February Is Black History Month – Make Some Noise

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Church and Society | Feb. 20, 2025

American History is fraught with contradictions, omissions and pain, worsened by elected officials who often chose to serve some of the people but not all.

Presidents owned slaves, backed imperialism, supported segregation, remained silent during decades of Black lynchings, and trampled on the rights of Black Americans and those native to this land.

Black History is American History

But praise be to God there was progress and change. When thinking about U.S. Black history, there has always been African American women and men who made “noise.” Resisting the racial oppression and vitriol and violence, while making contributions to the progress of a multiracial society.

Ida B. Wells (1862-1931) was a journalist, sociologist, and noted activist who fought against lynching and advocated for women’s rights. Her words were lived out as she said, “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.”

Marian Anderson (1897-1993), a world-renowned opera singer and advocate for justice, performed before 75,000 integrated crowds at the Lincoln Memorial after having been denied the opportunity to sing at the Washington, D.C. Constitution Hall. Reflecting on her experiences of discrimination she said, “Fear is a disease that eats away at logic and makes man inhuman.”

Rev. Hiram Revels (1827-1901), born in North Carolina was a preacher in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, who fought in the Union Army and was the first Black person to serve in the U.S. Senate post-slavery. He left public office and became President of Alcorn State University. Revels believed that racism would plague the country, and change would be hard to sustain.

History Repeating Itself

The current U.S government’s effort to dismantle the advancements in civil and human rights, particularly by targeting historically marginalized communities of color to maintain White privilege and advantage, is nothing new in our nation’s history.

After nearly four weeks in office, presidential executive orders, plus an initial burst of U.S. government activity, are attempting to turn back decades of social justice progress in the U.S. and in the world. Is it a move to deliberately repeat history?

Right now, we are witnessing the roll-back of basic rights and freedoms with arbitrary, inhumane immigrant and migrant deportations; immediate destruction of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) opportunity; Long-standing social safety net programs under siege; Thousands of Federal workers on unlawful administrative leave or fired; Senate confirmations of Cabinet secretaries with unqualified credentials; significant U.S. Justice Department attorney resignations; U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization; USAID funding paused; and plans that support the removal of Palestinians in Gaza.

Make Some Noise

Change for justice, diversity, and inclusion has always required people of faith to make “noise,” as the late congressman John Lewis would say, “get into good trouble.”

All people who care about justice, diversity, and inclusion, should look to the example of Jesus, who crossed cultural and religious boundaries to share meals and visit with the ostracized. He healed on the sabbath, including Gentiles, Samaritans, tax collectors, and never failed to include women and children. Lest we forget his declaration “To proclaim freedom… and set the oppressed free.” Luke 4:18 NIV

This Black History Month, let’s all have a sense of urgency to use our voices and make “noise” against injustice. Call your House Representative or Senator today at the U.S. Capitol Switchboard 202-224-3121. Call the Whitehouse switchboard at 1-202-456-1414.

Be Encouraged.

Bishop Julius C. Trimble

Retired Bishop Julius C. Trimble serves as general secretary and top executive of the General Board of Church and Society, the United Methodist agency that carries out the social justice policies set by the General Conference.