A Thoughtful Reflection for Black History Month

Dear Diocese of Florida,

As we observe Black History Month, we are grateful for the work of the Anti-Racism and Reconciliation Commission and for the thoughtful reflection they have shared below.

The prayer for the Human Family in The Book of Common Prayer calls us to “look with compassion on the whole human family” and “to break down the walls that separate us.” Knowing more about those who may be different from the majority is essential for breaking down those walls. Black History Month is one way that the majority population can learn about the accomplishments of African Americans over the years.

We often hear about Harriet Tubman, George Washington Carver, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Rosa Parks, for example. But have you had a blood transfusion, or do you know someone who has? Dr. Charles Drew, an African American surgeon and researcher, pioneered blood transfusions and blood storage.

When you are sitting in your car at a traffic light, did you know that Garrett Augustus Morgan, Sr., an African American businessman and inventor, invented the traffic light, which made the orderly flow of traffic possible?

Black History Month offers us an opportunity to learn much about how the African American community has affected not just our faith tradition or even our history, but also our everyday lives.
In our faith tradition, we celebrate Feast Days, honoring many individuals who faithfully followed God’s will. There are African American saints celebrated throughout the year. As we observe Black History Month, let us recall the Feast Days of these African Americans along with other saints:

February 11
Consecration of Barbara C Harris, First woman bishop in the Anglican Communion, 1989

February 13
Absalom Jones, First Black Episcopal Priest, 1818

February 20
Frederick Douglass, Social Reformer, 1895

February 28
Anna Julia Haywood Cooper, Educator, 1964