February is the month of love, presidential birthdays, and if you live in the Northeast like me, you’re wondering if that groundhog was really telling the truth about six more weeks of winter. But February is also when we celebrate Black History Month.
Now I know what some of you may be thinking. Are we about to have another conversation about race that will make everyone uncomfortable? Well, maybe that slight discomfort you’re feeling is exactly why we need to have these conversations. However, my desire is not to make this a heavy conversation, but rather engaging and meaningful for you. So I ask you to open your hearts and talk about why Black History Month should be important, especially to those of us who follow Jesus.
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1. History matters
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they give us, we might have hope. – Romans 15:4
History wasn’t always my favorite subject at school, although Mr. Hocker in 11th the note made it somewhat interesting. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that there’s more to history than just memorizing dates and events. It’s about understanding the incredible story of how we got here and, more importantly, where we can go from here. When you know a person’s story, it makes you appreciate them better. When you read that Abraham came out in faith, or that David faced Goliath with nothing but a sling and five smooth stones, something stirs in your mind. That’s because their stories give you hope and fuel for your faith journey.
Now let’s apply this to black history. Although we all know the usual narrative of slavery, segregation, and civil rights, there is a wealth of black excellence that is often left out of the history books. Consider this one for a moment. Every time you set up your home security system before bed, you’re using technology developed by a Black woman named Marie Van Brittan Brown. A young black woman from Queens, New York, invented the first home security system and the first closed-circuit television.
This is just one of countless stories like this. When we discover these stories, they inspire hope. Just as reading about Moses parting the Red Sea or Paul’s missionary journeys gives us spiritual inspiration, discovering these accomplishments reminds us that God has always used ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. No, I’m not saying that a security system is like parting the Red Sea or sharing the Gospel. However, seeing what others have accomplished against all odds makes us think that if God could use them, surely He can use me too.
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2. It changes perspectives
There is a truth that we often tiptoe around in many churches. Yes, I’m talking about race. Now I know it’s easier to pretend everything is fine and believe that everything is fine and there is no problem. But we must approach this subject honestly. There are still churches in America where you can say everyone is welcome on the outside, but when you walk into the building it doesn’t reflect that. Hospitality applies to some, but not all. This sad truth applies to churches of all ethnic and denominational beliefs. Now if this hurts a little or bothers you, then I would ask you not to lean back but lean forward.
Sometimes we can become nervous or afraid about kissing people who may seem different to us. But this is where something like Black History Month can be refreshing, because it can help change your perspective on others. For example, do you know Garrett Morgan? In 1923, Garrett Morgan gave us something we use every day, the three-position traffic light. The Department of Transportation says Morgan’s invention “significantly improved safety on America’s streets and highways.” Think about that for a second. Every time you sit at a red light, check your phone, or wonder why that light takes forever to change, you experience the legacy of a Black inventor who made all of our lives safer.
When you learn these stories, we hope they will help break down the walls we build and destroy the assumptions we make. These stories remind us that God gives his gifts of wisdom, creativity and innovation to people of all nations and ethnicities, regardless of color or background.
So the next time you’re waiting at a traffic light, instead of getting upset about how long it takes, maybe remember Garrett Morgan and recognize that our roads are a little safer because of him. Hopefully when you think about it from this perspective it will change your perspective.
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3. God cares about culture
When you read the Bible, you discover that God is particular in identifying people of diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Uriah was a Hittite (2 Sam. 11:3).
Ruth was a Moabite (Ruth 1:4).
Goliath was a fighting champion of Gath (1 Sam. 17:4).
Jesus spoke to a Samaritan woman (John 4:7).
Simon of Cyrene carried the cross (Mast. 27:32).
Philippe exercised his ministry to an Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:27).
Pierre went to Cornelius, who was Italian (Acts 10:1).
This is just a small sample, but it occurs repeatedly throughout Scripture. So why is this important? This is important because God does not hide people’s culture or nationality. Instead, it brings these details to the forefront. These are not just random facts; they are a crucial recognition that a person’s background significantly shapes their narrative, demanding that we pay attention to their unique stories.
I often find it interesting, almost amusing, when someone says we should be colorblind or that color doesn’t matter. I know what they mean when they say that. However, while we say this about issues of race, we would never say this about anything else. I live in New England and every fall there is the most beautiful fall foliage where you get the wonderful hues of fall colors in the leaves. I’ve never heard anyone in this context talk about being colorblind because color doesn’t matter. When you open your Bible, you will see how God intentionally mentions people from different backgrounds. If it matters so much to him, then it should matter to us too. If God would take the time to lay out all these cultural details, perhaps we should stop pretending they don’t matter.
