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Celebrating Black History Month:African Americans have played important roles in the development of America; the recognition of our roles in growth and development from a historical perspective is an important step in celebrating the contributions of individuals and the collective changes the African American community has brought about. February is a time to remind ourselves of the many and varied contributions African Americans have made to every aspect of the American culture and to celebrate them in conjunction with others. Be it music, science, religion, health … examples and influence from the black experience are present. Each of us ought to enhance our knowledge of our impact and share with others the richness of these many contributions. In earlier years, one week was reserved for this celebration of African American contributions however in more recent years one week has become one month. One month of celebration must expand into year-round recognition of the significant contributions and gifts provided by African American citizens. Written history needs to be recorded wherein it is inclusive of all citizens in order to integrate our historical contributions for the well-being of all us. African Americans are not fully represented in written history at this point therefore the importance of recognizing this uniqueness becomes very important in the development of community, understanding and appreciation of everyone. Understanding one another is urgent today as our world becomes smaller. If we know and understand the history of one another, we are better positioned to be appreciative of our own and others' differences. Celebration leads to providing experiences that create lasting impressions and knowledge. This month is especially significant to enhance our sense of the differences, sameness, and uniqueness of every individual allowing us to embrace the contributions of all of us in this shrinking society. Will each of us leave this month with a greater understanding of contributions by African American brothers and sisters? Are we better off having such information? Indeed, we are always richer by the enlargement of our understanding of one another and by expanding our knowledge. Let us take advantage of a month to grow beyond where we are and work to more fully integrate history into one. Foreword by Maggie Jackson, a director of the General Board of Global Ministries, Professor and Director of the School of Social Work at Cleveland State University and trustee of Northwestern College, Africa University, and the Methodist Theological School of Ohio. Stories and Resources
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Stories
and Resources
As part of its story, the history of United Methodist Women has
the legacy of women – all calling for a just world for all of God’s
children -- who are willing to be risk-takers amid the social
settings of criticism and prejudices.
The life and work of Charles Albert Tindley, the
great hymn writer who died in 1933, is being
honored by the United Methodist General Board of
Global Ministries as part of Black History Month
this year. 
Black History Month offers a wonderful
opportunity to hear the story of the Holy
Spirit’s working in the world through the
contributions of black people in the history of
missions in The United Methodist Church. If we
happen not to be of black heritage, these
stories offer an opportunity to hear our own
story and to learn more about who we all are. 
It’s been hundreds of years since African people
were first brought over to America in ships and
sold as chattel. Today, however, the
words “African” and “American” sound as natural
together as bread and butter.