It was January, 1970 in the United States and 1995 in Canada when Black History Month started. During the month of February there is a focus on culture, history and issues of justice, both past and present. As much as it is about culture and history, though, I also believe it is about spirituality, faith and faithfulness. Black History Month has gained momentum in the church for that very reason, because it is equally about spirituality and faith. 

Many of the most faithful followers of Jesus I have known over the years have come from Africa and the Caribbean. Their sense of spirituality is so ingrained within them that it is integrated into their whole outlook on life. God is very central and Jesus is a foundation as blessings are recognized, even though their life experiences haven't always been the easiest to rise above. And yet, they are clear that they have done so with God's help, by knowing and trusting in Jesus as the source of all that has grown into goodness and newness of life.

I remember a parishioner from St. Vincent who bought a new car. One of the first things she did was drive it to church and ask me to bless it. That wasn't out of superstition, but a genuine desire to offer thanks and praise to God for the blessing of this new car to drive. Other parishioners from Nigeria celebrated every milestone in their lives with all their family and friends gathered at the church to worship. That was especially true for milestone birthdays. God needed to be front and center to receive glory, honor and praise. And there was no doubt any longevity of life was a gift from God to be appropriately celebrated. I remember too the offertory procession of dancing up the center aisle of the church as each person make their offering. And again it was about giving back to God some of what had given to them. That was an integral part of their spirituality and and expression of their faith and faithfulness.

I hate to admit it, but I wasn't aware of the amount of black history that there is here in Canada. I knew of Lincoln Alexander from when he was Governor General of Ontario. I hadn't known that he was the first black Member of Parliament, elected in 1968. 

On September 20, 1968, he made his maiden speech in the House of Commons saying: "I am not the spokesman for the Negro; that honour has not been given to me. Do not let me ever give anyone that impression. However, I want the record to show that I accept the responsibility of speaking for him and all others in this great nation who feel that they are the subjects of discrimination because of race, creed or colour." He also became the first black federal cabinet minister.

I also just learned that it was In 1995 that Toronto Area MP Jean Augustine introduced a motion that was passed unanimously by the House of Commons to recognize Black History Month across Canada. That's about the same time as I remember the Diocese of Toronto holding their annual Black History Month service that filled St. Paul's, Bloor Street with lively singing, dancing in such joy and spirit filled worship.

Part of what we do in honoring this month is recognize that there are still injustices that are racially motivated and lived out in the everyday lived experience of so many people who are black. We still have systemic issues that need to be addressed. And, that includes within the church too.

Late last fall, I attended a seminar on anti racism training. As a white male, I don't know or experience the kind of issues that friends and colleagues have had in life and in the church. We need to learn what that means and how as a society we have been complicit in the kind of injustices and racist comments that are a matter of course in their lives. And in so doing, we need to confess that to God and ask for forgiveness with prayers that God will help us to become faithful in contributing to justice where there has been far too much hatred and discrimination.

We live in a community that doesn't on the surface have very much cultural diversity. I think it is imperative that especially in places like Uxbridge we open ourselves up to learn more, to be educated so that we can better understand the realities that so many experience, some who no doubt actually live right here in our community. Knowledge and understanding can't help but motivate us to desire and to work for a better and fairer experience for those who are often vulnerable simply because of the color of their skin or where they were born.

As I think about celebrating this Black History month, it doesn't in any way diminish who I am. But, it does enhance who we are together as a community embracing our diversity and recognizing the value of every person. That too is the gospel of Jesus Christ that we are called to live out in our churches.

I encourage each of us to do something to educate ourselves so we can do better going forward. It will make a difference; and I believe it is God's greatest desire.

May it indeed be so!!!