Does Anyone Care About Black History Month?
I”ll admit it. I’m often embarrassingly halfway through February before I even realize it’s Black History Month. However, I also believe this can be a great opportunity for the church to step up and bridge a divide.
I love what Pastor Tony Evans shared over at Relevant Online…
When we got saved, we were baptized into the body of Christ. No matter what our race, gender, or class is, when each of us came to faith in Jesus, we entered into a new family. We didn’t create God’s family. We became a part of it.
That is so important to realize because far too often we are trying to force unity when authentic unity cannot be mandated or manufactured. Instead, God says we are to “preserve the unity of the Spirit” (Ephesians 4:3). The Holy Spirit has created our unity. It is our job to preserve it.
The reason why we haven’t solved the racial divide in America after hundreds of years is because people apart from God are trying to invent unity, while people who belong to God are not living out the unity that we already possess. The result of both of these situations has been, and will continue to be, disastrous for our nation. Let alone disastrous for the witness of Christ to our nation.
He went on to say…
Black History Month gives us an opportunity to intentionally familiarize ourselves in such a way that will enable us to embrace our diversity to its fullest, putting unity to use for good. When we do that—when we knowledgeably serve side by side—there will be no stopping what we can do in the name of Jesus Christ.
While Cross Point has more diversity than ever before we still have a long way to go. Couple quick questions:
-Is your church doing anything with Black History Month?
-How’s your church doing at living out unity among the races?
In the words of Morgan Freeman, “If you want to put an end to racism, stop talking about it.” We don’t have Jewish history month. We don’t have white history month. We wouldn’t even want those. It would be far better if we just thought of each other as men and women, people we know, children of God. Not the “black” person we know. As people focus on differences and divides, they remain strong. If there were a lack of division and racial strife, many people would have no cause, and would find themselves out of work. It’s no small thing that the roots of diversity and division are the same.
While I totally get your point don’t you also feel that education is an important part of understanding and understanding an important part of reconciliation?
sure thing Pete, but as you can see in some of these posts, the ideas of setting apart, diversity, and superficial recognition do little to bring about unity and understanding. Real relationship building and heartfelt caring for one another go a lot farther than spending a month hearing about culture differences.
No, we don’t have white history month, or Jewish history month, but this country has a unique and troubled past with African Americans. That is not true of Jews and Whites. Many people in their own lifetime have seen a period when blacks couldn’t go to the same schools, go into the same buildings, and even drink from the same water fountains as whites. If that’s not enough, type “lynching” into google and hit images. That was happening 50 years ago. Many times unpunished and as public spectacles. It is foolish at best and ignorant at worst to regard that as passe. We suffer from the cycles of slavery, segregation, and hate. Am I personally responsible for slavery? No, not really. Am I personally responsible for it’s leftovers of poverty, education, and economics? Absolutely. We’re all apart of the same story.
Are there polarizing or divisive figures who use BHM as a wedge? Probably so.. But there are men alive right now who stood next to MLK Jr. when he was shot on the balcony in Memphis. (of note: Jesse Jackson was there). There is going to be some baggage.
I’m always suspicious when people are quick to suggest that we shouldn’t remember those times. The greatest Israelite holiday was the Passover. God wanted to remind his people that they were delivered from Egypt. I think he probably knew that if they weren’t reminded of their slavery, they would find their way back.
Some people will be held accountable for their bitterness, even when it’s justified. Other people will be held accountable for their lack of compassion, even when it’s unappreciated.
Good word Seth!
MLK is someone that I am so proud of as an American that needs to be taught about and remembered. He sought an equal society. He stated he simply wanted his own daughter to feel free to play in the yard with a white child. I think we have clearly met his heart desire as a nation. There will always be people who hate, but as a Nation we don’t. I wish more people would listen to and read the actual WORDS spoken by MLK… and not just in February. The book I read about slavery sales in the south yesterday had a strong message at the end. The slave’s relative had learned this eye witness account from her grandmother… and her grandmother made it very clear that no all white people were hurtful and mean. Many fought and died to set slaves in America free. Don’t this American lives count for anything? The blood of Christ is enough. I just wonder why we don’t hear a lot about the mostly white people that sacrificed their life to end slavery in America. (I do know free blacks also fought, served and died for this cause). I have never though heard one speech given that thanks these people for ending slavery. Why not?
Gosh, I dunno if we do anything for BHM–I haven’t been here a full year yet–Pete?
