February is Black History Month

Pictured: Murphy-Harpst founder Sarah Murphy. Her vision still guides the organization today. 

Too often, the accomplishments of African Americans have not received adequate notice in U.S. history books and classrooms. That is why historian Carter Woodson first proposed a weeklong focus on black history in 1926. The first U.S. celebration of Black History Month happened decades later. 

Today, this month-long annual celebration is a time for recognizing the achievements and central role in U.S. history (and church history) of Black Americans.
 

Black History Quiz

We invite you to take a short quiz about African American history in the U.S. and in The United Methodist Church. You're invited to download, print, and share this Black History Quiz with your congregation!

Click Here to Take Quiz 
 

A Few Notable Dates in United Methodist History to Lift Up in Black History Month

1791: John Wesley's last letter before his death was written to anti-slavery crusader William Wilberforce, urging him to "Go on, in the name of God and in the power of his might, till even American slavery (the vilest that ever saw the sun) shall vanish away before it." (Source)

1924: United Methodist-related Murphy-Harpst Children's Centers was founded. Murphy-Harpst has a rich, nearly 100-year history, and a great portion of the legacy is thanks to the hard work and dedication of Sarah Murphy. With her motto of "we'll make room;" Sarah Murphy's vision for Georgia's most vulnerable children continues to guide the organization every day. (Source)

1968: The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church united to form The United Methodist Church. As part of the plan of union, the Central Jurisdiction was abolished and formal segregation ended. (Source)

The General Commission on Religion and Race was formed that year to hold the newly formed United Methodist Church accountable in its commitment to reject the sin of racism in every aspect of the life of the church. (Source)

2016: Bishop Sharma Lewis of the North Georgia Conference became the first African-American woman to be elected bishop by the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church. (Source) 
 

Worship Resources

Discipleship Ministries offers a collection of worship resources for Black History Month. Find the collection at http://umcdiscipleship.org/articles/worship-resources-for-black-history-month