Every February, we observe Black History Month. It's a time of learning, growth, and celebration. Choose from among these faith-based resources—most of them United Methodist—for individual and group studies in order to learn more about the many gifts and contributions that African Americans make to the church and world. 

• For churches
  • 29 Ways You Can Participate in Black History Month. The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) created a list of  small and big things you and your church can do.
  • How to Help White Congregations Observe Black History Month: Do's and Don'ts. GCORR reached out to pastors and worship leaders who are or have served mostly white congregations for advice on why and how to introduce and incorporate Black History Month into their Christian worship, nurture, outreach, and witness.
  • Black History Month Mission Moment. resource UMC put together information about Black History Month and how it ties to the church, including a sample Children's Message, an Offertory Prayer, and a Newsletter Nugget.

  • Worship Resources for Black History Month. Created by Discipleship Ministries, this page includes many prayers and call to worship offerings. Find more resources here.

• For families
  • History Makers Activity for Kids. Created by the GCORR. Help kids learn about Black United Methodist History Makers.
  • Multigenerational Activity Journal and Resource Book.  The Michigan Conference of the UMC created this booklet featuring 28 historical figures. Good for all ages.
  • 33 Children’s Books by Black Creators for Black History Month. One of the resources offered by the General Board of Church and Society is the Sacred Worth Books database. They have curated a list of 33 books, written and/or illustrated by Black creators, which feature stories that reflect Black history in America.
• For more reading, listening or watching
  • The Black Church Matters: Envisioning the Beloved Community.  An article from Discipleship Ministries by Rev. Dr. Michael Bowie about the Black History Month and Black Churches.
  • Why We Need a Black History Month:  A Perspective. Bishop Forrest Stith shares his perspective on the imporance of Black History Month.
  • Black History Month: Less well-known historical figures. GCORR article highlights some less well-known historical figures across the United Methodist Church, U.S. culture, and internationally,
  • Black Missionaries throughout History. Created by UMC Board of Global Ministries, these highlight four of the many examples of unique and lasting contributions of African Americans in mission.
  • Lift Every Voice: A Celebration of Song from the Black Church Experience. Discipleship Ministries created a four-part video series, led by Bishop Ernest Lyght and the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Wilson. The videos explore how music from the Black Church, such as the traditional Negro spiritual, hymns, songs both sacred and the secular, and contemporary gospel, has contributed to the rich musical tapestry of today’s worship experience.
  • What is the Beloved Community? GCORR featured the Beloved Community in their "What is  . . ."  series.
  • “Expanding the Table” podcast. GCORR's award-winning podcast on "Practicing Anti-Racism" presents topics for overcoming racism, including raising anti-racist children.
  • Borrow books or DVDs.  The United Media Resource Center has a long list of books and DVDs you can borrow, at no cost, to help further your (and your church's) learning. This list includes books for adults and children.
• Connect with the NIC Anti-Racism Task Force.
  • The Anti-Racism Task Force (ARTF) of the Northern Illinois Conference was created after NIC goals were established at the 2019 Annual Conference. They focus on helping our conference accomplish action toward living out the conviction that racism is incompatible with Christian teaching.
  • The task force has created many programs and offerings.
    • In 2022, they presented a 4-part speaker series to prayerfully learn, engage, and tackle our personal and corporate role in addressing racism. Visit the Speaker Series webpage to watch the recordings, learn from the resources, visit the sponsors, and find recommended books to further your learning.
    • In 2023, one of the biggest events was the Civil Rights Pilgrimage (April 26, 2023 - May 1, 2023). This pilgrimage took members to the heart of the Civil Rights movement to share and experience the history of those who fought for Civil Rights. It also connected them to the social principles against racism and encourage on-going engagement and advocacy upon their return. Click here for more information on the pilgrimage and to watch a recap video.
    • Another offering in 2023 was the quarterly Film Series. The series used different movies and documentaries to focused on increasing cultural competency and dialogue as a means to increase advocacy and participation in the spaces around the contexts, causes, and impacts of racism. Click here to watch the video recordings and access the resources.
    • Other programs and offerings include Clergy Peer Reflection and Engagement Series (CPRES), Becoming the Beloved Community workshops, the Black Healing Collective, The Ephasis Project, and more.
  • Become part of the NIC Anti-Racism Champion Team.