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

We mourn the passing of Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr, and Coretta Scott King. King died at the age of 62 after battling prostate cancer.

The King family will hold a candlelight musical experience honoring the life of Dexter Scott King. Services will be on February 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ebenezer Baptist Church Horizon Sanctuary in Atlanta, Georgia.

Share this newsletter 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.

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Resources

Each week, we provide resources to help transform ourselves, our church and our community through education, advocacy and action.

“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

Week 1

Week 2

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

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

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.

Week 3

Week 4

Read 

how modern authors reflect creatively on the history of slavery in America. These are works of historical fiction:

Watch 

Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power, directed by Geeta Gandbhir and Sam Pollard, on Peacock.

Engage 

  • Through events that are part of this year’s Virginia Black History Month Gala hosted in person or online on February 24 and 25.
  • By joining the Virginia NAACP Education and Religious Affairs Committees as the present #SankofaMoments every Wednesday in February from 7-7:15 pm on Zoom

Serve

by joining the NAACP at the People’s Rally for Student Debt Cancellation on February 28. Add your voice to a cause that has exacerbated racial and economic inequality.

Educate 

children by reading together, Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi. Help your kids dig deeper.

Read 

about the history and current events involving Black and African American churches in America, including:

  • The role of African Americans in advancing the early Methodist church, the segregation and abolition of the Central Jurisdiction and the rise of current leaders
  • An overview of the development of the term “black church” in America and how those institutions have shaped America
  • The role the black church plays in mental health

Watch 

a short video about the role and history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Engage 

  • By visiting Gum Springs, a town established by West Ford to create a space for formerly enslaved people to excel
  • By continuing next month. In March, visit a new exhibit at the NMAAHC as it reimagines the future in light of the past

Serve

by working with the NAACP to reclaim the Bull Run Cemetery. You will remember the documentary about it from Week 1 Resources. Learn more about this project for March 25 and June 10.

Educate 

children using resources for activities for all ages.

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