Athanasius . . .Celebrating Black HIStory '24

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)

Athanasius of Alexandria

Athanasius was a theologian, ecclesiastical statesman, deacon, and chief defender of Christian orthodoxy. Born in 293, Athanasius was labeled “Black Dwarf” and exiled five times by four Roman emperors due to his staunch commitment to biblical orthodoxy. He was the bishop of Alexandria for 45 years and spent 17 of those in exile. Known for confronting Arianism, a doctrine denying Christ’s deity, he was instrumental in creating the Nicene Creed. The Nicene Creed was adopted to resolve the Arian controversy, whose leader, Arius, a clergyman of Alexandria, "objected to Alexander's (the bishop of the time) apparent carelessness in blurring the distinction of nature between the Father and the Son. Athanasius is considered a father of the apologetic ministry.

Howard Thurman: Celebrating Black HIStory '24

“The basic fact is that Christianity as it was born in the mind of this Jewish thinker and teacher appears as a technique of survival for the oppressed. That it became, through the intervening years, a religion of the powerful and the dominant, used sometimes as an instrument of oppression, must not tempt us into believing that it was thus in the mind and life of Jesus. 'In him was life; and the life was the light of men.' Wherever his spirit appears, the oppressed gather fresh courage; for he announced the good news that fear, hypocrisy, and hatred, the three hounds of hell that track the trail of the disinherited, need have no dominion over them.”― Howard Thurman

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17)

In 1944, Thurman cofounded San Francisco's Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples, the first integrated interfaith religious congregation in the United States. In 1953, he became the dean of Marsh Chapel, the first black dean at a mostly white American university, mentoring, among many others, Martin Luther King, Jr.

God still provides!

God still provides!

As I complete my studies and reflections upon Black HIStory in my classroom for this month, I cannot help but praise God that it is indeed a part of my HIStory. I am grateful to have been grafted in to such a vibrant, strong, faithful, caring, challenging, and accepting culture! I am better for it, as a man, a husband, a dad, grandpa, teacher, coach and mentor . . . but most importantly, as a follower of Jesus Christ! I am in the minority, yet as a believer in Jesus Christ, I am among family!I have been welcomed as a husband, son, and brother into the proud and honored Douglas(s) family. I have been privileged to teach in a CHRIST-centered environment of 99% African-American descent for the past twelve years. I am counted among brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ, as different as I am!

 This weekend, we celebrated our youngest son, yes, my black son! God gave Michael Gerard to us long before he was born as we asked for another child. We named him while he was yet unborn, yet growing in his birth mother's womb. Michael Gerard . . . a gift from God and mighty in battle. Since birth, he has been an indelible piece of our family. He has travelled with us on the mission field since he was six, from New Orleans, to St. Vincent, to South Carolina and Puerto Rico. I asked God to indeed prepare Him and use Him and God has and is. Michael is now 21 and growing in grace and favor. I am so proud of him.


God is still providing and I know He always will.

Come and hear, all you who have respect for God.
Let me tell you what he has done for me.
I cried out to him with my mouth.
I praised him with my tongue.
If I had enjoyed having sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened.
But God has surely listened.
He has heard my prayer.
Give praise to God.
He has accepted my prayer.
He has not held back his love from me. (Psalm 66:16-20)

I say this to let you know, that despite what the world may say and do, God still provides! He is Jehovah Jireh. He is the God of HIStory . . .Black HIStory, my HIStory, our HIStory!
Celebrate with me today!

Honoring Black HIStory '23 . . . Not a White Man's religion!

Interesting . . . .Christianity in Africa first arrived in Egypt in approximately 50 AD, reached the region around Carthage by the end of the second century. In the 4th century, the Aksumite empire in modern-day Ethiopia and Eritrea became one of the first regions in the world to adopt Christianity as their official religion. The Nubian kingdoms of Nobatia, Makuria and Alodia followed two centuries later. Important Africans who influenced the early development of Christianity include Tertullian, Perpetua, Felicity, Clement of Alexandria, Origen of Alexandria, Cyprian, Athanasius and Augustine of Hippo.

