Then in 1986, Congress passed “National Black History Month” into law, proclaiming that “the foremost purpose of Black History Month is to make all Americans aware of this struggle for freedom and equal opportunity”. According to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the theme for this year is African Americans in the Arts, honoring the ways Black people have influenced the arts and culture we know today. In worship we will attempt to lift up some folk from that field and celebrate their contributions.
Beloveds, we live in strange times- we have laws to celebrate the contributions and identity of people and at the same time we ban books that teach the same. What we say and what we do seem to contradict one another. I invite you to join me in addressing some of these inequities by adding our voices to those who continue this work of justice. Anti Racism Daily, invites us to:
- Address pay inequity- reports from early 2020 found that the Black-white wealth gap widened in the 2000s (EPI) and worsened during the pandemic (UC Berkeley). Black women are paid 67 cents for every dollar a white man makes (National Women's Law Center). Ask questions and speak in support of the people of color in your work place.
- Donate- to organizations that work for the wellbeing of Black people. Frequent restaurants and businesses that are owned and operated by Black people.
- Teach and Learn- Prioritize reading books that share the history of Black people in USA but are banned in some parts of our country.
And- can I invite us to not think of these actions only in February but also in March and throughout the year. Speak against the inequities that we see around us not just against Black people but against any person or identity. Oppose the ongoing genocide of innocent people in Gaza and gun violence in our communities. Every life is precious and no one has the right to take anyone’s life.
People of God, let us speak up and show up! Let us continue to follow Jesus who always addressed the injustices, exorcised evil from communities and shared love with all people. May we continue to be a place committed to sharing that love of God with all people to the best of our ability, and become agents of hope in this world. May we pray for the end of gun violence and for peace in Gaza and our neighborhoods. Beloveds, may we be blessed and be a blessing to all we meet, and I look forward to seeing you all at church.
