What Jesus Means to Me During Black History Month

DELIVERER! That’s often the word that comes to mind when I think of Jesus particularly during the month of February, Black History Month in the United States. Black History Month was formally acknowledged by the federal government in 1976. It was a time to celebrate the history and contributions of African Americans from slavery time to the present.

Growing up in the Black Church, we were always reminded of how God delivered our people from slavery, through the Civil Rights Movement and unjust Jim Crow laws, and beyond. The suffering and oppression of African Americans were often linked to God’s hand and deliverance of his chosen people, Israel in the Old Testament. God’s deliverance of the Israelites from their sufferings at the hands of Pharaoh in Egypt provided African Americans with hope and inspiration that God would also deliver them. The understanding of God’s miraculous power, faith, hope, and His promises were at the core of many Negro spirituals.

When I think about the deliverance God provided to the Israelites and how He has delivered African Americans from a place of slavery, I’m also reminded of the word Moses constantly spoke to the Israelites, “Remember!”

6 Bible Verses For Black History Month

  1. “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm… (Deut 5:15).”

2. “But do not be afraid of them; remember well what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt (Deut 7:18).”

3. “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today (Deut 8:18).”

4. “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you (Deut. 15:15; 24:18, 22).

5. “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and follow carefully these decrees (Deut. 16:12).”

6. “Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your fathers and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you (Deut. 32:7).”


Natasha Sistrunk Robinson
Natasha Sistrunk Robinson
Natasha Sistrunk Robinson (M.A. Christian Leadership) is Assistant Director of the Center for the Development of Evangelical Leadership, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She is a speaker and writer with over 15 years of leadership experience. Her mentoring/discipleship book (Zondervan) is coming in February 2016! Connect: official website, blogFacebook, and Twitter.

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