I LOVE that Cross Point doesn’t see color. Or at least I’ve never noticed. It truly is a EVERYBODY is welcome place.
Love it!
I went to an HBCU (historically black college or university). I took a course on the history of the university, Afr. Am Lit, and two Afr. Am History courses. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. We’re all believers in Christ, one body, but there are tons of differences in our cultures. I quit saying “we’re all the same” after I went there. It’s not about slavery and recompense, it’s about cultures, languages, and experiences (good and bad).
Requiring diversity = fail. Celebrating diversity = win.
If you haven’t taken the time to read/learn about the African American history – not just our typical fear as white folks of bringing up slavery again – but dive into the good and the bad, the struggles and the victories – take some time to do it this month!
You can celebrate Irish history, African American History, German History, and still be one united body in Christ.
Good word!
When I was growing up my church was pretty much only white people, but that was because it was mainly from Scandanavian roots. However, in the last 10 years, we have formed a much more integrated church and everyone loves it. We have nights where everyone brings a dish from their ethnic background. It’s awesome. I love it.
I hate to be so blunt, but when we start a Caucasian Month and people learn about our Heritage, then I may be more interested in celebrating Black History Month and learning about their Heritage. If we were to have a “White” Miss America, as they do an African American pageant, the NAACP would definitely show up and shut it down. That would be considered racism. I think “some” milk it for all it’s worth. In my opinion, slavery happened long ago, LET IT GO!! It is simply full of DOUBLE STANDARDS! No one celebrates a month for us, that would be unacceptable, but they get an entire month? Let it go.
While I agree that slavery of African Americans happened long ago I still feel that our mistreatment and judgmental attitudes towards people of other colors was not that long ago.
Legal rights kicked in long before hearts were transformed.
Aren’t the other 11 months out of the year “Caucasian Months”. I’m pretty sure just about any history book in any American class room carefully lays out our heritage but I could be wrong.
Pete, I do agree. It is more than obvious that our History books are written by Caucasians. However, I feel that there are judgemental attitudes and mistreatment toward many, if not all races. With that being said, it simply bothers me that so much emphasis is put on addressing what happened to one race. What about the Holocaust, do we have a Jewish History Month? What about the Native Americans and the mistreatment they endured, do we have a Native American History month? When my children act up, I try to ignore the behavior and it will eventually subside. Could it be the same in this case? If it were ignored instead of magnified, would it disappear as well? It is most possible to bridge the gap between all races without celebrating the history of any one race. If anything, that focus creates an even larger gap. In closing, my view is that there should be no BHM, no Chinese History Month, etc. There should be a WORLD history and all races should come together to celebrate that as one unified HUMAN race. As long as there are divisions in the way we look at ourselves, there will be Racial elitism. Until we truly view ourselves as God’s children and not black, white, red, and yellow people, the division will remain.
P.S. The other 11 months don’t seem to be Caucasian months to me. Instead, I think they focus on History as a whole.
Thanks for keeping me on my toes, Pete, you are a great teacher and I am always up for learning something from you!
Geez, Pete, two doozy’s on back to back days…I thought you were in a slump?
I grew up in the the north, really had no concept of racism, one of my best friends in elementary school was African American.
Then my family moved south as i was getting ready to start college, culture shock! It is everywhere…jobs, schools, news, etc.
Personally, it has been a battle for me. But I agree with ‘Concerned’ post above…we need to see people as people. As souls and hearts that need a savior, period.
The tone of racism is already in the few posts above, it was a long time before I admitted to myself that it is a battle within.
Pete, I’m gonna say a prayer for you because oh boy did you open a can of worms!
Normally this isn’t something I try to even discuss because not matter how level headed you try to keep the conversation people get heated.
My opinion? I agree with “Concerned”‘s comment and reference to Morgan Freeman’s quote. We do talk too much about how “different” we all are. That said, we are all different. But we’re all different even within our own race (I’m not the same as the next German-Irish-maybe a little English girl).
But, I also agree with “Kristy.” It’s become acceptable for one group to tell another group what they are. Many non-white people have accused me of being racist and I am because I’m white. In other words, “It doesn’t matter what you say or do, it doesn’t matter if you love God or not…you were born white therefore you’re racist.” Um, hi…let me get this straight: because I’m a certain color I must be a certain way? Wait a second…I’m confused…you said I’m the racist one?
