February - Observing Black History Month
Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month, is observed to honor and recognize the significant contributions of African Americans to the United States. While many are familiar with the accomplishments of civil rights activists like Roy Wilkinson and Martin Luther King Jr., it's equally important to acknowledge the African American Christian leaders who played a significant role in the spiritual revival and helped connect us with our Apostolic Christian roots.
Notable Christian Figures
Notable African American Leaders Who Paved the Way for Spiritual Awakening
This Black History Month, let's take a moment to celebrate the remarkable African American leaders who enabled the spread of the Gospel of Jesus and paved the way for spiritual revival. Here are some prominent figures we should not forget (See references in parenthesis and at the end of this Article):
- William J. Seymour and Lucy Farrow played a vital role in the Azusa Revival Street and the worldwide spread of Pentecostalism.
- Coretta Scott King was appointed the spokesperson of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
- Richard Allen founded the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) and became its first Bishop. (African American Faith Heroes – GEB.)
- Jarena Lee was the first female preacher in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. (Religion & Literature Archives - JSTOR Daily)
- Lemuel Haynes was the first African American ordained by a mainstream Protestant church (Congregational Church). [celebrating - PDF Free Download. https://docecity.com/celebrating-rackcdncom.html]
- Absalom Jones co-founded the Free African Society and became the first African American to be ordained an Episcopal priest (Birgitta Johnson on New African American Ecumenical Hymnal).
- Mary Jane Patterson became the first African American woman to receive a bachelor's degree (from Oberlin College) and later became a missionary in Africa. (Remembering Remarkable Firsts During Black History Month. )
- David George was a former slave who became a Baptist minister and led the first Black Baptist church in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Honoring the Legacy of Black Christian Leaders
The influence of these remarkable individuals is felt not only in Black Christianity but in Christianity as a whole. Acknowledging and celebrating their contributions during Black History Month and for years to come is essential.
References:
- African American Faith Heroes – GEB. https://geb.tv/african-american-faith-heroes/
- Religion & Literature Archives - JSTOR Daily. https://daily.jstor.org/pub_tag/religion-literature/
- Celebrating - PDF Free Download. https://docecity.com/celebrating-rackcdncom.html
- Birgitta Johnson on New African American Ecumenical Hymnal. https://worship.calvin.edu/resources/resource-library/birgitta-johnson-on-new-african-american-ecumenical-hymnal/
- Remembering Remarkable Firsts During Black History Month. https://www.glam-readytolead.com/post/remembering-remarkable-firsts-during-black-history-month