Black History Month: Resources From The Knox Community

Resources

Feb 2

In February, Black History Month is an important cultural moment for us, the predominantly White Western Church, to participate in. It’s a time for us to remember and learn from and celebrate the voices that are not prioritized in the telling of history: the voices of our Black brothers and sisters, aunties and uncles, grandma and grandpas.

Last spring, we responded to the wave of the Black Lives Matter movement after George Floyd’s death through sharing anti-racism resources, hosting a panel discussion, and gathering two summer book clubs to read through “White Awake: An Honest Look at What It Means to Be White” by Daniel Hill and “God of Justice: The IJM Institute Global Church Curriculum Book” by Abraham George and Nikki A. Toyama. Maybe you’ve been wondering: but what’s next? Or what now?

This month, we invite you to mark Black History Month together. We invite you to sing new songs in worship. We invite you to read and watch stories and writings from Black authors and leaders. We invite you to thoughtfully share—with friends, family, your social media networks—stories and links and resources that amplify the voices and realities of our Black friends, family, and neighbours. We invite you to discover and support Black-led businesses and organizations. We invite you to participate in everyday actions and conversations that help us grow in understanding and empathy and truth, so that when you encounter the everyday evils of racism—both blatant and subtle—you are equipped to speak up and act out in truth and grace to dismantle the powers that seek to suppress Black lives that matter.

So, this encouragement and the following resources are what comes next in our church’s diversity and anti-racism work. In the days ahead, please join us in praying for our staff and leadership as they embark on a series of diversity training sessions early this spring (an initiative that was delayed because of the pandemic last year). And ongoing, please know that diversity, and representation and inclusion are top of mind as staff and leaders lay plans for and participate in worship, ministry, and mission.

To our church family members of African and Caribbean descent: It is a privilege to call you brothers and sisters in faith. Thank you for the ways you show us God’s faithfulness and grace and goodness and love. We are a better church because you are with us, walking with us, and leading us.

With prayer, thanks, repentance, and hope for God’s justice to reign,

—Sam Mudiappahpillai, Communications Coordinator

Find stories from community members on instagram and facebook throughout the month!

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Black History Month Resources Suggested by Our Community

Thank you to those who contributed to this list! It is by no means exhaustive in any way, but reflects some resources that have been meaningful to folks in our community. If you have any other resources you’d like to share with the Knox community, please ping us on social media or send an email to sam@knoxtoronto.org.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS, SUPPORT BLACK AUTHORS AND BUSINESS OWNERS

A Different Booklist - https://www.adifferentbooklist.com/

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HISTORY OF OUR NEIGHBOURING CHURCH, FIRST BAPTIST

founded by folks fleeing slavery in the Southern states. https://www.fbctoronto.ca/overview/

RESOURCES FROM CHRISTIAN AUTHORS AND LEADERS

African Bible Commentary: A One-Volume Commentary Written by 70 African Scholars

The Color of Compromise: The Truth About the American Church’s Complicity in Racism, Jemar Tisby

How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey Toward Racial Justice, Jemar Tisby

Dear White Peacemakers, Osheta Moore (preorder for May release)

I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness, Austin Channing Brown

Redemption: The John M. Perkins Story - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scRpgoR_qyo

5 Important Things Martin Luther King Said that Everyone Should Hear, Andre Henry, Christians for Social Action - https://christiansforsocialaction.org/resource/5-important-things-martin-luther-king-said-that-everyone-should-hear/