by James Melson | Mar 2, 2023 | 2023, Weekly Reflection
What happens to Black History now? That question needs to be addressed at two levels. On the first level it refers to the fact that Black History Month is over now that we have moved from February to March. Especially for too many white people, this means that the...
by James Melson | Feb 23, 2023 | 2023, Weekly Reflection
During Black History Month, we lift up the advances in the struggle for racial justice and accomplishments of Black people in our nation’s history. Yet we risk minimizing these advances and accomplishments if we do not also lift up the forms of unjust and often...
by James Melson | Feb 18, 2023 | 2023, Weekly Reflection
During Black History Month, we usually focus on the accomplishments of famous Black people who impacted the history of our nation. Yet it is important to recognize those whose accomplishments are not as well known and had a more local impact. Last week, Vickie and I...
by James Melson | Feb 9, 2023 | 2023, Weekly Reflection
February is the annual celebration of Black History Month. Its origins go back to 1926 when the Black scholar and historian Carter G. Woodson developed Negro History Week during the week in February that included the birthdays of both Frederick Douglass and Abraham...
by James Melson | Feb 2, 2023 | 2023, Weekly Reflection
These first days of Black History Month 2023 are a vivid reminder that the struggle for racial justice is not confined to the past. The murder of Tyre Nichols by police officers in Memphis reveals the deep roots of racism that still exist in our nation. Some people...
by James Melson | Jan 25, 2023 | 2023, Weekly Reflection
This week on January 27 marks the 67th anniversary of a crucial event in the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was not a famous speech, protest, or campaign of nonviolent direct action. Rather January 27, 1956 was a profound spiritual experience that was...
