What Can You Learn By Listening? (#OneMinuteMondays)

As February rolls around so also does the annual Black History Month. America has been a melting pot of people and cultures throughout its history. Sadly, for many of those years, Black Americans fared much less than the “American Dream.” A friend of mine often refers to the history of Black Americans as similar to the Israelites in Egypt. They Israelites grew in number, celebrated family, made collective memories together, and made accomplishments in their society. However, no one would look back on their plight and celebrate their being in slavery. He suggests the same related those in the Black church in America throughout many of its earlier days.

Black Lives Matter and Related Pressures of 2020

Coming out of 2020 with the months of protests throughout America, this year provides us a fresh opportunity to listen and learn from those around us. As Christians who desire to love our neighbors sincerely, we desire to know the story, the perspective, the joys, and the heartaches of our neighbors. We recognize the disparity between what we want to know, assume we know, and should know.

There is much we can learn. According to history.com, Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. The Black History Month 2021 theme, “Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity” explores the African diaspora, and the spread of Black families across the United States.[1]

A Place to Start

Here are a two places you can begin from recent years and publications. No doubt more will be published this year as well.

From Christianity Today… “In honor of Black History Month, we remember and celebrate the powerful work of God in and through the lives of influential African Americans. From enslaved Christians and abolitionists through the Jim Crow era to civil rights figures, the believers featured in these articles served as leaders in the church and powerfully impacted society.” In this article, you will find over 20 links to articles and stories of influential individuals who made a major impact in our nation and on the church.

From Bob Kellemen… Bob provides 435 different resources for you to explore in order to hear the story, meet the people, and grow in appreciation for the heroes of the Black Church. In this article you will find two PDF links covering a vast bibliography of Black Church History in America (220 items) and ministry (215 items covering topics such as: community-based ministry, community development, cross-cultural ministry, multicultural ministry, multiethnic relationships, race relationships, racial reconciliation, and urban ministry).

Find Somewhere to Start

Begin with Christianity Today’s list and begin to grow this month in your understanding of, appreciation for, and love for our brothers and sisters who have been part of the American Black Church as you make an effort to love your neighbor sincerely.

Image Credit RODNAE Productions