Envoys will come out of Egypt; Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God. (Psalm 68:31)

Mark the Evangelist became the first bishop of the Alexandrian Patriarchate in about the year A.D.43. At first the church in Alexandria was mainly Greek-speaking. By the end of the 2nd century the scriptures and liturgy had been translated into three local languages. Christianity in Sudan also spread in the early 1st century, and the Nubian churches, which were established in the sixth century within the kingdoms of Nobatia, Makuria and Alodia were linked to those of Egypt.


The Ethiopian Empire was the only region of Africa to survive as a Christian state after the expansion of Islam. The Ethiopian church held its own distinct religious customs and a unique canon of the Bible. Therefore, the Ethiopian church community is globally unique in that it wasn't Christianised through European missionaries, but was highly independent and itself spread missionaries throughout the rest of Africa prior to European Christians contact with the continent.


Today, Christianity is embraced by the majority of the population in most Southern African, Southeast African, and Central African states and others in large parts of Horn of Africa and West Africa. The Coptic Christiansmake up a significant minority in Egypt. As of 2020, Christians formed 49% of the continent's population, with Muslims forming 42%.


A 2018 study by the Gordon–Conwell Theological Seminary discovered that more Christians live in Africa than any other continent, with 631 million Christians throughout the landmass. According to updated data for 2021, there are now nearly 685 million Christians in Africa, with 760 million expected by 2025. This surpasses earlier estimates of 630 million to 700 million for 2025.

Keep your eyes fixed upon the Savior . . . Honoring Black HIStory '23

   

Thomas Johnson was born in August 1836 in Rock-Rayman, Virginia, to a slave mother and free father who was one-eighth black. His mother’s owner refused to sell the pair to Thomas’ father, so when Thomas was just three years old, he was sold to a slave owner in Alexandria, Virginia. He wouldn’t see his mother for another six years.
As he grew, Johnson became increasingly interested in the message of the gospel, writing in his book Twenty-Eight Years a Slave: “I used to think how nice it must be in heaven, ‘no slaves, all free,’ and God would think as much of the black people as he did of the white.” He eventually came to faith in Jesus Christ in June 1857. In his book, he describes the spiritual transformation that took place and the joy he felt when, following the end of the American civil war, he was eventually emancipated, calling it a “third birthday”.

    Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith . . . (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Johnson had heard about Charles H. Spurgeon, the well-known Baptist minister who was a fierce critic of slavery. Johnson was eventually ordained and led a small African-American congregation in Chicago. But his heart was always for Africa.
   In 1876, Johnson and his wife travelled to England to prepare for their mission. There, his friend Mr Hind Smith wrote to Mr Spurgeon inquiring if Thomas could be admitted to his college as a student. The reply was very simple: “Dear Mr. Hind Smith,—Yes, let the dear man come—C. H. Spurgeon.”
    On the 6 November 1878, the newly graduated Rev Thomas Johnson sailed from Liverpool to the west coast of Africa to begin his ministry as an evangelist, pastor and teacher of the gospel. Sadly, his wife died there and, eventually, poor health forced him to return to America in 1880. In the 1890s, Johnson moved back to England and settled in Bournemouth with his second wife, Sarah. Until his death in 1921, he continued to be an active minister of the gospel throughout England.
   Rev Thomas Johnson, evangelist, missionary, pastor, teacher and author is an outstanding example of one of the great heroes of the Christian faith who kept his eyes fixed upon his Savior throughout his life, and who has bequeathed to the Church a truly inspiring testimony and example. (https://www.premierchristianity.com/features/thomas-johnson-how-a-slave-became-the-first-black-student-at-spurgeons-college/5607.article)

Ezekiel saw the wheels....so did others . . . . Honoring Black HIStory '23

Ezekiel saw the wheels and so did others. In fact, the traditions says that many Africans who were taken from West Africa and enslaved in MD . . . in fact near the birthplace of Frederick Douglass!

