Black History Month serves as a reminder to remember and celebrate the multitude of contributions Black folks have made, and continue to make, to the United States and beyond. Although it is impossible to contain the contributions of Black folks to a month, Black History Month serves as an annual reminder to celebrate and share stories of beauty, ingenuity, creativity, and genius of Black people.
Personally, I try to find new Black people to learn about each year. I do my best to find the stories of Black women, Black LGBTQIA+ folks, and Black people with disabilities whose stories are not typically raised up in our collective conscience. The churches I’ve been a part of have usually lifted up Black leaders or Black folks in Scripture or history during the month.
I would like our Church to diversify the stories we share during Black History Month. There are a multitude of stories to tell during Black History Month. I appreciate the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but we can also share stories of Bayard Rustin, Pauli Murray, Ella Baker, or other Black folks within our own communities whose stories aren’t often shared. In addition to diversifying the Black History we share, I’d like our Church to be actively committed to the liberation and wholeness of Black folks, so that we can ensure there’s a Black Future.
Rev. Larry Morris III, DSF/CST graduate (M.Div./MTS/2017) and current DSF Board Member
Note from Editor: In honor of Black History Month, DSF has invited board members, students, and graduates to share their reflections on this annual celebration. Each of them has been asked to answer the following three questions:
1. What does Black History Month mean to you?
2. How do you/your church celebrate Black History Month?
3. How would you like our Church to honor Black History Month?
We invite you to take a little bit of time out of your day to join us in reflection.