Here From the Beginning in the United Church

 Today marks the beginning of Black History Month in Canada. In the past I've blogged about jazz great Oscar Peterson's early years in the United Church in Montreal, as well as Wilbur Howard, the first and only Black moderator of the United Church who faced plenty of racism within the denomination. In 1990 Nelson Mandela and his wife Winnie visited Union United Church in Montreal, a congregation formed when Blacks were not allowed in White churches. 

I've written about Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1959 appearance on the Canadian quiz show, Front Page Challenge. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbBGsEprJSE

There is plenty of Black history in the United Church and Canada but it tends to be relegated to the background. There is an exhibit called Here From the Beginning  https://herefromthebeginning.ca/  that is on the move across the country which may help to address this. While it actually began last Summer in Edmonton it will be Collingwood, Ontario today and tomorrow. Here is a description: 

This groundbreaking exhibition offers visitors a unique opportunity to discover the rich and resilient history of Black people within The United Church of Canada. Through stories of leadership, struggle, and triumph, the exhibition highlights the indelible mark left by Black individuals and communities on the church’s history, work, and calling.

There are 23 bilingual exhibit panels include topics such as: British North America and Nouvelle France: A look at Black communities before 1900, Discomfort in the House of God: Examining the challenges of inclusion, Standing Against Anti-Black Racism: Stories of resilience and activism and Black Clergy Network: Presenting the future of Black leadership in the church.

I don't know where the other stops will be for the exhibition but it sounds as though it is very worthwhile and an important reminder that while the United Church has been predominantly White in the experience of many of us, diversity is part of our fabric through the first 100 years of our existence.

Here is a link to Black History Month resources from the United Church of Canada:

https://united-church.ca/worship-special-days/black-history-month-1

https://united-church.ca/worship-special-days/black-history-month-1

                                                            Oscar Peterson with his sister, Daisy