At the site of a plantation where abolitionist Frederick Douglass once lived, University of Maryland (UMD) archaeologists have uncovered striking evidence of how African and Christian religious beliefs blended and merged in the 19th century. The team dug up an intact set of objects that they interpret as religious symbols—traditional ones from Africa, but mixed with what they believe to be a Biblical image: a representation of Ezekiel’s Wheel.

“No one has found this combination before. It may give us a snapshot of the blending of religious symbols of a tenant farmer after 1865,” says University of Maryland archaeologist Mark P. Leone, who led the team. “Christianity had not erased traditional African spirit practices; it had merged with them to form a potent blend that still thrives today.” (https://bsos.umd.edu/featured-content/ezekiels-wheel-ties-african)

 I looked, and I saw beside the cherubim four wheels, one beside each of the cherubim; the wheels sparkled like topaz. As for their appearance, the four of them looked alike; each was like a wheel intersecting a wheel. (Ezekiel 10"9-10)

The Civil War and some MD HIStory, in case you didn't know: Honoring Black HIStory '23

IN CASE YOU DIDN'T KNOW . . . George R. Rome was one of nearly 180,000 African Americans to fight for the United States during the Civil War. Rome was bor!n in 1835 to free African American parents living in Providence, Rhode Island. He later moved to Worchester, Massachusetts. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, he and other African Americans were initially denied enlistment. The US government reversed its policy in 1863, however, and Rome joined the 55th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment the following year. He survived the war and died in 1900. The picture shows Rome dressed in his uniform and is part of a small collection of his items in the Museum of the Bible's care, including his pocket New Testament. (https://collections.museumofthebible.org/artifacts/19836-portrait-of-pvt-george-r-rome?theme-slug=The%20Bible%20in%20Black%20History)

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.(Galatians 5:1) The story is seldom told of men of color who served in the Civil War. Many in fact right here in Maryland fought for their freedom and the abolishment of slavery along with the Union armies (https://emilieamt.com/african-americans-face-the-invasion-of-maryland-1862/).

So, in case you didn't know . . .The onset of the Civil War in 1861 marked a new beginning for Black Baltimoreans seeking greater freedom for themselves and their neighbors. Hundreds of free Black people in Baltimore supported the Union army by working on fortifications and hospitals around the edges of the city. Over 8,000 enslaved Marylanders enlisted in the US Colored Troops between the spring of 1863 and the end of the war two years later. White Union supporters drafted a new constitution in 1864 that proposed to abolish slavery and disenfranchise Marylanders who fought for the “so-called ‘Confederate States of America,’” or gave “any aid, comfort, countenance or support to those engaged in armed hostility to the United States.”2 After a narrow vote of Maryland residents in October 1864 approved the new constitution, slavery in Maryland officially ended 222 years after enslaved Africans were first held in slavery at St. Mary’s City in Southern Maryland. In the politically turbulent period after the end of the Civil War, the nation adopted the Fourteenth Amendment to the US Constitution in 1867 giving all Black Marylanders the right to equal protection under the law, and the Fifteenth Amendment in 1870, giving Black men the right to vote.(https://baltimoreheritage.github.io/civil-rights-heritage/1831-1884/)

Jackie Robinson's faith was greater than his abilities: Honoring Black HIStory '23

We all know Jackie Robinson as a player, but his faith was greater than his abilities! Growing up in Pasadena, Calif., Robinson was influenced by a minister named Karl Everitt Downs, a pastor at Scott Methodist Church where the budding ballplayer’s mother Mallie attended services. It was that relationship that led Robinson to Christ and made him a believer. It was Downs’ influence that helped Robinson develop his faith and Methodist upbringing.
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
There was a deep-rooted bond that was formed between Robinson and Dodger owner Branch Rickey based on an “intense personal religion” — they both shared the same faith tradition — that was genuine and no longer “in vogue these days.”

