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Dear friends,
This month of February holds an odd assortment of special days. We honor groundhogs and romantic love, Chinese Lunar New Year and Presidents Washington and Lincoln’s birthdays, Ramadan and Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. And for 50 years now, February has also been observed as Black
History Month in our country. A few years ago, Joe McDaniel Jr., a lay member of The Episcopal Church Executive Council, wrote an essay entitled, “Why must the Episcopal Church celebrate Black History Month?”
McDaniel names several reasons, including (among others),
- To promote social justice and equality in the church. When we recognize the culture, rich history, and contributions of Black Americans, we demonstrate that we value the diversity of our members
- To give us an opportunity to study and gain “a deeper understanding of racial issues and work towards reconciliation and healing and to encourage the church to confront our history of racism and actively work to repair the harm done
- To stand in solidarity with Black people inside and outside the church.
This year, I’ve begun my Black History Month reading with Original Sins: the (Mis)education of Black and Native Children and the Construction of American Racism, by Eve Ewing. Next, I’ll be reading Pauli Murray’s Song in a Weary Throat. Murray was a poet, Episcopal priest, activist and very influential civil rights attorney, and this is their memoir. I’m also going to finally make it to the DuSable Black History Museum.
St. Martin's Church in Chicago is offering another opportunity for learning and growing through Black History Month. Every Sunday in February at 1pm, we're invited to join them for Lift Every Voice for the Unsung Heroes: Erasure of African History, Past and Present. They write,
"At St. Martin's Church in Chicago, celebrating Black unsung heroes during Black History Month is a tribute to the quiet warriors who shaped the course of history with courage and conviction. It is a chance to honor the voices that echo through time, reminding us of the resilience and strength that built the foundation of progress. By shining a light on their stories, we keep their legacy alive, inspiring future generations to rise, to dream, and to continue the fight for justice and equality. Email Lisa Scott with questions."
Finally, on February 14 from 9:30 - 11:30am, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine (NYC) will be streaming the Blessed Absalom Jones Celebration on the cathedral website (stjohndivine.org). Absalom Jones was the first Black priest ordained in the Episcopal Church. If you want to watch the liturgy with me, let me know and we'll set it up in the Parish Commons.
The Collect of the Day for Absalom Jones’s feast day (2/13) reads,
Set us free, heavenly Father, from every bond of prejudice and fear; that, honoring the steadfast courage of your servant Absalom Jones, we may show forth in our lives the reconciling love and true freedom of the children of God, which you have given us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
May it be so!
Warmly,
Pastor Charlotte
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