Vernice: Well…POC (People of Color) and ARWC (Anti-Racist White Caucus) met and as we speak are putting the finishing touches on Black History Month (BHM) events. They are excited about the Sunday morning worship service. Each week will be unique, combining traditional BHM material with practical ways to experience BHM in the life of our congregation, now, in 2012.

Lois: I heard someone say, “let’s let our month BE the message of BHM,” which, for me, begs the question – what IS the message of BHM?

      My guess is that we understand that differently – that we may even think different things about what the message of BHM is.

Vernice: I think in general the message is one of equity and justice. Specifically it is about the journey of a people brought from their homeland and forced into slavery. It is about their struggle and resilience. Personally it is about my family as black Americans learning to overcome systemic and internalized racism. It is about celebrating the gift of identity. It is about encouraging people, myself included, to keep speaking and fighting for equality. Even with a black president and much progress legislatively, the work is not done.

Lois: I have this idea that BHM began because we are in a nation that has not told the truth about itself and its history. BHM is only in the US, right? Because of the need to share stories of the history of the only “immigrants” who came to this land without choice. When the history books were written – as is often the case – they were written by those in power, whites who believed they made this country what it is on their own, whites who didn’t acknowledge that this country was formed on the backs and lives of a people who were stolen from their homeland and considered less than human.

      I know that part of my training as a white person who seeks to be an anti-racist is that we look at the missing pieces of history, the absence of stories told. We listen for ways that white power and privilege have set into motion a nation whose systems operate with assumptions about who gets to be seen and heard.

      I think we’re trying to pay attention to that at Broadway, trying to listen to ways that white power and privilege have set up institutions like church. I think we’re trying to break down those default systems so that we mean what we say on Sunday mornings, so that we mean what we say in our statement of mission. I know we’re not there yet, but I do hope God honors the faithfulness of the journey, too.

Vernice: Faithfulness for me means we  “make real” our mission statement and anti-racist declaration. These documents are more than words on paper; they are the framework from which we continue to develop our identity as an inclusive body. They are also our witness to the world about who we are. Many people come to our congregation because of the words they read on our website. I think it is crucial that we authentically live those words out. The caucuses are creating a vehicle for Sunday morning worship to help us all grow into those powerful statements.

Lois: This month is both exciting and scary for me, honestly. Exciting because I know how critical it is to go deep, to live intentionally into these words we believe. Scary because I also know that it requires vulnerability to go deep; it requires a commitment to listen to pain and a dedication to stay in the story and the journey even when it makes me uncomfortable. I think, especially for white people, a willingness to be uncomfortable is one of the steps to going deeper, to put flesh on the bone of belief.

Vernice: I believe “Making it Real” is the next step in answering our call from God to be a radically inclusive faith community. It is both a call and a challenge. To answer we have to put aside our fear and step into our faith. This community has time and time again proven itself to be faithful as we struggle against denominational and societal norms. This month we continue to grow into who God has called us to be. Honoring Jesus’ message, honoring the message of Dr. King and others in our history, we celebrate Black History Month together, embodying the message of love, digging deep, removing our blinders of fear, taking a risk to see and hear and not be silent. As family, no matter our individual identity – this month, we set the stage for the future to continue being one in the Spirit and to cry freedom for all, not just in February, but all year long. That’s exciting stuff for me!

Vernice and Lois: So here is a preview of Broadway’s Black History Month. Let’s “make it Real”!

First Sunday

To kickoff Black History Month, we will focus on what it means to understand and embrace different perspectives that help shape and inform the ways in which we think and live our lives. There are longstanding constructs of exclusion and privilege that are in some cases overt and others subtle, which limit our ability to truly embrace inclusion. Using Scripture to guide us, we will explore what it means to be an inclusive congregation that works to change existing paradigms so that everyone has a seat at the table.

Second Sunday

Telling story is a way to be an integral part of one another’s lives. On this Sunday, we hear God’s story and connect Biblical story to our own individual stories of exclusion and marginalization.

Third Sunday

On the third Sunday of BHM our Broadway community has the unique opportunity to live Dr. King’s dream by gaining a greater personal understanding of our Mission Statement and our Anti-racist declaration. We, as white folks and People of Color, will BE the Beloved Community and engage in self-reflection and dialogue, grounded in spiritual guidance from our pastors.

Fourth Sunday

As we begin Lent, we connect BHM with the promised life of resurrection. And we celebrate that life! We affirm who we are as an inclusive community. We celebrate our accomplishments as we continue the journey and set goals for our future. We will end this great month with a community feast following the 11am service.