Tag: Black History
-
Unity and Power: The Significance of Kwanzaa

Do you know what Kwanzaa is all about? It is not an alternative to Christmas or other religious celebrations? Maulana Karenga, who created Kwanzaa in 1966, said that “Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, but a cultural one with an inherent spiritual quality.” Celebrated from December 26th to January 1st, Kwanzaa is a vibrant African…
-
Smash the Spite Wall

In the 1930’s Morgan State University experienced an upswing in its enrollment. Derision grew quickly against the expansion of the historically Black college, as this yielded an upswing of African Americans in the area. The response of the white residents? A structure was built that came to be known as the “spite wall” or a…
-
Racism: Spiritual and Systemic

“I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” -1 Corinthians 1:10 NLT Racism, a pervasive and destructive force, can be understood as…
-
Tulsa Reckons with Its Horrific Past. What’s Next?

The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 was a devastating event in which a white mob attacked the abundantly prosperous Black community of Greenwood. The two-day atrocity resulted in numerous deaths, destruction of property, and displacement of thousands. The city continues its efforts to identify the remains of other victims through genetic and DNA analysis. Additionally,…
-
3 Ways Diversity Improves Organizational Culture

Maya Angelou once said, “In diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” Ethnic and racial diversity in the workplace is more than just a buzzword; it’s a powerful driver of productivity. Here are three key ways diversity can boost your team’s performance: This Malcolm Forbes quotes sums it up well, “Diversity is the art…
-
Everyone’s an Anthropologist

Recently I interacted with someone that decided not to attend an upcoming seminar at his job on cultural awareness. I inquired about his decision and his response was, “because of the election” (referring to the 2024 presidential election). Sadly, he equated discussing culture with the division and anger that politics can stoke. But cultural competency…
-
Don’t Give Up! (Sermon)

November 3, 2024 at New City Fellowship – U. City Sermon from Ephesians 4:1-6 Discussion Questions
-
3 Ways to Stand Up Against Hate

Recently a group of people held a racist demonstration on a highway overpass in the St. Louis area, my hometown. It was a sad sight. The masked individuals held up Nazi flags and a banner proudly touting white supremacist language. Along with sadness, it was surreal for me to witness this deplorable sight. Unfortunately, I’m…
-
Healing and Restoration

Message from Sunday June 16, 2024 from Ephesians 4:11-16. The way to successful cross-cultural relationships is through empathy and engagement.
-
This is a Man’s World?

In his 1966 classic James Brown sings: This is a man’s world, but it would be nothing without a woman or a girl Brown gets half of this line right. In this song he endeavors to list the achievements that men have developed over the course of history while noting the vital maternal roles that…