Why We Should ALL Celebrate Black History Month
Black History is American History
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.
“God initiated celebration in the Bible to be experienced collectively.
Participation in the community allowed the people to reflect on the greatness and glory of God through his deliverance and provision ”
Yes, we should celebrate Black history year-round. But will we? Will you? It will take time for the history books to accurately reflect the spectrum of achievements in literature, engineering, science, history, food, fashion, videography, and entertainment. Those achievements are ongoing. We can start in February until the acknowledgment of historical contributions become consistent.
Find something new about Black history to learn and celebrate
Find books to read or documentaries to spark engagement within your children rather than waiting on a teacher or school curriculum.
We know about top athletes like LeBron James and Serena Williams, or entertainers like Beyonce, but do you know about the church fathers from Africa such as Tertullian, Origen, Irenaeus, or Augustine? These men helped explain difficult theological concepts such as the divinity of Christ and the Trinity.
Their work has and will continue to influence our worship for generations. The writing of these African men are an example of how the general population has little knowledge of the people who played a significant role in World History.
What does the Bible say about Celebration?
Celebration is a spiritual discipline.
God initiated celebration in the Bible to be experienced collectively. Participation in the community allowed the people to reflect on the greatness and glory of God through his deliverance and provision (Deut 26:10-12; 2 Sam 6:12-16; 1 Kings 1:40, 8:65; 1 Chron 12:39-40, 23:30-32; 2 Chron 30:25-27; Neh 12:42-43; Ecc 2:24, 3:12-14).
Grattitude is demonstrated for God's gift to us when we come together with others who know God to eat and drink, sing and dance, and relate stories of God's action for our lives and our people.
In Romans 14, Paul addressed divisions over diet and holy days (14:5), and concluded that we are to live for each other (7), honor the Lord (8), act in love (15), and aim for harmony in the church (19). In chapter 15, Paul discusses that building each other up and encoragement is crucial for harmony as we wait for the promises of God to be fulfilled (4-5).
In the Old Testament, Passover directly correlated with Israel's deliverance.
Jesus celebrated Passover in the New Testament, which became referenced as The Lord's Supper on the night of his betrayal. Today, we participate in the sacrament to remember the sacrifice that Christ made for our salvation and future glory as believers. The Lord's Supper celebration is an important part of our Christian heritage.
Addressing dissenters of Black history
Some people might never read this article or participate. Some individuals might say we need to move past the celebration of one people group or the mention of slavery, Jim Crow, or the Civil Rights Movement.
Did God do that with Israel? No! God told them to remember when they were slaves in Egypt, they were brutalized, and it was always the Lord's plan to deliver them. The Isrealites prayed to be free. God granted that request, so they should remember their history.
Could you imagine if Pharaoh controlled the narrative of the children of Israel?
The Israelites had to tell their story as a testament to all people so that their stories wouldn't be marginalized, maligned, or misrepresented.
To those readers on whom this has made an impact, can you be deputized as an investigator?
Having conversations that acknowledge Black history
Inquire from friends and family why this celebration makes them uncomfortable. It is too easy in our day to scroll and ignore, change the channel, write off, or click away rather than sit with those feelings and allow God to search your heart (Psalm 139:23-24).
Do those who find this holiday divisive make any effort to build unity outside their circle of comfort? Or show empathy at all?
Do they feel we should also forget the Alamo, Pearl Harbor, or 9-11?
Of course not! Again, since Black History is American History it disserves equal significance.
Do not allow this article to be labeled as political (it is not) or something else as a way to wash one's hands of the truth it contains. Contrary to some opinions, this celebration of Black History is how we get to unity. How?
By acknowledging past and present injustices regardless of personal participation (ever hear of original sin?), join the affirmation, acceptance, and recognition of the achievement of many Blacks that have made America a great nation.
Pray for those who do not understand or do not care, that God will soften their hearts. May they realize that celebrating Black History helps us to relate in a healthy and empathic way to our brothers and sisters. Not just in a span of 28 or 29 days, but the information we position ourselves to learn helps us to love better throughout the year.
References
[1] Wanda A. Hendricks. Review of Patricia A. Schechter, Ida B. Wells-Barnett and American Reform 1880-1930 and Schechter, Patricia A., Ida B. Wells-Barnett and American Reform, 1880-1930. H-SHGAPE, H-Net Reviews. March 2002. http://www.h-net.org/reviews/showrev.php?id=6022
[2] Frederick Douglas, What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?’’ Letter and speech July 5, 1852. Available here: https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/coretexts/_files/resources/texts/c/1852%20Douglass%20July%204.pdf
[3] http://tonyevans.org/blog/why-black-history-matters
[4, 5] https://www.history.com/news/the-man-behind-black-history-month
Related Internet Articles
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/we-need-black-history-month
https://bibleresources.americanbible.org/resource/black-history-month
https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2016/february-web-only/gods-place-in-black-history.html
Written By Dr. James E. Francis Jr.
Dr. Francis is the founder of Intentional Bridges, a mental health counseling and coaching practice that provides accountability through encouragement and empowerment that drives resilience and spiritual maturity.
James helps with issues including anxiety, anger, depression, grief, infidelity, life transitions, stress, marital readiness, men’s issues, relationship issues, race-related issues, pornography addiction, PTSD, and trauma. He believes that therapy should be clinically excellent and theologically accurate. He prioritizes the integration of Scripture with elements of psychology to operate a holistic growth plan.
James helps individuals identify and overcome their negative core beliefs. Then walks beside them to promote step-by-step healing from the pain of the past.