“Robinson and Rickey were genuine Christians, but Christians in their concern for their fellow human beings,” he added. “It was no act when Rickey read the passage from Giovanni Papini’s biography The Life of Christ to a skeptical Robinson at their historic first meeting in Brooklyn on August 28, 1945.

What kept Robinson from lashing out at the vile taunts from the stands? Lowenfish said although Robinson’s “first response would always be to go on the attack to vile insults, Rickey convinced him that ‘turning the other cheek’ and playing as hard and well as he could was the best response.”

Following his retirement, Robinson became more public about his faith. In 1962, during a speech to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Robinson said, “As the first Negro in the majors, I needed the support and backing of my own people. I’ll never forget what ministers like you who lead [the] SCLC did for me.”

As important as ministers were in supporting the Dodgers first baseman, Lamb said it was Robinson’s faith in God that was so vital throughout the players’ life.

“No athlete faced greater pressure and dealt with more hatred than Robinson,” he said. “How did Robinson succeed? There’s little doubt that faith played a significant role in this success.” (https://religionunplugged.com/news/2019/2/19/jackie-robinson-and-christianity-how-being-a-devout-methodist-impacted-his-life)

The Obama's love story . . . Honoring Black HIStory '23

As dazzling as our President’s words and leadership have been, it’s his public displays of affection for First Lady Michelle Obama, and their children, that has touched millions in more emotional ways. They met in the summer of 1988 at the law firm where they worked. It was love sweet love and the two would go on to forge an unbreakable bond and ride their version of the American dream right to the gates of the White House.

This Valentine's Day 2023 we honor God of course, because He is LOVE! 💗 The Bible tells us that, Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:8) We also honor a couple that not only led the Nation with dignity, but did not hide their love and affection for one another. 

No matter the publicity, no matter the job, no matter the position one may hold, love for God and love for people always wins the day. For the married couples today, be sure to show your love for your spouse for others to see. Our youth need to see love in action!

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

💖💗

Something Special....Honoring Black HIStory '23

 

Super Bowl SONday was something special indeed! The first time in HIStory that we had to quarterbacks of color starting the game. It's about time! Most importantly, they were two young men of high character and strong faith in the God who brought them through. I could not help but think of that as the Black National Anthem was played before the game by Sheryl Lee Ralph. (https://youtu.be/p0Qzu6r40) 

The testimony of both Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts throughout the week prior to the game was evident. They came from families of faith and have continued to trust God with their lives and playing career, through ups and downs. Both are humble young men, giving credit to their coaches and fellow players and not seeking the spotlight. 

 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. (James 4:10)

The real winner on yesterday . . . God!

Sometimes you gotta fight: Honoring Black HIStory '23

"Will the Lord suffer this people to go on much longer, taking his holy name in vain? Will he not stop them, preachers and all? O Americans! Americans!! I call God—I call angels—I call men to witness that your destruction is at hand, and will be speedily consummated unless you repent."

The words of David Walker, the Bostonian son of a free mother and slave father, were as much a threat as they were a jeremiad (lamentation). His 76-page pamphlet, Walker's Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World (1829), marked the beginnings of a new abolitionism—and the beginnings of a rift between white and black antislavery movements.

Walker had never been a slave, but having been born in Wilmington, North Carolina, he knew its horrors. He had once seen a son forced to whip his mother to death. As a devout Baptist with a deep knowledge of the Bible, he believed the Old Testament God who violently freed the Israelites would free "the most degraded, wretched, and abject set of beings that ever lived."

For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. (2 Corinthians 10:4)

Stay consistent. . . . Honoring Black HIStory '23

In 1926, an African American newspaper editor in Topeka, Kansas, announced his candidacy for the United States Senate. His name was Nick Chiles. Although a black person had not occupied a Senate seat since 1881—and would not do so again until 1967— Chiles had grown disgusted with Kansas Senator Charles Curtis’s unwillingness to fight for the voting rights of black Southerners.

