L.Y.F.E. is...
 
Blessings and greetings L.Y.F.E. family!
Welcome to another edition of “L.Y.F.E. is…”!
We hope and pray that your hearts are encouraged and that you are blessed by this devotional!
 
The History of Black History Month
 
But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! (Amos 5:24 NIV)
 
It’s February and as we all well know-It’s Black History Month! It is in this month that we set aside time to reflect on the history and contributions of Black people, that African Americans have made to the larger society and larger culture of this country. Since this celebration is a time of reflection on the history of African Americans, in part; it is fitting to understand the history of the celebration itself.

The story of Black History Month begins in September 1915, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Harvard trained historian and distinguished clergy Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History(ASNLH). This organization was dedicated to researching and promoting the achievements of Black Americans and those of African descent. But it wasn’t until 1926, when the ASNLH sponsored the first National Negro Week. This week long event was held on the 2nd week of February, coinciding with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas. National Negro Week inspired schools, communities, and organizations to organize celebrations, host performances, and lectures across the country in honor of Black Americans. In the decades that followed, National Negro Week was being recognized by many major cities in this country. In 1976, 50 years later, then President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month urging this country to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

While celebrating the achievements of African Americans is essential; recognizing and acknowledging the presence of God in Black History is equally important. Our ancestors were people who believed in their freedom as people of God. They held fast the faith that the God of freedom, through the birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the liberator and emancipator, had provided a journey of hope to be free for African Americans. It is God’s will for all humanity, specifically Black people and those of African descent, to be free of oppression and inhumane treatment. Even today, God still helps us in our struggle against racism, social and economic injustice, negative effects of capitalism, and all opposing forces that would impede African Americans from achieving all that which God has created us to reach.
 
Thus, we honor Black History past, Black History in the making, and Black History future!
 
Let us pray.

God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way. LORD, we thank You for blessing us to see and celebrate another Black History Month, even in the midst of a pandemic. O GOD, we ask a special blessing upon our ancestors who worked, struggled, and fought tirelessly and fearlessly for equalities not just for themselves but for generations that they could not see. And LORD, we remember the struggles of our people, Black people, people of African descent, Your people. Thank You for Your grace, mercy, and Your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
GOD bless and love you all!
Reverend Will Brown