Why We Honor Black History Month

February is the month designated to stop and recognize the significant events and accomplishments of the generations of African Americans who have made an impact in our country and our communities. So, what does Black History Month have to do with our faith in Jesus?

As believers in Jesus, we are called to reflect Jesus, His Kingdom, and His values. Black history is not only a celebration of black individuals but also a celebration of unity and freedom. The importance of unity in the Church is so great that we are warned to watch out for those who try to break it apart (Romans 16:17). In a world that seems increasingly divisive, God’s Church has the opportunity to stand out as a great light of unity. God brought people of different races together to form a single body (Ephesians 2:14-16) so that the Church can work as one (Ephesians 2:13) and become an answer to Jesus’ prayer when He prayed to the Father, “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.”

Additionally, all throughout the Bible, God desires freedom for His people. As we think about the history of freedom from slavery in our country, we can reflect on the character of God, who values human life, freedom from oppression, and freedom from the bondage of sin. God went to great lengths to liberate the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt in the book of Exodus, and He went to great lengths on the cross to liberate us all from the slavery of sin. 

The Bible also encourages us to remember past events and recall the God of our salvation through numerous historical narratives. Black History Month serves as a memorial, much like the 12 stones set up in Joshua chapter 4, to honor and remember the past, prevent repeating it, and inspire hope for future generations.

As we look to the past, it also gives us the opportunity to grow in empathy—not only for people of color—but for anyone who has ever been mistreated, judged, hurt, or outcast. Jimmy Rollins says, “Whenever I go to the doctor’s office, they have me fill out a form. Before I’m seen by the physician, that form asks me, ‘Where does it hurt? Where has it hurt in the past?’ Then it asks me about my parents and my sister—what has been their history and experience? Do you know what’s never happened? The physician never tried to negotiate away my level of pain or said my family history ‘wasn’t that bad’ or ‘didn’t happen.’ When we love outside the lines, it means that I don’t have to share your experience to share empathy. It’s time to lean into history so we can have a new destiny.”