- Daphne Myers
- Ministry Resources
- 5 Minutes
Celebrate Black History Month in your kids’ ministry as a way to tell the story of God’s redemptive power!
Black History Month is a time for remembering and appreciating the accomplishments of African American people. Whether your church regularly celebrates Black History Month or not, consider marking the occasion in your kids’ ministry this February.
Why Black History Month matters for kids’ ministry
1. God calls us to unity
The Bible commands us to pursue unity through our mutual love of God and His Son Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:11-15). We are not unified by the exterior. We are not unified through ourselves. But we are unified by God’s Word and Spirit. People often judge by what they see, but we are reconciled in whom we believe.
The world divides while the kingdom of God reconciles. One of the ways we bring unity is by fostering understanding, and celebrating Black History Month can create a foundation of knowledge and respect.
2. God calls us to love
Black History Month is an occasion to teach children why we should love one another even as God has loved us.
Teach all students to love one another. Teach them to resist shame and pursue the plan of God for their lives. Allow God’s Word to teach students how to live out love.
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3. God calls us to redemption
Slavery, captivity, and exile were never the will of God. They were all results of sin. God’s plan for creation was always good, but sin brought about hate and greed in hearts that in turn caused harm, and even death.
Aspects of personal history, family, or culture may have left students imprisoned in their hearts and minds. The great news is Christ has delivered us from the curse of shame and sin because He bore the curse for us on the Cross that the blessings of Abraham might come on the Gentiles (read Gal. 3:13-14). Now, we just have to receive the finished work of the Cross. God’s deliverance is more than physical freedom—it is freedom from sin and the brokenness of the past.
African American history is full of men and women who lived out a story of redemption and displayed integrity, bravery, leadership, and love—while facing injustice. Even in the midst of adversity, African Americans fought in wars, made inventions and medical discoveries, built infrastructures, and created technologies that advanced the world—and we see that same spirit today.
African Americans have a history of triumph and honor, and celebrating Black History Month is a way to tell the story of God’s redemptive power.
Ways to celebrate Black History Month in kids’ ministry
Introduce unknown African American heroes or ask students to create a short presentation on African American heroes of faith
Look online for information on historical figures, either well-known or new to you. Try this article that honors our forgotten black heroes. Your students might also be inspired to learn about these African Americans of faith:
NANNIE HELEN BURROUGHS (1878–1961) is known for starting the Women’s Auxiliary of the National Baptist Convention—which provided food, clothing, housing, and educational opportunities for poor people in the U.S. and throughout the world—and the National Training School of Women and Girls in Washington, D.C.—which offered a wide range of courses to its students but used the Bible as the core of its curriculum. Discover more of Nannie Helen Burroughs’ story in this article.
REVEREND DR. LACEY KIRKWILLIAMS (1871–1940) whose life took him from his birth in a one-room cabin in Alabama to pastor of one of the largest African-American churches in U.S. Williams’ faith led him to be deeply involved in addressing the problems of the migration as people of color were migrating by the thousands from the South to the North to find jobs. Discover more of Reverend Dr. Lacey Kirk Williams’ story in this article.
FANNY JACKSON COPPIN (1837–1913) was born a slave in Washington, D.C., and was 12 years old before her aunt was able to purchase her freedom for $125. She had a passion for education, but her Christian service extended far beyond the classroom. She and her husband, Reverend Levi Jenkins Coppin, served as missionary workers and founded the Bethel Institute, a missionary school with self-help programs for black South Africans. Discover more of Fanny Jackson Coppin’s story in this article.
Schedule a class trip to visit an African American museum or landmark
Time out together helps build community AND is fun for learning. Research your city or town for museums, galleries, and historic landmarks that celebrate the lives of African Americans.
Watch a video that celebrates the work of African Americans
Check out this one from Kid President.
Invite someone you know to share her own story
You don’t have to be famous to make a contribution to Black History Month. Someone in your church or community may have a story to tell about herself or her family history. Invite her to share how God has worked in her life with your kids’ group.
Above all things, study the Bible
While Black History Month is an occasion of celebration, it can also raise difficult questions. This is a good time for kids to know, understand, and begin to apply Scripture. Help them grasp for themselves that the Word is salvation, life, and light for their paths, freeing believers from the bonds of darkness. The Bible reveals the plan of God, and it is good (read Jer. 29:11)! Nothing will liberate souls, cleanse hearts, and renew minds like the Word of God.
Your plan for celebrating Black History Month doesn’t need to be elaborate. Even a small beginning can plant seeds of empathy and compassion as you minister to the next generation.
Updated on May 26, 2023
About the Author
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Daphne Myers
Daphne Myers has been teaching God’s story to children, youth, and adults for more than 30 years. As a licensed minister, she has been presenting the relevant gospel of Jesus Christ to the African-American church through her work with the Echoes Curriculum for 2 decades. Daphne is thankful for the 28 years she shared with her late husband, Stephen, and the 2 sons they raised as they ministered together.
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Introduction
As an expert and enthusiast, I can provide you with information related to the concepts used in this article. I have access to a vast amount of knowledge and can generate relevant information on a wide range of topics. While I don't have personal experiences or beliefs, I can demonstrate my expertise by providing accurate and well-researched information.
Concepts in the Article
This article is about celebrating Black History Month in kids' ministry as a way to tell the story of God's redemptive power. It highlights the importance of unity, love, and redemption in the context of African American history. Here are the key concepts discussed in the article:
1. Unity: The article emphasizes that God calls us to pursue unity through our mutual love of God and His Son Jesus Christ. It mentions Ephesians 4:11-15, which commands believers to strive for unity in the body of Christ. The article suggests that celebrating Black History Month can foster understanding and create a foundation of knowledge and respect, promoting unity among children.
2. Love: The article states that Black History Month is an occasion to teach children why they should love one another as God has loved them. It encourages teaching students to resist shame and pursue God's plan for their lives. The article also suggests using God's Word to teach students how to live out love.
3. Redemption: The article acknowledges the historical injustices faced by African Americans, such as slavery, captivity, and exile. It emphasizes that these were never the will of God but were results of sin. The article highlights that Christ's sacrifice on the Cross has delivered humanity from the curse of shame and sin, offering freedom and redemption. It mentions the history of African Americans who displayed integrity, bravery, leadership, and love in the face of injustice as a testament to God's redemptive power.
4. Celebrating Black History Month in Kids' Ministry: The article provides suggestions for celebrating Black History Month in kids' ministry. These include introducing unknown African American heroes, asking students to create presentations on African American heroes of faith, scheduling a class trip to visit an African American museum or landmark, watching videos that celebrate the work of African Americans, and inviting someone to share their own story of how God has worked in their life.
5. Studying the Bible: The article emphasizes the importance of studying the Bible during Black History Month, as it provides guidance, salvation, and light for believers' paths. It encourages helping children understand and apply Scripture, emphasizing that the Word of God is liberating, cleansing, and renewing.
Overall, the article provides insights into why Black History Month matters for kids' ministry and offers practical suggestions for incorporating the celebration into children's learning and understanding of God's redemptive power.
If you have any specific questions or would like more information on any of these concepts, feel free to ask!