Something For Sunday Celebrating Black History
By Rev. Gerald Adams
It’s that time again when the nation turns aside to refresh its memory and fact check its whole story. We begin by borrowing from the hymn by H. Ernest Nichol which starts:
We’ve a story to tell to the nations,
That shall turn their hearts to the right.
A story of truth and mercy,
A story of peace and light.
The tapestry that is American History is intricately woven with the warp of African American History. No matter how you name it, you cannot deny the part of the story that is ours.
Even though there have been systematic efforts to hide the contributions of Blacks to the history of America, there are sources which accurately document these contributions. I call your attention to three that I find particularly helpful, accurate and even entertaining.·
National Archives: Little Known Facts About Blacks
NEA: Black History Month Lessons and Resources
History Channel: Black History Study Guides
Most recently, we have been entertained with biopics of persons whose lives have made changes to our culture. We have celebrated with the families of Kobe Bryant and Nipsey Hussle. Singing legends cinemas have caused us to take pause and wonder if they are truly factual: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottoms, Mahalia and the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Then, we have mourned as the nation recognized the legacy of John Lewis and remembered the trials of Thurgood Marshall. In another sphere, we have marched to call attention to the injustices to George Floyd and Emmett Till. American life and history have indeed been affected by its Black Citizens.
It is our history. If there is any doubt, just Google it. Since the pandemic has assured us that our lives will never be the same again, we would do well to turn aside and do what the Lord requires: Do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God.
retired pastor of The Greater True Friendship Baptist, Los Angeles.
Rev. Adams resides in Dallas, Texas.Rev. Adams our long time Something For Sunday Editor at ReelUrbanNews.com.
