When I graduated from high school, I wanted to be a history teacher. Little did I know at the time, God had different plans for my life. That being said, for as long as I can remember, I have always been interested in the history of our faith, our country, and the world. Why? Because knowing our origins is important to not only understand where we have come from, but it can give us hints about where we are going.
In honor of Black History Month, here is a very small history lesson: the precursor to what we know as Black History Month began as a history week in 1926 and was organized by Carter G. Woodson, who was an American historian, author, journalist, and the founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Nearly 44 years later, the first Black History Month was celebrated at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, and since then, the month has been recognized in the United States, Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Each February, Black History Month is a time where we celebrate and remember the important people and events in the history of the African diaspora.
When we recall moments in our history, it is often whitewashed, and we rarely hear about people of color and their contributions. In honor of Black History Month, here are some important people whose shoulders we stand on:
1760s: Anne Schweitzer, a black woman, became a founding member of the first Methodist society in Maryland
1902: Susan Angeline Collins was sent as a missionary to Angola where it was reported that she was welcomed and served there for 29 years
1968: Roy C. Nichols became the first African American to be elected bishop by a regional jurisdictional conference in the newly created United Methodist Church
The history of our faith, country, and world has been carried by people of color like Anne Schweitzer, Susan Collins, and Roy Nichols. Sadly, their contributions have been largely overlooked. I believe that Black History Month should not only be commemorated during the month of February, but throughout the year. I challenge you to learn more about the influential people of color of our faith and history alongside your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. I am certain that the more you read, the more you will learn about the rich tapestry of individuals who have shaped us into where we are today.
Happy learning dear friends!
Mitch Hortert, Church Council Chair