Ultimately, the Bible is not a bland, one-note message. The Bible is a beautiful tapestry of cultures, backgrounds, and nationalities, all working together to fulfill God’s plan in human history. When you celebrate Black History Month, it gives you an opportunity to recognize the role that a group of people played in bringing this plan to fruition.
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4. It can open doors to reach more people
…I became everything to everyone so that by any means possible I could save a few. – 1 Corinthians 9:22
I would like to share a heavy thought with you for a moment. There are people of color who have rejected Christianity because they say the same people who preached the freedom found in Christ on Sunday were buying and selling people into slavery on Monday. This has appealed to a part of the black population who are looking for an outlet for their anger. I know this is an unpleasant truth, but again, don’t back down; While some of these people may feel justified in their feelings, that doesn’t mean we can’t reach them. The best way is to follow Jesus’ example.
Jesus had this uncanny ability to meet people where they are. He dealt with the issues of their hearts and addressed them head on. He did this by listening and giving people the opportunity to know that he sees them and cares about them. So how might this apply to Black History Month?
Imagine someone walks into your church this month. Maybe they are unsure about church and are looking for a place to feel welcome and find a real sense of community. This Sunday, they hear something from the platform that recognizes their history and celebrates their heritage. How do you think this person would feel? I’m not saying you turn the entire service into a history lesson. However, offering simple recognition could let people know that we see you, that we appreciate you, and that you matter here.
Some of you may be wondering if this would put too much emphasis on race. Obviously, if you do this every Sunday, sure, but doing it during Black History Month or other occasions is totally fine. We celebrate mothers on Mother’s Day, veterans on Veterans Day, and fathers on Father’s Day (even though mothers get way more attention than fathers), and no one complains about it. Likewise, why are we nervous about acknowledging Black history in the Church? We shouldn’t be. Again, if this makes you a little uncomfortable, that’s why we need to discuss it.
Remember, our job is to point people to Jesus. If taking a moment to acknowledge Black history makes someone feel comfortable enough to stay and hear about the saving grace of Jesus Christwhy wouldn’t we do that? Sometimes, before we can share the gospel, we need to let people know that we care about them. If showing you care about Black History Month can be that starting point, isn’t this life worth it?
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5. It’s an opportunity to showcase the power of the gospel
Black History Month isn’t just about inventions, achievements, and overcoming obs tackles. It is a powerful testimony of what God can do when the Gospel takes hold of a people.
We cannot deny that there have been dark times in American history for people of color. Yet for many, this did not destroy their faith; it emboldened their faith. Whether they faced the horrors of slavery or the challenges of segregation, they maintained their faith in Jesus. Many of those who fought for the abolition of slavery or the end of Jim Crow did so recognizing that the gospel makes us all one in Christ.
Their trust in Jesus transformed their lives, filling them with hope even when situations seemed hopeless. The spirituals they sang were not just songs; they were prayers sung to God, helping them bear their difficulties. The most common messages conveyed love and forgiveness, not anger, hatred, or retribution toward their oppressors. They were not looking for an opportunity for revenge but were pursuing a desire for freedom and equality. This is a testament to the power of the gospel to change hearts, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Remembering these stories gives you the opportunity to highlight these powerful testimonies of faith in the face of crisis. I don’t mean to say that only black people had to endure this situation, but there is an incredible legacy of a people trusting God in almost impossible situations. This is something that can be an encouragement to everyone.
There is another reality that we also see. When you accept culture and people of all ethnicities, you align yourself with God’s heart. The Bible tells us that God so loved the world (John 3:16), which means everyone is welcome. When you see people of different ethnic backgrounds coming together under the banner of Christ, celebrating Jesus and loving one another, it brings awareness to the world.
I know I spoke specifically about Black History Month, but these truths are not just about Black people. These are truths that everyone should celebrate. Every culture has something to contribute that has affected the world and the Church. Remembering these things strengthens us as we see God moving His hand throughout history and making progress in the world and in His kingdom.
This article is about history, and the key element of that word is history. The truth is that the stories of Black history are not more important than your history. They are just as important. This is why we must continue to tell them. In the wonderful words of Mr. Rogers, this is what he said.
“There’s no one you can’t learn to love once you hear their story.”
Black History Month is about telling stories and the more we hear and know them, the more we hope to learn to love ourselves.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. » – John 13:35
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He is the author of The pursuit of the goalwhich helps readers understand how God leads them in His will, and the author of The Pursuit of Victory: How to Overcome Your Biggest Challenges and Win in Your Christian Life. Clarence also committed to helping 10,000 people learn to study the Bible and published his first course, Bible Study Basicsto achieve this objective. To learn more about his ministry and resources, please visit clarencehaynes.com.
Originally published on Monday February 2, 2026.