As you are most likely aware, February is Black History Month. The purpose is to provide a yearly celebration of African Americans and their achievements. This is necessary because, growing up in America, particularly growing up white in America, we don’t know a lot of our history. Many stories were never taught to us at all, or if they were, they were whitewashed, downplayed and denied to avoid the reality of pain, suffering, oppression, and even achievements of black sisters and brothers. If this didn’t occur, we may not need to have Black History month, but it did, and so we do. Therefore, we need to be intentional about learning and experiencing what we have not learned or experienced.

During this month (and really, throughout your lives), I encourage you to intentionally seek out avenues to learn what you may not have been taught. Below is a list of several resources to get you started. Don’t forget, on your website, we have a page devoted to “anti-racist” materials. Some of those are listed below while other new ones have been added.

The podcast “Scene on Radio” – The season titled “Seeing White.”
Book “Stamped from the Beginning” by Ibram X. Kendi
Book “Stamped: A Remix” by Jason Reynolds (This is a young adult version the book by Ibram X. Kendi)
Book “How to Be an Anti-Racist” by Imbram X. Kendi
Book “I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness” by Austin Channing Brown
PBS special “The Black Church.” https://www.pbs.org/video/series-sell-black-church-a8zcgx/ (Premieres Feb. 16th)
“Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man” Video series hosted by ex-NFL player Sam Achoo. https://uncomfortableconvos.com/watch

Remember, as Christians with a Lutheran understanding of our faith, we are “Theologians of the Cross.” What this means, in its simplest form, is we “call a thing what it is.” We are not afraid to pull back the layers to reveal what has been hidden underneath. Our faith compels us to learn the truth, no matter where we might find it or how it might challenge or change us. In fact, we should want to learn and be changed, because in doing so, we are truly free to be the people God has called us to be. We are not concerned with keeping up a façade to make ourselves feel better. We all know how exhausting this can be. Truly healing comes from learning and acknowledging the truth.

None of this is intended to make you or us feel guilty, even though that might occur. Guilt is not the point. Understanding is the point. Empathy is the point. Improving is the point. Wanting the world to be more how God created it to be is the point. Freedom in Christ is the point. (Get the point? )

Ignorance is not part of God’s coming kingdom. Let’s work to rid the world of it now.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Tim