I think we need to study history…period. I had a History teacher in high school tell us that the reason we study History is to learn from it. Learn how certain choices affected generations of people. Learn how we got to where we are today. Maybe even try to stop it from happening again. I don’t care if you study black, white, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, German, Jewish or whatever history…just study it.
I also think we need to honor and celebrate our backgrounds/culture. As a community. It creates continuity and a culture of respect. I know something about you and you know something about me. Plus, it’s a learning experience.
God made us all different so we could all teach each other something. So we could all bring a different gift or talent to the table. So we could all honor Him in a unique and beautiful way.
I think I’m going to start celebrating “God’s Children History Day”…every day.
Now I’m seriously gonna go say that prayer because this is a heated topic and I hope we can all show some grace and understanding.
Deborah, Thanks for sharing your insight! I will celebrate “God’s Children History Day” with you on a daily basis! Now that is a race I am proud to be a part of! God Bless You!
I’ll gladly celebrate with you!
Thanks Deborah.
like you I have like you been accused of being racist when I am so not… I have experienced throughout my life racism because of my color. I have been told “you don’t understand the black thing” too many times, but it doesn’t make me want to be silent. I will continue to reach out to love everyone without esteeming one better than another.
Forgiveness is a very important topic in race discussions. When you forgive you let the “debt” go because Christ paid it, but you don’t forget the past because if you do you are likely to repeat it.
I think this could be best served, and celebrated by making available a wide selection of books or videos about people of all skin color, and from a variety of Nations.
Just yesterday I found a beautiful book in the teen section of Barnes & Noble… about a personal account of what it was like to be in a massive slave sale of a slave owner who had to sell off his “property” to get out of debt. Reading from the eyes of one of the same color of the slaves I got a heart sense and insight I could never have known. Personal account stories are my favorite. I like to look at life through other’s perspectives.
Cross-racism is a big problem in America. Many people have been held back or not promoted because they are white. This has happen to my husband many times, since he works for the US government which gives higher qualifying points for positions based on skin color. We have experienced him losing a promotion and the very next weekend an article in the paper by the person who hired saying she was working every way should could to promote people of her color. This is the double edge of the racism sword in America. Racist people are not all white skinned. Many dark skinned people are racist too. It is a heart issue for both.
We are commanded to love your neighbor, to love others, to esteem other higher, to have no partiality…. I don’t hear any of those commands from God speaking about only loving or esteeming people of one skin color (most commonly your own).
Just a thought. or two or three…..
Lindy,
What state do you live in? Because I can only speak as a Californian, but we have a lot of diversity here and we suffer the “hiring/employing/admitting a minority/non-white race gets you more” issue a lot. To the point that the scales begin to tip the other way.
The problem is, race isn’t just an emotional thing. It’s a financial and political thing. So, we need to make sure to have people in power that love as God loves. It’s the only way we’ll be able to unite.
I was raised in LA (New Orleans), attended college in AL (Tuscaloosa), and have lived 26 years in TN!
The scales are tipped the other way in many types of employment… in college scholarships… and other opportunities.
I so believe in love as being the answer.
Church is about Worship and hearing the Word of God, no racial discussions should take place, nor should a particualr race’s history be discussed or celebrated during that time. In my opinion, we should celebrate AMERICAN History, not the history of any one particular race.
Michelle, I’m just curios as to why just American History? Shouldn’t our world view be strong as well? How can we understand God’s Master Plan without understanding all of His creation?
And why wouldn’t racial discussions happen in church? If it’s an issue in the community shouldn’t the Church reach out to bridge a gap and show God’s love?
(so much for not normally discussing this…I guess a blog feels safer than face to face…no one can punch me on a blog)
Deborah, You are exactly right and my fingers were honestly ahead of my brain! LOL! It should be world History. However, I do not think it right to focus on one particular race. It will remain a problem as long as it is continually focused on.
I do think the church should reach out to bridge a gap, but we are talking about BHM, no other culture or race at this point. Shouldn’t we devote the month, study, or discussion to God’s people as a whole and not just one race. I just feel really strongly that too much emphasis is put on BHM and all other races get left out.
Very good point about other races getting left out. Very good indeed.
What if the Church used BHM to learn about God’s work in that particular race? How God’s love has been shown through many of the great names and leaders we talk about in BH? I think that’d be an awesome class (definitely not a sermon) for a church to host during BHM. And maybe create a class series out of it, but just have BHM coincide with BH.
