Youth Dept.- Black History Program

Youth Dept.- Black History Program

Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today.

Black History Month is about celebrating the perseverance of Black Americans and highlighting their experiences and stories so they can be heard. The intent of this month is not solely to focus on the collective and systemic trauma Black Americans have been forced to endure, but it is to really spend time appreciating and engaging with the contributions the Black community has made to the story of America.

But why should the church be talking about this? If not for the reasons above, then because of the understanding that we are all created in God’s image. Every gift, talent, passion and work done by Black Americans that we honor during this month is because they are a gift from God’s creation. And as the story told in Genesis promises us, it was good.

The church should be talking about Black History Month because the Black church has taught us so much about our shared faith, how to trust in God and how to truly walk like Christ did.