Celebrating Black History
- RIDE Committee
- Feb 13
- 3 min read
Each February, we celebrate Black History Month to honor the dignity, leadership, and spiritual witness of Black Christians whose lives and faith have shaped both the Church and the pursuit of justice. As a part of the United Methodist church, it also reflects our shared commitment to confront racism, tell the truth about our history, and actively embody Christ’s call to love, equity, and liberation for all people.
Our RIDE. Committee (reconciling, inclusion, diversity, equity) has put together a variety of mediums for education and celebration here at Auburn First UMC.
Sound
This month in Sunday Worship, we will sing African American hymns/spirituals - including but not limited to the Black National Anthem ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’. Check your bulletin for additional history on these songs!
Sight
As you enter our hallways you will see posters highlighting Black History in America and within the United Methodist Church. These individuals rarely get recognized and RIDE. wants to share their rich contributions to the history of our church including, Richard Allen (1760-1831), Dorothy Irene Height (1912-2010), and James M. Lawson Jr. (1928-2024). Check out the posters in the Social Hall to learn about their contributions to our faith and culture.
You may notice a color theme with our posters and decorations this month. These are the official colors of Black History Month. Red, black, yellow, and green carry deep meaning rooted in the Pan-African flag and the shared story of African and African American people.
Black represents the people themselves, honoring their strength, resilience, and identity in the face of oppression.
Red symbolizes the blood shed through centuries of enslavement, struggle, and the ongoing fight for justice and freedom.
Yellow represents hope, light, and the promise of the future.
Green stands for the rich land of Africa, hope, growth, and the future that continues to be cultivated despite hardship.
Together, these colors remind us that Black history is not only a story of suffering, but also one of pride, perseverance, and enduring hope.
Touch
Grab a book from our ‘Lil Library’ cart in the lobby (narthex) outside of the Sanctuary. Along with our regular selection of inclusive reads, RIDE. members have selected books to showcase for Black History Month! Need another copy or looking for more? See additional recommendations below:
Titles
Dear Church: [...], by Lenny Duncan
The Body is Not an Apology, by Sonya Renee Taylor
White Fragility, by Robin DiAngelo
Authors
Austin Channing-Brown
Brenda Salter-McNeil
Howard Thurman
James Cone
For Kids
I Like Myself!, by Karen Beaumont (ages 1-4)
Hair Love, by Matthew A. Cherry (ages 3-5)
Julián Is a Mermaid, by Jessica Love (ages 3-6)
Your Name Is a Song, by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow (ages 4-8)
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, by Derrick Barnes (ages 6-10)
Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History, by Vashti Harrison (grade lvl 3-7)
Taste/ Experience
Where we spend our money is a crucial part of how we can effect change. Dining at local restaurants or shopping at family-owned businesses (instead of a chain) not only helps to boost the local economy but if done with intention, can benefit groups that in our society often start at a disadvantage.
RIDE. has compiled a list of Black-owned restaurants and businesses in Auburn and our surrounding area. SEE THE LIST HERE - physical copies will also be available.
We encourage you to save this list and use it year-round, not just in February! This is a great resource for birthday/anniversary/holiday gifts!
Auburn First UMC’s participation is only a small portion of inclusive activities, history, and culture that is Black History Month. We hope the above information will inspire you to learn and do more this February - and continue every month of the year, not just for Black History, but for all marginalized communities!