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Wednesday, February 20, 2008

When African-American history is just known as history

A message to the PC(USA) from the vice-moderator

by Elder Robert E. Wilson
PC(USA) General Assembly vice-moderator

Do we need Black History Month? Yes.

But we need to get back to the original intent of the celebration.

Black History Month began as a yearlong study and discussion of African-American history, with the month of
February as the kickoff. Many say Black History Month is necessary until textbooks more completely and accurately portray the contributions Blacks have made.

We need to make sure books and curricula are upgraded so that schools and churches can teach Black History the whole year, rather than one month. Black students, as well as Asians, Native American, Hispanic/Latino and White students need to know more about African American culture than just the history associated with slave owners.

The main thing they need to know is about the people who were willing to make that ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

Did you know, for example, that in 1801 the General Assembly of the Presbyterian church appointed John Chavis (ca. 1763−1838) as the first Presbyterian missionary to African-American slaves? A free Black, Chavis preached to slaves and mixed audiences. He served as a missionary, teacher, and minister in Virginia from 1801−1807 and in North Carolina from 1807−1832.

We yearn for the time when African-American History is just known as history.

The PC(USA) professes that racism in all its forms is contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ? It also acknowledges that racism is a reality in both church and society. The church is committed to spiritually confronting the ideology of racism and racial oppression and working to overcome racism with prayer, discernment and worship-based action.

Last month, on Race Relations Sunday, we affirmed that Jesus calls us to love in a world of challenges. God makes us live together. We are not made for separation; we are made for each other. We are not made for individuality; we are made for community. We are not made for division; we are made for love.

Unfortunately, every day we confess our complicity in creating and maintaining love of race throughout life,
including within the church. At the same time, though, we celebrate God’s vision of life together. We commit to confronting the love of race, and we renew our intention to live according to God’s vision. And, ultimately, it is God’s vision that will come to fruition.

It is time to join in God’s vision. Are you ready? Is your church ready?

This story may also be seen here:
http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2008/08133.htm
posted by Noelle at 1:58 PM

2 Comments:

Hi! This is a helpful article, as are all of the ones posted before. Thanks for all you do!
The newsletter is very nice as well.
Did you notice that, on page 6 of the current newsletter, preinceton Seminary was left off the list of Presbyterian theological seminaries?
Ooops.....
Blogger Jennifer, at 6:58 PM  
Hi jiff!

Thanks for leaving a comment. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to comment back. I've been battling all kinds of sick these last couple of weeks...

I am so embarassed that I left PTS off the list! What a terrible alumna!

Did you happen to go to PTS, too?

Noelle
Blogger Noelle, at 11:26 AM  

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