February is Black History (or African Heritage) Month. Officially recognized in Canada since 1996, the month is a time to especially highlight the struggles and contributions of peoples of African descent, and the ongoing realities of anti-Black racism.
Many communities of faith will draw on resources throughout the month of February to observe Black History Month. Here are some highlights:
- Worship leaders can find prayers, worship services, sermon ideas, and reflections in the worship section for Black History Month and related special occasions.
- Unveiled last year as a Centennial project, Here from the Beginning(opens in a new tab) is an exhibition and virtual exhibit(opens in a new tab) that showcases the contributions and experiences of Black people within the United Church, amplifying voices that have long been overshadowed. It is a celebration of faith, history, and community.
- While this will be a decade-long engagement, some communities might choose to highlight the United Church’s recent commitment to engage with the United Nations Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025-2034) in February.
Black History Month in February presents an opportunity to particularly focus on anti-Black racism, Afrocentric worship, and the histories and heritages of people in the African diaspora—however this same opportunity is actually available year-round!
There are several ongoing resources to explore broader issues of anti-racism and action in the church and beyond. A conversation about anti-Black racism, or African heritages in worship, certainly does not need to be limited to one month alone.
Consider these resources:
- Some of our United Church anti-racism education programs(opens in a new tab) include an introduction to anti-racism, history of racism in Canada, as well as opportunities to create anti-racism action plans. Additional anti-racism resources can be found on the United Church website.
- There are several blogs that explore personal stories and experiences from people within the United Church: you can select “anti-racism” from the list, or do a broader search for “Black History Month blogs” on the United Church website.
- The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is on March 21 every year, and worship resources are available for that. The popular 10 Ways to Work Towards Anti-Racism offers a list of practical suggestions that was released for March 21 in previous year; be sure to explore related lists: 10 More Ways and 10 Additional Ways on the United Church website.
- The United Church Bookstore has a collection(opens in a new tab) of anti-racism related books and resources.
- Several United Church anti-racism worship resources are available online.
- Additional educational opportunities are available at any time of year with the United Church’s 40 Days of Engagement on Anti-Racism including congregational resources, prayers, and ideas for study groups.
We also invite you to consider making a donation to help to continue to support the United Church's ongoing anti-racism work.