Should Adventists Celebrate Black History Month?

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

but sad to say it is Afro-American blacks who suffered the most both within and without of the Church.

Were you aware that Irish slaves were worth less and treated much worse than African slaves in the New World?

[Woody]

Originally Posted By: Abelisle

but sad to say it is Afro-American blacks who suffered the most both within and without of the Church.

Were you aware that Irish slaves were worth less and treated much worse than African slaves in the New World?

I appreciate both of your comments. But I do hope this thread doesn't decend into a who suffered the most thread. So I think it is best to avoid such dramatic and controversial statements such as blacks suffered the most.

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

NOTE: I *did* post a "Back to Topic" smilie for you, Woody..

[Woody]

You is cool Rudywoofs.

[abelisle]

I feel that we are giving short shrift to this racial issue in our church. We just can't sit back and either hope it goes away or simply ignore it. I don't think God will give his blessing to His "remnant church" if this condition continues.

Even our GC President Paulsen realized this fact when he addressed the young people of the church to write and speak to their leadership about this. This is happening only here in the NAD because our leadership is thinking primarily of their status, their jobs and their power base in the GC.

Why should God give His backing to a church that doesn't abide by His admonitions of the supposed equality we should evidence between race, gender, free and not free?

Yes, only the Holy Spirit working in the hearts and minds of people can break these barriers down. But how can it manifest itself if we don't want it to happen?

Maybe quite a few of us are convicted, but not converted?

Alex

[karl]

I feel that we are giving short shrift to this racial issue in our church. We just can't sit back and either hope it goes away or simply ignore it. I don't think God will give his blessing to His "remnant church" if this condition continues.

Alex, what would you like to do about the past? There is no doubt in my mind that Adventists were up against lots of racism in the 19th century

There is this from Southern Watchman:

"When the whites show an inclination to help the colored people by educating them to help themselves, a certain class of the white people are terribly annoyed. They do not want the colored people to earn an independent living. They want them to work their plantations."

And this from GC Bulletin:

"There is not in Nashville the bitter opposition to the work for the uplifting of the downtrodden colored race that exists in many other cities of the South. Much work is being done there to uplift the colored people, and the sentiment in favor of these efforts will be a security to our people in their work."

Do you think we should do something about these conditions which existed in our church history? If so, what would you like to do?

In an earlier post you mentioned that there is segregation in the Adventist church. Who is mandating this? Or is it voluntary? Can't we force people to integrate? If not, why not?

I noticed that Koreans have their own church in Loma Linda. Should this kind of segregation be allowed?

[teresaq]

Maybe quite a few of us are convicted, but not converted?

[Woody]

Excellent points and I hope some of your questions will get answered Karl.

[abelisle]

We can't do anything about the past but why aren't we hearing from our leadership a concern for more integration and less ethnic fragmentation? Why is there no mention whatsoever to do away with our "black" conferences? From what I've read and heard, our young people want to see this happen and when they had their townhall meetings with the Elder Paulsen, this was usually the first question that popped up.

We cannot cajole, or force or mandate these things. But we can encourage and I don't see that happening.

Once again I ask: is this truly the "remnant church" if our church communities are de facto segregated by color, ethnicity, language etc.? I'm quite sure that Heaven won't look like this.

Yes, some of this is voluntary but does that make it right based on Biblical principles and should it be ignored because of its voluntary status?

Alex

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

[karl]

Once again I ask: is this truly the "remnant church" if our church communities are de facto segregated by color, ethnicity, language etc.? I'm quite sure that Heaven won't look like this.

Yes, some of this is voluntary but does that make it right based on Biblical principles and should it be ignored because of its voluntary status?

Alex

ALL of it is voluntary, Alex. When was the last time anybody was forced to do anything in the SDA church? We're all volunteers. Nobody orders us around.

What does this proverb mean to you, Alex - "Birds of a feather flock together." It's not just blacks and whites, It's old and young, and outdoorsy and indoorsy, and other groups.

