National Community Church is dedicated to becoming a racially and culturally unified church, valuing everyone without exception. During the month of February, our country celebrates Black History Month. In our efforts to create an environment that honors the African Diaspora, NCC will highlight opportunities for our church community to engage in Black History Month.

 

The following is a brief history of Black History Month. (written by Angel Jenkins, NCC A18 Intern through NCC Learning.)

 

Black History Month Origins 

Since emancipation from slavery, Black Americans have held annual celebrations known as Negro History Week to honor their history, achievements, and individuals who have contributed to black advancement. Historically, the week was celebrated in February to recognize the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. During the 50th Anniversary Celebration, Dr. Carter G. Woodson was in attendance and was inspired to expand it from one week to a month. 

 

Woodson partnered with prominent figures in the Black community to establish the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) to honor Black history and educate Americans. In 1976, Woodson’s desire to see Negro History Week become a month-long celebration was first federally recognized by President Ford, publicly calling it Black History Month. To keep with tradition there is an annual theme and focus for the month. The theme for  2021 is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.”  You can learn more about the history of this year’s theme at the ASNLH website. 

 

Check out National Community Church Multicultural Vision!

 

Here are ways you can join in the celebration of Black History Month both virtually and in-person through our church and throughout DMV and we encourage you to look up opportunities in your local community. 

NCC Small Groups:
Join IRL for the month of February, as they amplify Black voices within the Christian Church to lead their morning devotional time at 8:30am.

Check out more of our racial unity groups here
 

Events and Activities:
National Museum of African American History and Culture- Events
Smithsonian- History and Heritage Month Events

Listen and Learn - February Event (more information coming soon)
Listen and Learn exist to decentralize the power of narrative and give the power of story back into the hands of the people who lived it. For the month of February, we will celebrate the stories of the African American community.

 

Additional Reading and Sources

Books: 

The History of the Negro Church  - Carter G. Woodson
Narrative of Sojourner Truth - Sojourner Truth
The Substance of Things Hoped For - Samuel D. Proctor
A History of Christianity in Africa - Elizabeth Isichei
From Slavery to Freedom - John H. Franklin and Alfred A. Moss Jr.
With Head and Heart - Howard Thurman
The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr. - Clayborne Carson
Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem - Amanda Gorman
Be the Bridge: Pursuing God’s Heart for Racial Reconciliation - Latasha Morrison
Gracism: The Art of Inclusion - Dr. David Anderson
Chocolate City: A History of Race and Democracy in the Nation’s Capitol - Chris Myers and George Musgrove
 

Websites:

The Chicago Origins of Black History Month - The Chicago Public Library

Black Deaf Culture Through the Lens of Black Deaf History

Origins of Black History Month - The Association for the Study of African American Life and History

National African American (Black) History Month: February 2021 - The US Census Bureau

The History of Black History Month - BlackPast

Black History Month: 20 Stories Christians Should Know - Christianity Today