet-to-be-fulfilled founding ideals in America.
We celebrate in February
February was selected as the month to celebrate due to the birthdays of Frederick Douglas and President Abraham Lincoln.
Carter Woodson referred to as the father of Black History desired to educate African Americans about their heritage in 1926 through “Negro History Week.” [4]
After its 50th anniversary, universities and prestigious organizations soon realized that a week was not long enough. Every United States president has honored the tradition of Black History Month since 1976. [5]
How to celebrate Black history month
Many organizations have large events during February that boost the awareness of Black History.
Similarly, the Easter season in a traditional church setting is when you can see excellent live productions, participate in many free events, and enjoy activities with the entire family.
Why not use your favorite streaming platform to watch a documentary with the family? Why not visit your local library when they highlight authors, books, and video series? Or inquire why they do not have this information highlighted.
February is also a great time to financially support non-profit organizations with limited resources to provide more information throughout the year.
Many churches observe the Lord’s supper on the first Sunday of the month without limiting the practice to only that time. The value of setting that time aside is to help us remember. Likewise, Black History Month proves an opportunity to learn about many unheralded feats that have strengthened this nation. Few oppose October being breast cancer awareness month because we care for the cause. We get to participate in events such as marathons and gain awareness as part of the journey with someone suffering.