People worship and mix where they are comfortable.

We've got plenty of real problems. We don't need to manufacture things to worry about.

Just try telling the Koreans that they are not real Christians unless they go to a Black (Or a white) church. See how that will fly.

[phkrause]

What do you think?

And a follow up ... Should SDAs celebrate a White History Month?

I see no problem celebrating Black History month! I've learned many things about African Americans that in History and World History classes were not taught. I'm not sure we need a "White History" month! I believe we know enough about white America in history. I do think that it would be nice to maybe dedicate a week to each of the different ethnic groups that make up our country and learn from and about each group, instead of dedicating a whole month to one group and leaving it open to all the back biting and complaining that goes on.

pk

[Gerr]

What do you think?

And a follow up ... Should SDAs celebrate a White History Month?

Do you begrudge one month for Black history that has been just about ignored or marginalized until recent times? Guess whose history is celebrated just about everyday in U.S. schools?

[Amelia]

*gp

FYI

Quote:

February

Black History Month

To recognize the contributions of African Americans and foster a better understanding of the African American experience. Carter G. Woodson, who in 1926 spearheaded Negro History Week, started the observation. It was expanded to a month in 1976. February was chosen because of the birthdays of Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln, two people who had a dramatic affect on the lives of African Americans.

March

National Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month started as Women’s History Week in 1978. In 1987, Congress was petitioned to expand the week to an entire month. The month recognizes the important contributions made by women through programs in school, workplaces and communities.

May

Asian/Pacific American Heritage & Older Americans

Asian/Pacific American Heritage observation originally began as Asian/Pacific Heritage week on July 10, 1978. In 1992, President Bush signed legislation designated May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. The term Asian/Pacific American includes many ethnic groups with diverse cultures. The month celebrates the collective achievements of the many different communities.

Older Americans Month

Older Americans Month was established by presidential proclamation to honor the contributions of older Americans to society. Begun in 1962, Older Americans Month is a time to celebrate and reflect on the unique contributions of older Americans in our society.

June

Gay and Lesbian Pride Month

Gay and lesbian Americans have made important and lasting contributions to our nation in every field of endeavor. In June of 2000, William J. Clinton, President of the United States of America proclaimed June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month. All Americans are encouraged to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that celebrate our diversity and recognize the gay and lesbian Americans who have contributed and enriched our national life.

Caribbean American Heritage Month

On June 5, 2006, President George W. Bush signed a proclamation making June officially Caribbean American Heritage Month. This month has been established to recognize the historic relationship between the people of the Caribbean and the people of the United States as well as to recognize the many contributions Caribbean immigrants and their descendants have made to the well-being of America.

September/October

Hispanic Heritage Month

The first Hispanic Heritage Week was approved on September 15, 1968. The month gives people the opportunity to plan and participate in ceremonies and activities that recognize the contributions of the many diverse cultures within the Hispanic community. In 1988, the celebration was expanded to a month and goes from September 15 to October 15.

October

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

In 2003, previously known as National Employ the Handicapped Week, President George W. Bush proclaimed October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. During this month, we recognize the many contributions citizens with disabilities make to our society, and we reaffirm our commitment to helping them achieve their full inclusion in our workforce.

November

National American Indian Heritage Month

National American Indian (or Native American) Month was enacted with a presidential proclamation in 1990. During the month, all Americans are encouraged to participate in programs ceremonies and activities that celebrate American Indian and Alaskan Native peoples’ important contribution to the United States.

[Outta Here]

I see no reason the Adventist church should not devote an entire month to black history. I'm certain there's a lot I don't already know regarding our history--and likely a lot that many here don't already know.

A quick search on the Internet brought me to this book. Anyone read it??

[teresaq]

i have to agree with the some that see us as celebrating white history all the time.

