My Black History Moment

My Moment in Black History read at my church, Lakewood Church International on February 12, 2017.

When I was asked to do a black history moment I asked myself, “Who will I read about?” The list was extremely long and the accomplishments of my people have been enumerable. So, I decided that since I am a writer and I know a little about black history, being black and all – that I’d write something.

Over the centuries, we, as a people, have had many names or labels, if you will, since unintentionally landing here on this “stolen” land called America. Those names have included Africans, niggas, specks, spooks, baboons, negro, colored, black and, of course, our most recent politically correct label, African-American.

Over those same centuries, we have been enslaved, beaten, killed, and abused to levels I dare not mention in this setting. And still, despite our battered, bruised, beat down and despised history, we have made some significant contributions to history.

For example, as a published African-American author, I can appreciate the sacrifices made by such people as Phillis Wheatley, the first African-American poet and the first African-American woman to publish a book.

Garrett Morgan, an African-American, was the inventor of the first traffic signal.

Daniel Hale Williams, a black man, performed the first open heart surgery in 1893.

Or there’s Sojourner Truth, who was born Isabelle Baumfree. She changed her name when she began traveling the country preaching God’s Word. She also spoke out against slavery and fought for women’s rights.

And there’s Dred Scott, a slave who was bold enough to sue his owners for his freedom in 1843. The case went as far as the Supreme Court. Although the Justices said Scott could not sue because he was black, he was eventually given his freedom by his owner’s son.

Then there’s Rosa Parks, the hard working, tired African-American woman, who simply wanted to rest on her ride home from a long day of work. Parks, who refused to give up her seat for a white man, was arrested. Her bravery and the hateful actions of others led to a bus boycott like never seen before. This boycott led to the desegregation of public transportation.

And let us never forget an accomplishment, many doubted would ever happen in our lifetimes, President Barack Obama, an African-American, a black man, serving as Commander-in-Chief. The President of the United States, The leader of the free world.

Although the accomplishments are many in BLACK history – there is the most important history we can all celebrate in the house of the Lord. This knowledge does not lessen the fact that I am black history. We are black history. But more importantly, we are RED history, for we have been washed in the blood of Jesus Christ. I am WHITE because his RED blood has washed me whiter than snow. We are no longer defined by the color of my skin, for MY GOD doesn’t look at the outward appearance. He looks at our hearts.

So today, I can add to the list given above – my most important and everlasting name – REDEEMED!

May we as a people never forget where we came from. But most important, be sure of WHERE you are going!

Happy Black History Month