Black History Month
“We must never forget that Black History is American History. The achievements of African Americans have contributed to our nation’s greatness.” – Yvette Clarke
“Black history isn’t a separate history. This is all of our history, this is American history, and we need to understand that.” – Karyn Parsons
The Power of Allyship: An Interfaith Workshop Series
This five-week course provides entry-level exposure to allyship, which will equip you to take action. The sessions include a 15-25 minute presentation by Jan Wilson, followed by discussion groups. Jan has taught this course to various NAACP branches across the country. This year, their main goal is to focus on educating the religious community.
Tuesdays from January 17-February 14 from 7-8:30 p.m.
Register Now >
Resources
Each week, we provide resources to help transform ourselves, our church and our community through education, advocacy and action.
Week 1
Week 2
Read
about the development of Black History Month and the focus of the 2023 celebration.
Watch
a documentary about work being done in Virginia to recover lost history. This provides a current example of why it is vital to take time to understand the inequities in how history is recorded. If you find this work compelling, Bull Run Regional Park has a similar project. They will have opportunities to serve in warmer weather.
Engage
via a webinar offered by the Library of Congress. Learn about Black barbers and how to access reliable resources that tell the history of black business. Registration is required.
Read
Black authors who have shaped the work of anti-racism past and present, including
- W.E.B. Du Bois, The Souls of Black Folk. Discover Du Bois’ own experiences of living within “the Veil” of segregation and racism
- Jemar Tisby, How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey Toward Racial Justice. Tisby describes the actionable steps of “awareness,” “relationships” and “commitment”
- Ibram X Kendi, author of How to Be an Antiracist, in his article, Should you teach your children about racism? Of course- here’s how
Watch
Elvis Mitchell’s Is that Black Enough for You?!? on Netflix. Learn about the overlooked contributions of African Americans to the film industry.
Engage
culturally via a visit to the
- National Portrait Gallery to view I Dream a World: Selections from Brian Lanker’s Portraits of Remarkable Black Women
- National Gallery of Art to view Called to Create: Black Artists of the American South
Serve
by working with the NAACP to reclaim the Bull Run Cemetery, a project highlighted in the Week 1 documentary to watch. Mark your calendar for March 25 and June 10 and sign up now.
Educate
children about the cultural connectedness of our community. The following activities will help teach them about the history of the fight for freedom in our area.
- Register to attend Young Portrait Explorers: Toni Morrison at the National Portrait Gallery on February 13, from 10:30- 11:30 a.m. It is free and geared toward children six and under.
- Hike the Underground Railroad Experience Trail on Black History Month Family Day, February 18. On that day, the visitors center will provide activities for children ages 5-12.
Share this information with family, friends and neighbors. We invite all to join in this work for racial reconciliation. Our vision is to transform ourselves, our church and our community through education, advocacy and action.