By CANON VICTOR DARLINGTON
October is a month when we, as a country, celebrate Black History Month. As many of us know, Black History Month began over 100 years ago in the United States. In the United Kingdom, it was first recognised and celebrated in 1987 to acknowledge and honour over 150 years of Caribbean emancipation from slavery and the 25th anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity.
We owe thanks to Ghanaian analyst and activist Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, who organised the first Black History Month celebration, giving us this important opportunity to promote and celebrate black contributions to British society.
Black History Month has taken various forms, and societies and communities will celebrate it with different motivations and aspirations.
For us as Catholics, it is a month of great joy and thanksgiving to God for the many blessings he has bestowed upon Black people.
It serves to recognise the hardships and sadness that Black individuals have endured through slavery systemic racism, prejudice and stereotypes throughout history and into the present day. Ultimately it is a time of reflection, fostering inclusion and integration in the spirit of wellness in Christ, where all are welcomed, and acknowledging that there is always space for one more.
I am immensely proud of the diversity within our diocese, which underscores our respect for differences. To be different is to be considered beautiful.
St Paul reminds us in Galatians 3:26-28 that we are all sons and daughters of God through faith. There is no Jew or Greek no slave or free, no male or female, for we are all one in Christ.
A suggested bidding prayer for Black History Month:
Loving God, you have called us together from different backgrounds, languages and cultures to work as brothers and sisters in our arch diocese. As we celebrate black history month help us to continue to grow in love for one another. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Canon Victor Darlington is Episcopal Vicar for the Southeast area, Commissions for Promoting Racial and Cultural Inclusion, Education and Director of Caritas, Archdiocese of Southwark