So, Chiles decided to take matters into his own hands. His campaign platform included eight planks, most of them focused on ending Southern segregationist control of the Senate, re-enfranchising African Americans, and guaranteeing workers a living wage. It also included a plank that made Chiles’s righteous indignation clear: “The Holy Bible for my Guide.”

However, Chiles was best known in his early years for engaging in perhaps the greatest evil a late 19th-century evangelical Protestant could envision: the liquor trade. Yet Chiles evolved. He used his saloon business to launch more respectable enterprises. A 1922 profile of Chiles glowed: “He came to Topeka with only fifteen dollars in his pocket, but he now owns a $7,000 plant, his own building, a fine residence, and a large amount of other property." Most important to Chiles’s mini-empire was his newspaper, the Topeka Plaindealer,arguably the most prominent Western black newspaper in the early 20th century. Fact is, there was at least one consistent theme in Chiles’s lifelong anti-racism activism: appeals to the Christian principles of white Americans.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)

Never give up on God: Honoring Black HIStory '23

 It is little wonder, given the history of their mistreatment at the hands of whites, that many Native Americans were suspicious of missionaries preaching what seemed to be a white man's religion—even when a black man was the missionary. And yet because of the perseverance of this man, John Stewart, many eventually adopted his religion. But it wasn't always easy for him.

Then, Stewart said, he heard a voice telling him, "Thou shalt declare my counsel faithfully." Feeling impelled to preach to Indians, Stewart journeyed to northern Ohio to the Wyandots, a branch of the Hurons driven south by the Iroquois League. Once a thriving people, the Wyandots had been reduced to about 700 when Stewart arrived at their reservation on the Upper Sandusky River in 1816.

There he met another black, Jonathan Pointer, who knew the Wyandot language. He told Stewart it would be "folly" to preach to the Indians. Nonetheless, the indifferent Pointer agreed to interpret Stewart's sermons. Many, even the Native Americans, did not give him the respect due. Even many of the Native Americans did not see black people as equal, but evil. Still, he pressed on, and by degrees, Stewart won the trust of the Wyandots, and he saw conversions.

Stewart died, apparently from tuberculosis, in 1823. Twenty years later, the federal government moved the Wyandots to Kansas as part of its Indian relocation policies. But Stewart had made his mark—the first black missionary to Native Americans and the first Methodist home missionary in America.                (John Stewart, 1786-1823)

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)

Wouldn't it be something if we saw the hearts of others rather than faces? (Honoring Black HIStory '23)

To the late twentieth century, when Christians vigorously debate the question of racial reconciliation and how to achieve it, Lemuel Haynes represents a significant symbolic "first"—the first black pastor of a white congregation! The illegitimate son of a black father and a white mother, Haynes grew up as an indentured servant to the Rose family in Massachusetts. The Roses included young Lemuel in their church attendance and family devotions. The Roses also gave him an education and treated him, Haynes said later, like one of their own children. At the end of his period of indenture, he served in the Continental Army during the Revolution, and then, with the support and encouragement of the Roses and others, he was ordained to the ministry. Haynes spent the largest part of his pastoral career at Rutland, Vermont (1788-1818), where he led the town's Congregational church through the Second Great Awakening.

“God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” (Acts 10:34-35)

It is amazing what God can do in and through people who see each other as equals. When we can look one another in the eye and see the face of God, not the face of a European father, an African mother, a Latino teen, or an Asian grandfather. God accepts anyone who comes to Him with open arms. Despite obvious challenges, God still does the miraculous. Keep seeking Him!

Wouldn't it be something if we saw the hearts of others rather than faces?

Honoring Black HIStory '23

'Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land,                                                                                            Taught my benighted soul to understand                                                                                                            That there's a God, that there's a Savior too:                                                                                                       Once I redemption neither sought nor knew. (Phyllis Wheatley 1753-1784)

She was the first major black poet in American HIStory and one of America's first female poets. Born in Gambia, West Africa, she was stolen and sold into slavery at the age of seven. She was purchased by the Wheatley family in Boston as a personal servant and was baptized at eighteen. Given her freedom by the Wheatleys, her poetry was recognized by General George Washington and she also memorialized evangelist George Whitfield in a poem. She was the first African American to publish a book and is considered the founder of African American literary tradition. (https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/issues/issue-62/black-christianity-before-civil-war-gallery--fruit-of.html) 

Today, I honor her life as I thank God for the talents and gifts He gives to each of us, regardless of skin color, nationality, or gender. 

