Saturday, February 1, 2025 – Saturday, March 1, 2025
The month of February is BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Black History Month: A Faith-Based Reflection on Legacy and Justice
February is recognized as Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the rich heritage, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. As people of faith, this month offers an opportunity to reflect on God’s call for justice, love, and unity while recognizing the resilience and faith of Black communities throughout history.
The Origins and Global Recognition of Black History Month
The origins of Black History Month trace back to Carter G. Woodson, a pioneering African American historian and educator, who established Negro History Week in 1926. Over time, this week expanded into a full month, and since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated February as Black History Month. Other countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history, highlighting the global impact of Black heritage and contributions.
Faith and Black History Month
Scripture calls us to remember the oppressed and work for justice. Micah 6:8 states: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”
The Christian faith has been a source of strength and hope for Black communities, fueling movements for freedom, equality, and dignity. Throughout history, leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. have drawn inspiration from biblical teachings, advocating for justice through nonviolence and faith. Churches and faith-based organizations have played key roles in supporting the Civil Rights Movement, standing as beacons of hope against injustice.
2025 Theme: African Americans and Labor
The 2025 Black History Month theme, “African Americans and Labor,” focuses on the significant role that labor has played in shaping the Black experience throughout history. It examines the diverse ways Black people have worked—both under enslavement and in various paid and unpaid roles—ranging from agricultural labor to union leadership, activism, and community building. This theme highlights the contributions of Black workers to the social, economic, and cultural development of the U.S. and the broader African diaspora while also acknowledging the ongoing struggles for racial and economic justice.
Prominent Leaders in Black History
During Black History Month 2025, prominent leaders often highlighted include:
Martin Luther King Jr. (born Michael King Jr): An American Baptist Minister, one of the most prominent civil rights leader known for his powerful speeches and nonviolent activism from 1955 until his assassination in 1968.
Malcolm X (born Malcolm Little, later el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz): An African American revolutionary, Muslim minister and human rights activist who was a prominent figure during the civil rights movement until his assassination in 1965.
Rosa Parks: Sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott by refusing to give up her seat.
Frederick Douglass: An abolitionist and orator known for his powerful narratives about slavery.
Harriet Tubman: A conductor on the Underground Railroad, helping enslaved people escape to freedom.
Maya Angelou: A poet, memoirist, and activist known for writings on racial oppression.
Barack Obama: The first African American President of the United States.
Oprah Gail Winfrey: An African American philanthropist and prominent figure in media and entertainment. She’s ranked as one of the most influential women in the world and richest African American in the 20th century.
Thurgood Marshall: The first African American Supreme Court Justice.
Clarence Thomas: A current Supreme Court Justice.
James Baldwin: A writer and social critic who explored race and identity.
Sojourner Truth: An abolitionist and women’s rights activist known for “Ain’t I a Woman?”
Booker T. Washington: An educator advocating for Black education and economic independence.
W.E.B. Du Bois: A co-founder of the NAACP who fought for civil rights through scholarship and activism.
Madam C.J. Walker: The first Black female self-made millionaire in the U.S.
John Lewis: A civil rights activist and congressman known for his leadership in the Selma Voting Rights March.
Bishop Richard Allen: Founder of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, advocating for Black spiritual and social empowerment.
Prominent Black Catholic Leaders
The Catholic Church has been shaped by the contributions of Black leaders, who have left a lasting impact on the faith and its mission of justice and evangelization:
Venerable Augustus Tolton: The first publicly known Black Catholic priest in the United States.
Venerable Henriette Delille: Founder of the Sisters of the Holy Family.
Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman: An advocate for Black Catholic spirituality and racial reconciliation.
Venerable Pierre Toussaint: A formerly enslaved man who became a successful businessman and philanthropist.
Servant of God Julia Greeley: A formerly enslaved woman who joined the Secular Franciscan Order and dedicated her life to serving the poor.
Notable Black Catholics
Notable Black Catholics include Saints, musicians, and historical figures who have left an indelible mark on history:
Saints:
Venerable Father Augustus Tolton: The first Black priest in the U.S.
Venerable Pierre Toussaint: A philanthropist and former slave.
Servant of God Mother Mary Lange: Founder of the Oblate Sisters of Providence.
Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman: An advocate for Black Catholic culture and education.
Venerable Henriette Delille: Founder of the Sisters of the Holy Family.
Musicians:
Louis Armstrong: A baptized Catholic and jazz legend.
Michael Joseph Jackson: An American entertainer and philanthropist. Dubbed the “King of Pop”, he is regarded as one of the most significant figures of the 20th century.
Aaron Neville: A devout Catholic.
Gladys Knight: A former Catholic
Aretha Louise Franklin: An American entertainer. Honored as the “Queen of Soul”, she was a civil rights activist.
Whitney Elizabeth Houston: An American entertainer and philanthropist. Commonly referred to as “the Voice”
Aaliyah: An American R&B singer. She’s credited with helping to redefine contemporary R&B, pop, and hip hop, earning her the nicknames the “Princess of R&B” and “Queen of Urban Pop”.
Historical Figures:
Jean Baptiste Point du Sable: A fur trader who established Chicago’s first settlement.
Esteban: A scout for Spanish Franciscan missionaries in 1539.
Clergy and Religious Leaders:
Most Reverend Roy Edward Campbell, Jr.
Most Reverend Jerome Feudjio
His Eminence, Wilton Cardinal Gregory
Most Reverend Jacques Fabre-Jeune, CS
Most Reverend Gordon D. Bennett, SJ
Moving Forward in Faith
Black History Month is not just about remembering the past—it is about embracing the ongoing journey toward equality, dignity, and justice for all. As we reflect on the struggles and celebrate the victories, let us commit to being agents of change, standing for justice, and embracing the beauty of diversity in our world.
May this month inspire us to walk in solidarity, guided by love, truth, and a commitment to building a more just and inclusive society for generations to come, in accordance with God’s will.
Black History Month 2025 and the Jubilee Year of Hope
In 2025, Black History Month coincides with the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope, a time of renewal, reflection, and justice. This connection offers a unique opportunity to celebrate Black heritage while embracing the Jubilee’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope.” Both observances call for a deeper understanding of history, resilience, and faith. Black History Month highlights the struggles and achievements of Black communities, while the Jubilee encourages spiritual growth, reconciliation, and global solidarity. Together, they invite us to reflect on past injustices, acknowledge progress, and continue striving for a future rooted in faith, justice, and equality.
Key Themes:
Hope and Resilience: The Jubilee theme mirrors the perseverance of Black communities, emphasizing hope amid struggles for justice and equality.
Reparatory Justice: The Second International Decade for People of African Descent highlights ongoing efforts to address the legacies of slavery and colonialism.
Black Catholic Heritage: A chance to honor Black Catholics whose faith and leadership have significantly shaped the Church.
The Jubilee Year (Dec 24, 2024 – Jan 6, 2026) underscores justice and mercy, with Pope Francis advocating for debt relief and equity for marginalized communities, particularly in Africa.
This year calls us to reflect, take action, and renew our commitment to faith, justice, and unity.
Black History Month | February 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/02/16/black-history-month/
Daily Saints and Refelections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/