Deborah, I think that is a wonderful idea. In that situation, the worship time would not be affected and one could choose whether he wanted to attend the class instead of being forced to participate during a church service. Thanks for your insight and may God bless and keep you!
The Word of God is full of countless cultural issues where God’s people willingly and sometimes by God’s direction chose to address. Paul’s writings are full of issues amongst people that stemmed from issues of difference whether it be ethnic and racial status or gender. I believe that if anyone ought to take a stance against social issues that tear people down or apart, it should be members of the body of Christ. If anything, the existence of Black History Month should be a reminder of the greater History that we all desire to be apart of; membership in Christ’s family. All of us are different, and praise God for it. God can bring us together as His children despite these differences. Coming together to share our concerns sometimes means in times of sorrow, our hurt and pain but it also means sharing in celebration and happiness. I believe if we look at American History, Black History Month is doing just that. It is an opportunity for all of God’s children to see how for once and despite culture, we can be seen celebrating something the Devil intended for bad, be turned and looked at as good.
For those who have been accused of being racist when in fact they were not, I apologize for those who have made incorrect assumptions. Unfortunately, people who have been hurt by someone else, go and hurt another person. Their response may have been false but within that context. God may use you to clear up their misunderstanding and it might be an opportunity for you to reach out to them in the hopes of reconciliation on a grander scale than just your situation.
We all need to learn about what God thinks about race. This is a very important topic, but I think it is important for us to know about all different kinds of people. I enjoy learning about black history, but I enjoy many other kinds of history about all kinds of people.
The key re-education we need is to understand that we are all of one race – the human race! Skin color is only skin deep. It is a shallow way to view people. Each person is uniquely created by God for a purpose. We need to stop categorizing people by skin color. We don’t need to stop appreciating the beauty of skin color, just not using it as a measure to group people.
Can a soul be judged by color? Can a soul be judged by history of people they are related to or look like? How does God view people? This is one of my life issues. Helping people see color, as something to enjoy/appreciate, but not as something to categorize, group and make a judgement.
Christ broke down all the walls of color, and prejudice. We need to be like Him. He lived and died for people of all Nations, and all skin color. Should we do less?
We aren’t doing anything with BHM and, right now, aren’t doing well with diversity. We hope to change that very soon and are praying and working toward it.
Our church has hired people of different skin colors to staff. It seems to really be a magnet for people of the same color. To see someone in leadership that is their own skin color seems to make them understand that race is not an issue in our church. While we are still a very highly proportionality light skinned church, we also have to understand in society at large in America, people who claim to be African American only are about 10% of the nation… so considering this fact our church is very proportionate. This is one stat you wont see from NAACP. I only learned it a year ago and literately I was dumbfounded. After researching I found it too be true.
If you have Facebook here’s a picture from my church:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1775960914072&set=a.1775949033775.2100188.1090811397
Does it seem like we have a problem with diversity? NOT! LOL.
I didn’t even remember that it was Black history month till I saw this brought up here. Nothing wrong with learning anybody’s history but to me that’s all it is…learning history. Everyone has struggled in some way or another from Adam till now.
It’s a nice thing I guess to have a month to celebrate Black history but I don’t have any expectations that it will change anything. But I’m a northerner and up here it is mostly a non-issue.
Churches that want to break down racial barriers have to be intentional about it. One example is Willow Creek’s efforts over the past ten years. They have worked hard to move an all white suburban congregation to become one that is much more diverse. Among other efforts they have guest speakers who help the congregation “get their heads straight” on racial issues.
On Martin Luther King Day, Willow invited Pastor Harvey Carey of Detroit who gave an absolutely stunning and challenging (for white folks especially) message entitled:
“Hurt People Hurt People; Free People Free People”
Worth watching and sharing especially for those interested in racial reconciliation and for undoing long-held asumptions and stereotypes.
http://www.willowcreek.org/mediaplayer/playerHome.aspx?cid=3&id=14
Wow, I love that title.
Yeah and he does just a killer job of conveying the concepts.
I can’t understand why we keep drawing lines in the sand that divide races. Any racial distinction that isn’t politically correct in both directions can only contribute to the problem rather than contribute to a solution. Can you imagine what would happen if one of our politicians proposed a ‘White History Month’?
What could do more to say ‘blacks and whites are different’ than mandating that one of our months be about one and not the other? Isn’t that basically the definition of racism?
I’m all for honoring leaders that have done things to contribute to our society. But I guess I have trouble thinking of skin color as a human achievment.
