God does not suggest that we love our neighbor; He commands it. Black History Month provides an opportunity to do so, in celebrating African American culture. However, this celebration extends beyond classroom lectures. That said, how can one effectively honor and celebrate this rich heritage?
The first step is to educate oneself on their full story, not just the highlights. African culture is not limited to what is currently trending in pop culture. The continent is home to hundreds of distinct cultures, each with unique struggles, cuisines, clothing, and more. To truly understand a culture, one must also grasp its center, the people and their stories.
Acknowledging their history is only the first step; true recognition requires action. Love is not passive. This means supporting Black businesses, actively standing up against racism, engaging in genuine fellowship with African Americans, and altogether seizing opportunities to support African Americans when you see them.
You should not participate in these actions or celebrate Black culture because you are forced to. True love and respect for others stem from a personal desire to honor the people around you and appreciate God’s creation. Even if some of you may not identify with this culture “to dismiss Black history is to dismiss a huge part of who we all are as people,” as stated by Dan Taylor, the advisor of the See Justice club.
Just as God’s love is demonstrated every day, we can express our love for this culture by committing to these actions not only in February every day as well.