JUSTNotes

February is Black History Month. With all the waking up in American society, one might wonder if Black History Month is of any real relevance today. Without question, it is just as relative now as it ever was, maybe even more so.

In this BHM 2023, with all the “awake-ness” in America, I keep wondering what will it take for me to feel free. There are few people and fewer places where I feel like I can speak my truth without having to defend it or justify my desire for liberation.

When I reflect on Black History Month, I cannot help but reflect on my trip to Alabama with CWACM. The journey to Alabama gave me an opportunity to reconnect with my history that has been far too long silenced by those who do not want us to remember.

With the cries of another murdered Black man, ringing in my ears – we say your name Tyre Nichols – I come to Black History Month (BHM) 2023 with some dread and ambiguity. I commemorate this time with a sense of joy as we attempt with determination to celebrate the great achievements of Black people in this country and I carry in my heart a deep, deep sadness.

2022 was a milestone year in the Church Within A Church Movement’s history! Please help us to ensure that the Movement remains strong and continues to move forward toward equity and justice at the intersections.

The Interrupting Bias Workshop was a labyrinth experience. One walks into a labyrinth seeking wisdom. In the center, one reflects on the wisdom that has been found; and then one walks out of the labyrinth taking new learnings into the world.

As an institution committed to breaking down all walls of oppression, including racism, I share these reflections using excerpts from our Anti-Racism statement as framework for the CWACM October Black Historical Summit to Alabama.