That is exactly what I was trying to say but just couldn’t get out after paragraphs of rambling! Thanks for doing that for me! LOL! People continue to say, “Let this be an opportunity for all Americans to come together and celebrate.” However, February is not National History Month, or even American History Month, it is purposely set aside for ONE race, further dividing them from the rest of us and making the gap even larger, hence it being so hard to change. When we can let go of the past, we will be so much better off. I almost feel that I am being held personally responsible for something that happened so long ago. The attitude of entitlement is just overwhelming. I love all people, but do not want to be judged because I feel that BHM should not be brought into the church, furthering the division and making some of us just plain uncomfortable.
Bill,
I don’t understand why the act of designating one month out of the year as a month to celebrate African American History needs to be framed in this discussion as “drawing lines in the sand.” I don’t see anything in the mainstream, “officially sanctioned” celebrations of African American History that comes even close to denigrating Whites or suggesting that African Americans are superior to Whites, etc., which would certainly be much closer to the true definition of racism. And I also don’t understand why efforts to “pay tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society” (from the African American History Month website) is in any way harmful to anyone. In fact, given the very recent history of overt racism in America, and the very real and powerful structural racism still existing today (anyone who thinks racism isn’t still alive and kicking today is sadly misinformed), I think it’s the very, very least America can do. You are correct in stating that skin color is not a human achievement. But overcoming centuries of adversity, and finding pride in your skin color despite a long history of being told that your skin color makes you less of a human being, certainly is.
Kristy,
Again, why is the act of celebrating a particular, unique culture and history being framed in this discussion as divisive? Why does it necessarily have to be divisive? By that same logic, do Mother’s Day and Father’s Day create a divide between people with kids and people who don’t have kids? Should any holiday/month/week attempting to celebrate the achievements of particular individuals/groups be relabeled something generic and all-inclusive? Also, your suggestion to “let go of the past” seems to be a very difficult thing to do when we consider, as I stated in my reply to Bill, that much of the past is still very much with us. Racism isn’t dead, which is all the more reason to be intentional about raising awareness of and finding appreciation for African American culture and history.
And just as a side note, contrary to suggestions in some of the comments above, ignoring racism and/or refusing to talk about it won’t make it go away any more than ignoring and refusing to talk about any other human sin won’t make it go away. Racism is sin and needs to be publicly exposed in all its many subtle forms, openly and honestly discussed in the private and public spheres (including and perhaps especially in the Church), and certainly not permitted to slip by unnoticed and undiscussed.
Well done, Pete, in your initial post and in your subsequent comments!
If it were ‘Civil Rights History’ month, I’d have absolutely no problem. Do we need to to remember every single battle, debate, achievement, sacrifice, and advancement that’s taken place in an effort to bring equality to all people of all races? You bet we do. Do we need to celebrate the cultrual differences of all races? Absolutely! I don’t believe that the noble concept of equal treatment for all people emerged from an assumption that all people are exactly the same.
I looked up the definition of racism and it says
“a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one’s own race is superior and has the right to rule others.”
I think of racism, purely defined, as about the first half (before the comma). I think of the second half as ‘bigotry’. I’m not talking about bigotry or discriminiation here, or about one race assuming superiority as you implied that I was. I believe anytime you say, ‘this is for whites only’ or ‘this is for blacks only’, that’s racisim. To me it seems counter productive to give it a name that suggests that it’s a month about skin color when it’s about SO MUCH MORE than skin color. What ON EARTH were they thinking when they came up with the name???? And after so much blood has been shed to not only defend, but also embrace, our equality! It’s nuts! It’s a poor name choice because, once again, the proverbial line in the sand has been drawn. It boldly states, “This is about us!” (or “them”, depending on your race). How stupid is that when that’s NOT EVEN CLOSE to what it’s actually about?
Side bar: You mention mother’s day and fathers day…don’t we all have mothers and fathers? 8>0
Bill,
I think you’re conflating racism and discrimination. Designating something as “for whites only” or “for blacks only” is discrimination. Designating something as “for blacks only because they’re better than whites” is racism. I don’t think there’s anything racist about designating a month as African American History month. Is it discrimination? Perhaps (although I don’t think “this month is for Blacks only” is quite the language the African American community would use to describe it). Is discrimination always necessarily a bad thing? No, especially when it’s done for the purposes of recognizing, uplifting, and celebrating, as opposed to excluding or harming. (“When is Discrimination Wrong?” by Deborah Hellman is a good discussion on this topic.)
