February is recognized as Black History Month in America.
The Reconciliation team at Circle of Hope is pausing to consider February as Black History month, and I’m encouraged by what we’ve been sharing. Here’s a sample of what I’ve gleaned from our discussion and some thoughts after each one.
Black History in America is American History.
Strange that the two might be considered separate or that Black History might be segregated into one month’s worth of discussion. Karen VonWinbush had us consider that black history month has a history, too, starting as a week before it was expanded to a month. I appreciate that people in our country are encouraged to pause and to take an intentional look at our nation’s past in honor of those who gave of themselves in difficult struggles and in direct confrontation with racism in America. I’m thankful that during this month there’s reminders everywhere of blacks in American history. You can find reminders of Black History in America on TV programs, in TV commercials, and in the responses to TV commercials, in the public schools and in restaurants. In our Circle of Hope you’ll hear reminders of Black History, too, on blogs (thanks Nate) and in the PM inserts. Lots of reminders, and all in an attempt to bring to light a history that is rich with both pain and perseverance.
Black History is still being made in America.
The best part about Black History in America is that it ain’t just history. The history makers aren’t just encapsulated in wax museums (Though I personally do recommend seeing The Great Blacks in Wax Museum in Baltimore, very cool). The struggle to speak truth to racism continues with the living. We are still in an era of “firsts” when it comes to Black History. First black Winter games Olympic individual gold medallist Shani Davis in 2006, first black solo flight around the world Barrington Irving in 2007, first black Billionaire Robert Johnson in 2001, first black runner for democratic presidential candidate Shirley Chisolm in 1972 (sorry Barak Obama, that “first” was already taken). And don’t forget those who get labeled as the “last”, there is still much work in our country to address the disproportionate occurrences of poverty, imprisonment, inadequate housing conditions, and inadequate education which are harsh realities of life for too many black people in America. History is still being made. Despite the myth of equal opportunity in America, racism still needs to be addressed with truth and reconciliation. And there’s still room for young history makers, for example, Peta Lindsay, the 23-year-old Philadelphia native who is the spokesperson for A.N.S.W.E.R. (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism), a national Student Coalition.
Jesus Christ is leading the movement of racial reconciliation
I was beautifully reminded of this at the last reconciliation team meeting when listening to our friends of color express their frustrations to the group about living in a white-dominated American society. Our authentic relationships in Christ were being made stronger in that very moment of honestly sharing and listening. The relationship we share with Jesus is strong enough that we can begin to have that raw discussion openly. The Spirit of God is among us! What a privilege to be a part of the reconciling kingdom of God. There’s no other umbrella that can unite people whose history is so rife with hate and segregation. I am not among those who trust that the nation state of America can pull off a lasting unity by itself. I trust the strongest love of Jesus Christ to heal the wounds of racism. We need to receive and give the love of Jesus Christ together, us united with God through him. We have the examples of Christians in America who trusted enough to bring that reconciling love to light in the face of racism. Consider some of them as well. We paused as a network to remember our Christian brother Martin Luther King, Jr. on the weekend of his celebrated birthday. And how about Ruby Sales, who is the founder of the Spirit House Project in Washington DC, and is aiming for a non-violent and just world by exploring the legacy of American violence, racism and sexism. And then there’s Graylan Hagler, who serves as a pastor and as the National President of Ministers for Racial, Social, and Economic Justice. I am encouraged that our Lord is mobilizing his people to bring truth and love in the middle of our fragile world. Among believers, black history month can also be about the perseverance and healing presence of Jesus Christ in the world.
Do you know of someone or, better yet, a team of someones, whose lives are confronting racism in America and re-shaping our landscape? Remind us of who they are. Do you have a story to tell during black history month? Tell it.
I love the dialogue that Black History Month brings. Whether we think it’s not necessary (which is foolish), satisfactory the way that it exists, or as an opportunity to investigate systemic racism–I’m glad that we can dialogue about Black History Month and continue to pray for reconciliation and anti-racism. I’m glad to be doing it with you, Art. Race is a complicated issue, one that remain “hush, hush” about. I’m glad that we can talk about it.
The National Black Marathoners’ Association’s Executive Director, Tony Reed, became the first Black in the world to run 26.2-mile marathons on all seven continents, including Antarctica on June 23, 2007. To put this in perspecitve, over 500 people climbed Mt. Everest in 2007 alone. Fewer than 225 people in the world have reached this goal. And the brother did NOT have any sponsors. He did it all out of his own pocket!!!
He’s been featured in many newspapers, magazines, and publications around the world. He was featured in the February, 2008 issue of Runner’s World and November, 2007 issue of the Journal of Accountancy. Unfortunately, when his feat was reported to the Black press, such as Ebony and Jet, they never reported it.