02/01/2026
African Episcopal Church
Black History Month Acknowledgement
Sunday, February 1, 2026
Beloved in Christ,
On this first Sunday of February, the African Episcopal Church joins communities across the nation in the observance of Black History Month. During this sacred season, we pause intentionally to honor the faith, resilience, intellect, creativity, and enduring witness of people of African descent, within the Church, throughout the African diaspora, and across the whole of human history.
Yet we affirm clearly and without reservation: Black History is not a sidebar of American history, nor a footnote in Christian history…it is world history. From the ancient civilizations of Africa to the birth of Christianity on African soil; from the shaping of theology, worship, and scripture interpretation to the struggle for dignity, justice, and freedom across continents, Black history has always been woven into the very fabric of humanity’s story.
We “celebrate” during this month not because our history is confined to February, but because the Church understands the power of remembrance. We remember so that truth is not lost, contributions are not erased, and generations yet unborn may know that God has always been at work through African peoples - calling, sending, liberating, and renewing.
As an Afrocentric, apostolic, and episcopal body, the African Episcopal Church proclaims that our heritage is not merely cultural, it is theological. Our story is a sacred testimony of survival, faithfulness, and divine purpose. It is a living witness that the Gospel has always been multilingual, multicultural, and multi-ethnic, just as the Kingdom of God itself.
May this month strengthen our commitment to truth, deepen our appreciation for the fullness of Christian history, and inspire us to continue the work of justice, reconciliation, and holy remembrance, not only in February, but every day.
Black History is world history!
Black faith is Christian history!!
And our story is still being written by God, through us!!!
Grace and peace,
The African Episcopal Church