A Black History Month Reflection: From Darkness to Light

As a Baby Boomer born in the 1960s, I was raised and grew up amid racial hatred, prejudice, inequities, systemic racism, and “glass ceilings” in school, the workplace, broader society, and the church. In many contexts, I’ve observed and experienced the “less than,” “not qualified,” “must prove oneself more” stereotyping, unfounded assumptions, and negative projections — solely based on skin color. Even now, I observe and continue to be impacted by these dark forces. This oppressive and destructive spiritual wickedness, along with its associated mentalities, is not limited to white people or those in power. Sadly, it influences, and at times negatively guides the thoughts, perspectives, and actions of individuals across many races and skin colors — including my own.    

However, this is a Black History Month reflection and not a “Dark History” Month reflection. It is evident that the darkness of our past and its cruel and devastating realities do not and cannot define us as a people. From creation to this moment, God’s light has been with us. We would not be here today if God were not with us — in, through, and above the darkness, oppression, cruelty, and suffering endured. God’s light has empowered and allowed us to endure and overcome insurmountable obstacles and impossible odds. Our history reveals a struggle that has forged resilience and a unique life-giving perspective of God’s love, grace, and faithfulness. It has produced a gratefulness and perspective among many Black people that releases the power, humility, generosity, and fearlessness of God’s love that mutes and debunks the concept of the “almighty dollar,” and “self-preservation and elevation as the end-all, be-all.” It has taught and developed in many of us the invaluable power of thanksgiving and generosity from the heart. It has taught and given us unique perspectives on the sufficiency of God’s grace through Christ, and the ability to live, overcome, care for family, hope, and live full and meaningful lives with what God has given and placed in our hands.   

Like others, I sincerely appreciate the sacrifices, faith, and accomplishments of our Black legends that we all laud and read about in our history books. Those who sacrificed and accomplished the unimaginable and even died to pave the way for the rights and opportunities I experience today. However, my personal heroes are not found in these books, and there are no documentaries produced to highlight their contributions and role in who I am and the opportunities I experience. Yet for many Black people, our list of heroes is similar and foundational to understanding the light of God being with us as a people.

You see, my hero list outside of Christ begins with my dad (Larry Taylor, Sr.), a man of faith, who worked two custodial jobs every day for over 30 years to provide the best possible life for his wife (my mom) and his four children. He did this all while founding two churches and pastoring full-time for over 40 years. My hero list includes my uncle Leo N. Taylor, Sr., a construction worker who raised nine kids in the heart of Watts, CA, right across the street from the infamous Nickerson Garden projects. All his children (like many others) made it out of that impoverished and challenging environment to accomplish much and nurture families of their own. In my high school and early college years, my uncle and I would go fishing off the rocks at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, CA, almost every Saturday at 4:30AM. No one could ever imagine the wisdom for life and love he shared during those times together that I carry and share this day.  

And there’s my brother (Bishop Larry Taylor, Jr.), who, when I was in junior high, would take me with him on his second job as a custodian with L.A. Unified, where I learned how to clean the dirtiest boys’ and girls’ bathrooms, as well as shoot baskets in the gym. However, those were the best times because I was with my brother, who remains my hero and confidant. 

Or my brother-in-law (Gregory Slaughter), former Mayor of South Gate, CA, police lieutenant, and a man of great intellect, accomplishments, and compassion for humanity. Yet, he has given up those pursuits to be the full-time, 24-hour daily caregiver for his wife and my sister (Brenda Slaughter), who has suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for over 10 years now.  

I also must mention my uncle, Rev. Isam Taylor, and cousin Judy Bossier, LAUSD Administrator and Educator, who both unashamedly taught and encouraged me that doing my best and using what God has placed in me would always be sufficient and serve to bless God and others.

You may ask yourself, “What is he getting at in this article?  Is this just a sentimental rant and reflection?”

No! Hopefully, my words reveal the love and superpower that a courageous reflection during Black History Month releases. Hopefully, it encourages all to seek and see God, Christ’s love, and your value within self, family, and those closest to you — even if others and the system judge you and discriminate against you based on the color of your skin.

We are God’s children, created and wonderfully made — who, like others, are created by God on purpose, with purpose. We have been blessed with the opportunity and giftedness to love and be loved, believe, choose, and bring great value to family, community, and society. This is true, not based on how others treat you, or their standards for you, but by the love of God through Christ, and His Spirit alive in you. It is also evident in those around you who love you, and those for whom you love and show compassion. May we all continue to flee and overcome the darkness of our past and embrace the light and love of God through Christ, that have kept and brought us this far by faith.

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Rev. Ron Taylor is a DSF/CST graduate (M.Div./2017). He is the Lead Pastor and Founder of Life Ministries, a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) based in Los Angeles. Life Ministries seeks to mobilize and be a part of innovative expressions and operations of Christ’s love intervening on behalf of all people. 

Life Ministries honored the spirit and hope of Black History Month by convening an interracial panel of Millennial Difference Makers and Influential Voices to discuss “Representing Christ Well in the Current Culture and Crisis.” This panel discussion was held on February 15. There will also be an early Sunday morning worship service on February 22 at 8AM with guest speaker Rev. Dr. Brenda Maull, CEO of Between Hope & Humanity, Inc.