Black History Reflection

February is known for various themes like heart month, Valentine’s Day, and the most important Black History month. This short month with major impact stands out from other months in the year, when I reflect on the rich history of blackness in the world and scripture I stand encouraged. Allow me to utilize midweek manna in a different way today. When we look at the condition of the world, we have arrived at a place where it seems that cultural diversity is being rejected and we are being called to align or be erased. HBCUs and other institutions have been stripped of funding, ICE is running rampant, the individual occupying the presidency of the United States is spewing intentional racism and hatred that is dividing our nation.

How do we celebrate this month amid the previously mentioned factors? We remind ourselves of the history and legacy of our ancestors who experienced these times before and overcame them. When oppression and racism displayed themselves, our ancestors prayed and trusted God that better days were ahead. It is that hope that we must cling to today for the promise of tomorrow. We sing the lyrics “I trust in God, my Savior the one who will never fail...”, but let us be reminded of these words:

“We shall overcome, we shall overcome

We shall overcome some day

Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe

We shall overcome some day”. 

You may never be granted the moment of performing a halftime show, but please remember that every day you can make a statement by standing up for justice and living out your Black History.