The effect, influence, and impact of the Black Church simply cannot be overstated in the life, struggle, and history of African Americans. Obviously, we’re not going to cover the breadth of the Black Church in a single or even a series of blog posts.

Charlotte Forten is an amazing example of a woman who faithfully discharged her life-long call to ministry. She did so not behind a pulpit, but in the classroom where she taught and loved her students and their families well. In doing so, she reflected the clear example of our Lord Jesus Christ, who intentionally chose to live and serve among the vulnerable.

There is a chapter in Emotionally Healthy Spirituality entitled “Going Back in Order to Go Forward.” Part of spiritual formation is learning from our personal and collective histories. We also find history in Scripture, and that is intentional. We look at history to lament, to recognize sinful patterns, and hear the warning to cease, but also there is a call to remember the faithful witnesses along the way. So, as we continue Black History Month, we can learn about our present witness from aspects of Black history.

Black History Month grew out of the direct efforts of Carter G. Woodson to form an organization to promote the scientific study of black life and history. Beginning in 1912, Dr. Woodson diligently worked to highlight various aspects of Black History, which led to his establishing Negro History Month in February of 1926.