Celebrating Our Black Voices
Ephesians 2:10 states that we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Throughout American history and world history, for that matter, society has devalued those born with darker skin. In 1926, Carter G. Woodson, an African American historian and journalist, created Negro History Week, the second week of February, to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of African Americans in America. In 1970, Kent State University black educators and students expanded it to Black History Month and in 1976, President Gerald Ford recognized it as a month to be celebrated.
As Christians with darker skin, God has uniquely created us to use our voices to influence our world. During this month of Black History, we lift up the contributions of Desmond Tutu, a South African bishop who used his influence to confront apartheid, corruption in the newly formed democratic government and other ills around the world. Using God’s truth as his foundation, he addressed injustice head on often putting his own life in danger. His passing in December 2021 encourages us to continue this legacy of using our voices to influence the world for God.
As parents, you have the awesome opportunity to encourage your children to use their voices to share God’s truth in their context. Although the world wants to negatively stereotype them because of their skin color, consistently exposing them to great African American Christians who are making a difference will empower them to be unafraid to do what God has uniquely called them to do.
Eastern Star Church provides programming for children where they are exposed to God’s truth but also many African American teachers and leaders who can inspire and encourage them to live for Christ. On Sunday, February 20th at 12:15pm, the IGNiTE Children’s Ministry will host a watch party where students get to interact with other students and children’s ministry leaders. We will focus on loving everyone, even our enemies, as Jesus encouraged us in Matthew 5: 43-47. Register to participate by visiting the events page. If you and your child are unable to attend, no worries, visit the ESC IGNiTE Children YouTube channel on February 20th to watch the Children’s Church video on your own.