A Message for Black History Month | Week 4
Feb 20, 2023
“Black History IS American History”
I saw this sign in an airport recently, and that simple truth struck me. So often, we tend to separate and even isolate. In other words, we get into an “us vs. them” frame of mind and draw the circle around ourselves smaller and smaller, especially in times of stress and anxiety. Our Christian faith invites us to accept a more welcoming, expansive view of the human family. I am reminded of Jesus’ prayer before his arrest, in which he prays for the unity of the believers, “that they may be one.” We can also understand this as a prayer for the unity of all of God’s children, in which what binds us is stronger than what separates us. Differences then become an opportunity for wonder and appreciation.
I hope, as you have made use of these resources during Black History Month, that has been your experience. While there are certainly powerful aspects of the Black experience in America that are unique, hopefully, all of us can learn so that we can bring healing, new understanding, new vision, and more justice and unity to the human family, especially here in America. While Black History Month will soon end, our shared story continues to be told.
Keep learning.
Peace in Christ,
Bishop Egensteiner