Black History Month: Leading Voices, Personal Experiences, Further Resources

As we embark on Black History Month we want to lift up the voices of black pastors, theologians, and Christians leaders in our community.

BHM Pastor's ColumnWe believe it is valuable for the majority culture to have a place to hear and read about the personal experiences of African Americans in Minnesota, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ. As our society wrestles with racial disparities and injustice at a local and national level, we believe the local Church needs to focus on building relationships and learning each others personal stories, so we can discover solutions to overcome racism, and intolerance in our community. At Transform Minnesota, our Coming Together Initiative works to understand and overcome racial divisions by building relationships, promoting education and understanding, and engaging in change efforts to reduce racial disparities. We believe the body of Christ needs to read and be familiar with a whole host of Christian thinkers to getting a better understanding of Christ’s love and role in the lives of all of His people, regardless of race.

We asked five thoughtful, engaging, and encouraging local black church leaders and thought leaders in our network to share their experiences of being African American in Minnesota and in the Church. Read their guest articles here:

Talk of Racism in the Land of Niceness by Dr. Rev. Dennis Edwards of Sanctuary Covenant Church

What to do with the Non-Optional Race Card by Rev. Melanie March Leehy of M.A.R.C.H

Stepping Out of Racially Isolated Christian Spaces by Dr. Keith Brooks of Minneapolis Community & Technical College

Why Celebrate African American History? By Rev. Charles Goah of United Christian Fellowship Church

Reconciliation in Minnesota from a Chicagoans Lenses by Rev. Leslie X. Sanders of First Covenant Church of St. Paul

 

We also asked for recommendations of other black authors, theologians, scholars and Christian leaders who have profoundly influenced their faith journey.

Dennis EdwardsDr. Rev. Dennis Edward’s book Recomendations:

 

Keith BrooksDr. Keith Stanley Brooks Book Recommendations

 

Leslie SandersPastor Leslie X. Sander’s Author Recommendations:

Melanie LeehyRev. Melanie Leehy Author Recommendation:

 

Dr. Victor Ezigbo, Bethel University’s Department Chair of Biblical & Theological Studies

 

Leah Fulton, Bethel University Associate Dean of Intercultural Student Programs & Services

 

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Past Related Articles:

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January 25, 2016

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