I take your point about the sacrifices that have been made to defend our equality. But I would also add, I guess somewhat paradoxically, that those same sacrifices were also made to defend our diversity and our freedom to be different. And I guess that’s where I come down on this – that the words “we are unique and different from you” don’t always have to be fighting words and can even be celebrated in a spirit of unity (again, somewhat paradoxically).
Good call on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. I was looking at it from the perspective that not everyone is a mother or father, but I take your point.
Just a few more thoughts on discrimination, since I was rushed earlier. I think much of it is a matter of focus or intent. There is discriminating between and discriminating against. When my wife and her girlfriends decide to have a “girls night out,” they are discriminating between women and men. And it doesn’t personally offend me because I know her focus is not on discriminating against me as a man as much as it is on finding some much needed time to bond with other women and share in the unique experiences they have as a group. I think this applies (at least somewhat, I hope) to African American History Month. I don’t think the focus is as much on discriminating against White people (or other races) as much as it is about bonding, sharing, celebrating the unique experiences and cultures of the African American community.
I assure you that you and agree in total on the principals involved here. That’s a no brainer. It’s about semantics which is most unfortunate. Look at the time you and I are having to spend putting forth definitions just so we can communicate on the same playing field. That, my friend, is EXACTLY my point. Discrimiation against, discrimination between, racisISM, racIST, profiling, lableing, separating vs segregating…find me 2 readers here who, off the top of their head, produce the same definition for ANY of these terms and I’ll buy you lunch.
There are people who are mature enough and unbiased enough to realize that there’s nothing bad and everything good about recognizing the contributions of the leaders that forwarded civil rights, not to mention celebrating our cultural differences. That those are good things isn’t even an issue by anyone (save those that hate for the sake of it.)
But why make things more challenging than than they already are? You and I know that calling it Black History Month isn’t discriminating against anyonme. But it certainly doesn’t help the cause. Here’s why I feel that way.
I’m sure you’d agree that the efforts to repair the damage from the narrow thinking of the past (lack of work place equality, discrimination in schools, restaurants, busses etc.) have been noble in intent but not always executed with perfection. Fair enough? Efforts to reform our society on such a grand scale are naturally going to produce good ideas and some bad ideas, as well as both positive and negative outcomes. We’re human. We screw up. Testing measures which in somce cases were poorly designed, certian revised hiring policies that may not have been completely thought through, and laws that may have watered down or distorted before being passed due to politial wrangling may all have been contributers to the perception of some (and I stress the word ‘perception’) that the pendulum may have swung too far in the other direction. Suddenly ‘reverse discrimiation’ was the word of the day. That some FELT that way is a fact, regardless of whether or not there was ANY validity to that thinking whatsoever. Whether there was or wasn’t validity isn’t the issue here…it’s completely irrelevant to the point I’m making. What’s important is that there were many with some pretty heated views on the subject. Agreed? Just stating facts here. No opinions.
SO, let’s throw some gas on the fire, shall we? Instead of making every effort humanly possible to induce a spirit of healing, let’s call it ‘Black History Month’, which we KNOW GOING IN will antagonize those that have PERCIEVED (and once again, I stress the word percieved) that the tools of social change are being poorly implemented, and at a time when those that felt that way couldn’t have been more adamant.
I find it interesting that you choose to call it ‘African American History Month’ in this discussion. Perhaps some rethinking of the original moniker by you as well?
With much respect,
Bill
Bill,
I doubt I’ll be able to get you to buy me lunch
, but I think discussion of terms and definitions are important nonetheless. Especially when those terms and definitions are involved in very important, and emotionally charged, conversations. Considering the positive and negative uses of “discrimination,” for example, is important. Especially when we consider the fact that discrimination is perceived by most in American society to be a mostly (if not solely) negative thing. That said, I take your point about the offer to lunch, ha!
I’m not sure I agree completely that others’ perceptions should dictate actions, particularly in instances where we feel convicted that our actions are necessary and good. Certain measures or actions may not be popular, but they can still be right and good. Agreed? So whether or not there is any validity to arguments against African American History Month IS the relevant issue here, in my mind. Because if those arguments/perceptions are NOT valid, and African American History Month is a necessary and good thing, then those arguments/perceptions should not dictate actions.