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)

This truth is foundational. God created all human beings in His image. Gender, skin color, and other physical differences do not change that reality.

Justice begins with me

 It starts with us as individuals . . . 

But let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream.(Amos 5:24)

As Dr. King celebrates with the martyrs in heaven, will we live out the scriptures he died for and make changes in our lives? Don't depend upon the government or the church, you and I must be the change! Justice begins with me!

There is no room for separation of cultures. There is One Lord, One faith, One baptism . . . One Father of us all. We are Kingdom citizens as Dr. Tony Evans has stated. 

Thank you Dr. Pastor Martin Luther King for your life of sacrifice for us all.

Black HIStory, my HIStory, our HIStory!

Come and hear, all you who have respect for God.
    Let me tell you what he has done for me.
17 I cried out to him with my mouth.
    I praised him with my tongue.
18 If I had enjoyed having sin in my heart,
    the Lord would not have listened.
19 But God has surely listened.
    He has heard my prayer.
20 Give praise to God.
    He has accepted my prayer.
    He has not held back his love from me. (Psalm 66:16-20)

As I complete my studies and reflections upon Black HIStory for this month, I cannot help but praise God that it is indeed a part of my HIStory. I am grateful to have been grafted in to such a vibrant, strong, faithful, caring, challenging, and accepting culture! I am better for it, as a man, a husband, a dad, grandpa, and most importantly, as a follower of Jesus Christ! 

Today, I celebrate my youngest son, yes, my black son! God gave Michael Gerard to us long before he was born as we asked for another child. We named him while he was yet unborn, yet growing in his birth mother's womb. Michael Gerard . . . a gift from God and mighty in battle. Since birth, he has been an indelible piece of our family. He has travelled with us on the mission field since he was six, from New Orleans, to St. Vincent, to South Carolina and Puerto Rico. I asked God to indeed prepare Him and use Him and God has been faithful!

I began asking God to send Michael to college over four years ago, knowing it would have to be by His grace and provisions . . .  hopefully to our alma mater, Liberty University. God has provided for Michael to attend Liberty, providing for him is so many ways! He is still providing and I know He always will.

I say this to let you know God still provides! He is Jehovah Jireh. He is the God of HIStory . . .Black HIStory, my HIStory, our HIStory!

You cannot judge a book by its cover . . . on any day!

 

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” . . . Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!” Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward.  (1 Samuel 16: 7, 12-13)

You cannot judge a book by its cover . . . namely William Lloyd Garrison, Angelina Grimke', Harriet Beecher Stowe, John Brown. All CHRISTians, all abolitionists (against slavery), and all white!  They were men, women, writers, businessman, militants, some even gave their lives. To tell HIS-tory correctly, we must tell the entire story . . . even today. (https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/abolitionists-films-principal-characters/)  

It is important that our young people know all of HIS-tory, not simply the white or black version. We must know and teach HIS-story . . . the TRUTH. You see, as with all reports, there are three sides . . . mine, yours, and God's. Let every man be a liar and God the Truth! (Romans 3:4)

As when God chose David to be Israel's king, we too must be careful to look deep inside a person before we place labels. I remember the 60's and being taught and witnessing racism, indirectly and often openly. I heard the words and labels. Yet as I matured and experienced a different kind of world than my parents, thank God, I was able to change!

I often want to make a t-shirt with the following statement: "I am white and you can trust me!" Sadly, many of our children are once again being taught to make decisions based upon physical appearances. As believers, that cannot happen within our circles and we must correct it . . .boldly! We must talk, confront, convict, and correct!!!!