[teresaq]

since i have always associated more with "other" groups than whites, even tho i was born into the white world, i do tend to understand to some degree what they are saying.

my mothers side of the family are from a certain state and the comments made about "others" have not been pretty. sure am glad i was never with any of them long enough to be "imprinted".

there is a big wide world out there and so much to learn from others who are different from ourselves. i so appreciate what other groups have to share.

i highly recommend immersing oneself in others mentalities, which does not imply taking on everything that might be believed. just getting to know other people and what they are like.

[Kountzer]

As has been mentioned before,I am african american. I attend a predominantly black church. Many different types of blacks worship there: folks from various parts of the caribbean, african americans, folks from central american countries, like Panama, people from Nigeria, and other parts of Africa. There are people of european descent (white people, for lack of a better word), hispanics, (not many), etc. Many are well educated professionals, some are on the other end of the spectrum. I am sure someone will step forward this month to acknowledge black history month. The glue that holds everything together is christianity.

[Kountzer]

hmm. Looks like an interesting book.

[Dr. Shane]

Quote:

Should Adventists Celebrate Black History Month?

Yes.

Quote:

Should SDAs celebrate a White History Month?

The idea of black history month is to highlight the role blacks have played in history. That is a good thing. There is no need for white history month in the US as our textbooks are filled with the roles that whites have played.

If one was living in Mexico or Kenya than a white history month may be a good thing if it was to show appreciation for cultural diversity.

[olger]

[phkrause]

He makes very good points. I think I've seen this video before and said the same thing. The problem I see is, that if we didn't have a black history, anything, many would have no idea of the contribution's of blacks throughout the history of America. But I do understand what Morgan Freeman is getting at. I know many black friends of mine that feel the same as Morgan.

pk

[Kountzer]

Bob Marley, black history, there has to be some sort of connection

[karl]

We can't do anything about the past but why aren't we hearing from our leadership a concern for more integration and less ethnic fragmentation? Why is there no mention whatsoever to do away with our "black" conferences?

People who voluntarily congregate together, as I've mentioned before, are not being held against their will. They WANT to be there or they would be somewhere else. This is the USA. We are not being prohibited from going wherever we please.

I think angst over the natural tendency of people with similarities to hang out together is just another liberal football. Liberals frequently want to fix something that isn't broken. Why are we trying to identify a "need" that the people who are living in the situation don't even feel?

If the people in black conferences don't want black conferences, they can disband them, can't they? Is there some law that says they can't?

I've never been in an Adventist church that didn't welcome people of all colors with open arms. I've been in churches where my family were the only white people in the building. Had a great time. And I've lived in the south for the last thirteen years where the culture has been clearly racist in the past. We had one gal who died at the age of ninety a few years ago and would occasionally use the "n" word like I do the word "black." Sweet lady - didn't mean anything by it - but it sure shocked the socks off me. Old dogs...

[Kountzer]

Nice post Karl. There's a lot of truth in that post. No matter what type of church or church conference you find yourself in, you can't let stuff like skin color or racism hold you back from being in the kingdom.

As mentioned I attend a predominantly black church with black leadership, that is in a region conference. I've noticed people from other ethnic groups who visit. Some attend regularly. Some are members. I don't think anyone really notices. Once you get to know the person they cease being a color. They become someone you know and are used to. They become fellow children of God, who are trying like you to make it into the kingdom.

I know I am repeating myself, because I've posted this before, but I work in a dmv, or driver license office. The need for a driver license and or id card is a great denominator. Everyone needs those. As a result I meet and see a lot of people from different cultures and different areas of the world. Not only that I meet a lot of adventists from different churches in this metropolitan area. I've met filipinos who attend predominantly philipinos churches. I've met quite a few hispanics who attend predominantly hispanic churches.

As I've mentioned there is a vibrant and growing hispanic church within walking distance of where I live. Maybe I will go by there and take a picture and post it. I would visit with them, but If your spanish is not up to par you can forget it, lol.