And I’m not sure tiptoeing around certain perceptions within the White community is really “healing.” It would certainly be “healing” for some offended White folks if we did away with or drastically reformed African American History Month, but hardly healing for African American folks and race relations in America, in my opinion. Who is offended by calling it “Black” History Month, anyway? White people, who still, by the way, mostly refer to themselves as being “white”? Could it be that there is something more to their discomfort than just the use of the words “black” and “white”?
As far as calling it “African American History Month” instead of “Black History Month” – I’m taking my cue from the folks behind this website: http://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov. Though I’m not sure what the more “official” title of the month is.
I agree in total that perceptions alone shouln’t dictate policy. I’m just saying they should be strongly considered, and all the more so if differences in perceptions are serving as an obstacle, which I believe is so much the case here. In an ideal world we’d all be equally informed and enlightened, but you and I know that’s not the case. We can either stand around and say, “People need to understand that this is (or isn’t) about…” such and such, and wait for the uninformed or unenlightened to change, or we can accept the fact that many will continue to be uninformed and unenlightened and adapt as best we can. The latter is doable where the former will probably never happen completely. Any idea that’s dependent on people changing their attitudes will be met with greater resistance than one that accepts that differences in attitudes exist. Sometimes choosing the practical over the ideal is the path of least resistance even though it falls short of the ideal. A home run is better than a double, but a double beats striking out every time.
You refer to a website that offers a new name…African American History Month. For whatever reason someone thought that was an improvement over calling it ‘Black History Month’. As is often the case, and for whatever reason, it’s the choice of words we use that are being reconsidered. And I, for one, think that’s a HUGE step in the right direction.
I think Black History month does a great diservice to the African Americans who made such a difference in our nation’s history. It’s like we don’t talk about these people until this month happens. For example, did you know that there were African American representives in the first Continental Congress? I didn’t read that in my history books. I found that out as an adult. I would love to see the contributions African Americans made taught throughout the year because it’s such an integral part of our history. That way we can celebrate them for the their accomplishments despite difficult odds. Regarding the church, I don’t have all the answers. But I do know this, we cannot allow politicians and media figures to try and divide us. They do this so they can have power. We as a church must rise above this and stand for God’s truth and see each other as Christ sees us…His beloved children.
These accomplishments aren’t left out of history books because we have black history month. We have black history month because these accomplishments get left out of our history books.
I know…that’s my point. It’s sad that we even have to have a black history month. It’s like we throw something at that culture because we don’t have it in our history books. Sorry if my comments weren’t clearer
This is certainly a hot-button issue in our culture. I believe it is important to know the history of our nation and our world, and understand the historical context to contemporary ills given only by such study. At the same time, while I appreciate and celebrate the contribution of African Americans to our country’s rich cultural tapestry and certainly see slavery as a dark cloud in our nation’s history, I also understand that oppression and injustice did not originate with slavery in America. But fortunately for us, neither does redemption. They go way back and both center around both the need for and the justice enacted by the Gospel.
As it relates to Black History, it is important to understand and celebrate in proper context in the arc of God’s story throughout humanity, I just believe it is rarely done in such a balanced way from any perspective. I am afraid that many are stuck on either the injustice or an uninformed apathy and have embraced a cultural belief system that does not truly embrace the heart of the Gospel.
I know I quote him a lot, but in his book Counterfeit Gods, Timothy Keller discusses race and grace quite well, saying: “radial pride and cultural narrowness cannot coexist with the Gospel of grace. They are mutually exclusive. One forces the other out. Because of the self-justifying nature of the human heart, it is natural to see our own culture or class characteristics as superior to everyone else’s. But this natural tendency is arrested by the Gospel”
Celebrate diversity, observe history and appreciate culture? Always. At the expense of the Gospel? Never.
Grant…you nailed it!
Great post
Well said, I agree. Will look for Timothy Keller’s book. Loved your last statement.
No, our Church isn’t focused on this month being different from any other month. I am not really sure if it is an issue for our Church – I mean, we don’t have an extreme amount of racial diversity, but we have some. Our focus at our Church is disciples making disciples; and like Tony states, when we become a part of the Body of Christ, there are no more racial divides. In turn, it matters not our racial background – it just matters that we are brethren in the same Body. Anyone can mature to be a disciple…it has no discrimination of race, gender or background.
We are a bi-lingual church. Every message is translated from English to Spanish. Our worship leader is bi-lingual and switches from English to Spanish whenever he wants. It’s pretty cool.