What lies have you learned and believed? Are we willing to do whatever is necessary to be one? (John 17)

Overcoming odds . . . .

 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1)

Our past is full of heroes who did not allow the past or present to influence their lives. They pushed through harsh circumstances and not only persevered, but set new marks for themselves and others. Frederick Douglass Pollard was such a man . . .

Did you know?

Frederick Douglass Pollard was born in an affluent neighborhood in Chicago on January 27, 1894, to John William, a barber, and Catherine Amanda Hughs Pollard, a seamstress. The seventh of eight children, he was affectionately called Fred, but later nicknamed "Fritz" by neighborhood residents, a name that stuck with him throughout life. He was, however, named after civil rights leader Frederick Douglass, a famous abolitionist whom his parents had heard speak the preceding year. Pollard attributed much of his success in life to his ancestors, who—through tremendous hard work, courage, and a pioneering spirit—thrived and prospered during the era of slavery. Even though his grandparents and great grandparents had been Virginia slaves, the family became free yeomen farmers after the Revolutionary War and through hard work overcame tremendous odds.

A highly successful football and track athlete, Fritz Pollard became the first African American to play in the Rose Bowl when he played for Brown University in 1916 and the first African American to coach in the National Football League (NFL) in 1922. During the early days of professional football, Pollard was an energetic promoter of integrated rosters, recruiting prominent black players to the NFL and organizing exhibition games to showcase their talents. He assembled and coached the all-black Chicago Black Hawks football team, which became one of the most popular teams from 1929 to 1932. After retiring from his successful coaching career, Pollard founded a number of businesses and established a weekly black tabloid. He then became a successful casting agent, producing videos and a film that featured African-American entertainers. Among his many honors, he was the first African American to be elected into the National College Football Hall of Fame as well as the recipient of an honorary doctorate from Brown University. Along with his own amazing athletic ability and accomplishments, Pollard was a courageous advocate for confronting racial barriers and creating opportunities for African Americans, both in the athletic and business world.

Read more: Fritz Pollard Biography - Football, African, American, and Brown - JRank Articles https://biography.jrank.org/pages/2817/Pollard-Fritz.html#ixzz6nO65wZ59

Your role in HIS-tory?

 And it shall come to pass . . . that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy . . . (Joel 2:28)

In my quest to learn and teach my students about the lesser known heroes and sheroes of Black HIS-tory, I came upon Jarena Lee. She has an interesting story! As you read below, I hope you recognize the call God may have upon your life. While the role of women in the Church has changed over the years and regardless of your position, women . . . most especially black women . . . have played a major role in the development of our nation and our church. We must honor that fact. Thank God for women!!!!

How has God called you? Do not miss out on your role in HIS-tory!

Minister Jarena Lee was the first authorized female preacher in the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church. Lee, whose family or maiden name is unknown, was born to a poor but free black family on February 11, 1783, in Cape May, New Jersey. In 1790 at the age of seven, Lee was sent to work as a live-in servant for a white family named Sharp.

Lee moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as a teenager and continued to work as a domestic servant. One afternoon, Lee attended a worship service at Bethel Church where Bishop Richard Allen, founder of the A.M.E. Church, was scheduled to preach. After hearing the powerful sermon delivered by Allen, Lee became filled with the Holy Spirit and converted to Christianity.

In 1807 Lee heard the voice of God commissioning her to preach the Gospel. She was initially reluctant to pursue ministry, given the male-dominated nature of the church. However, she decided to confide in Bishop Allen and revealed to him her call to preach. Allen told Lee that he could not grant her permission to preach because he was required to uphold the A.M.E. Church’s ban against female ministers. 

Allen was so impressed by Lee that he officially gave her authorization to preach the Gospel. Allen asserted that God had called Lee to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Shortly thereafter, Lee began to travel to various cities for preaching engagements and was highly praised for her powerful sermons.

In addition to her work in ministry, Lee was also heavily involved in the abolitionist movement and joined the American Antislavery Society in 1839. 

For more information see (https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/lee-jarena-1783/)