Pete,
I’m not sure that my church will do anything about Black History month. In fact I can pretty much guarantee that we won’t. The problem is that I don’t think that any of us are going to notice that a beautiful opportunity to embrace the unity found in Christ has passed us by. However, the question that I’m thinking about is what practically could a 99.95 percent white church do to celebrate black history month that would be formative in the lives of our church. Believe me I’m not saying that it couldn’t be helpful, I’m just not sure practically what it would look like. I guess what I’m really asking, is there anyone out there who is doing a bang up job at it that we could learn from? That would be helpful!
Pastor P you sure opened a big ole can of worms!
Yes, I care about it and yes we celebrate it. Its usually includes something related to our fav. soul food, highlighting leaders in our community, negro spirituals, or readings from Black leaders from our past (sometimes even a play). And it always includes our youth so that the know from whence they came. Now having said that, I do look forward to the day when we will be able to celebrate different cultural holidays at our church because the make up of our congregation will reflect that. At least that is my husbands goal.
My mom’s church has even on occasion have had their minister swap pulpits with a white congregation in their community to show unity and to learn about each others cultural differences. They hold an annual get together in the summer where several churches come together to fellowship. Its fostered an alliance that might not have occured in her small town if someone not had taken the first step.
If we are to embrace every tribe, nation and tonque then at some point we will have to learn to embrace each other’s differences (no matter what your ethnic background is). I believe that until we do that then there will always be a divide (especially on Sunday mornings).
One of the hardest things for me is having people send me info on conferences, ministry materials for youth/women and not seeing myself in the “face’s” represented in any of the materials. Or being offered opportunities to bring youth to an event and not seeing music that reflects their urban spirit, or even speakers that can relate to their unique issues. This is the very reason so many things were created that got the stamp of “Black” awards, BET, Black TV shows, Black history month, etc.
Until we stop calling our events diverse or start to change the make up of what we present as being “diverse” there will never be a coming together. Even churches who have embraced this have had to intentionally work to create an atmosphere of inclusion for all people. Its not easy to do but I have seen it in action and its a beautiful powerful thing to behold.
I understand when people say they are color blind, but God created me with a beautiful black face that I am very proud of and I want you to see that when you look at me. Its what makes me….me. Just as he created my sweet friends with the blonde blue eyes, or my hispanic sister, or asian brother with the features that is their unique makeup. And I’m just crazy enough to believe that God made us different (just like he gave us different gifts) so that when we come together we show the world just how awesome our God is because who else could create so many different beautiful people, just like the seas, skies and land he created. Just imagine what heaven will be like when all of us with all of our differences get to come together as one and fellowship and worship together? And who says it has to wait until that day when we could be doing it now?
Sorry in advance for any mispellings. This is something I am pretty passionate about!
I do NOT wish to turn this blog into a political one, but I love this quote about the spiritually sick culture that we live in: “…people apart from God are trying to invent unity.” Amen!
This brought so many thoughts to my head. My church isn’t doing anything. We have a lot of asians and Caucasians but no other races in my church, and I wonder if they would even be comfortable. Portland also has the distinction (one of several distinctions I don’t like) of being the whitest major city in America. I thought of all those of other races that are my friends and how I love learning about their cultures. I wondered how many readers here regularly associate with those of other races, and enter into their culture. I thought of the man I met tonight from north Africa who didn’t even want to tell me what country he was from, and fact that he seemed to feel shame over his nationality and race. I wonder what hurt he has experienced. I remembered a diversity training class I once had to take for work where I learned that some of the words we say may be offensive toward different people groups and we may not know it.
A number of years ago I worked with John Perkin’s organization Voice of Calvary in Jackson, MS. I was a minority as a white woman with blacks (including one from Apartheid riddled South Africa). After that I lived overseas for a time and again became a minority. We often think of racism as whites against other groups, but it can go both ways. It was a life changing experience after growing up in some of those small single race towns that exist all over America. Unity is something that I am passionate about, and I have some further thinking to do about not only unity in the Church, but within specific groups like the races.
Yep. Our church is doing something about it. Years ago our white church merged with a spanish church and the result has been a viabrant growning multicultural church of over 4000 in attendance each week. I sing, sit, study and worship side by side with people of so many different races. It’s incredable and I’ve learned so much. Refuse to attend a segregated church!
I mentioned this in a reply to a reply somewhere below, but doesn’t it seem like if they’d simply called it ‘Civil Rights History Month’ most of the controversy could have been avoided?