Black History Month and the Canadian story celebrated

On Feb. 26, members of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa gathered online to celebrate Black History Month, with a special Evening Service. As we continue to celebrate the United Nations declaration of the International Decade for People of African Descent, we highlight this year’s theme “Our Canadian Story: Still on the Frontlines.” This year’s celebration marks the first Black History Month Service, planned by the Black Clergy in the Diocese. It was fitting to gather despite the pandemic to give thanks to God for the rich heritage of Blacks in Canada and for the many gifts we share. The service of prayer and praise was supported by Bishop Shane Parker and Dean Beth Bretzlaff of Christ Church Cathedral.

Bishop Shane, the homilist of the Black History Month Service, offered not only a riveting message but an opportunity for theological reflection. He was rather expansive in his recognition of Black Canadian history, going back as early as 1608 and touching on significant mileposts, all parts of a narrative with chapters that are still unknown to many. Bishop Shane described it as being “Ancient going back 400 years and also very recent.” We were reminded that stories of Blacks and racialized people must be told. Quoting from the Gospel of Matthew Bishop Shane shared that “No one after lighting a lamp puts it under a bushel basket.”  It was most heart warming to be reminded that the narratives of blacks are beautiful; and a bright light. The message to blacks was loud and clear: “If you are black let your light shine so all can see it. – Many bushel baskets have been placed over that lamp and are still placed over that light.” What truth, from a Christian perspective to recognize that the lamps under the bushel baskets represent lives and stories of Black Brothers and Sisters in Canada and around the world. By engaging in removing bushel baskets from over the light of the racialized and marginalized we provide oxygen for their light to burn brighter and illuminate our surroundings.

In delivering his message, the bishop invoked a universal question applicable to all Christians: how does our church celebrate diversity, particularly as it is expressed racially and ethnically?   What are the Canadian stories told? Who are the storytellers? These questions certainly lead us to consider the reasons why we celebrate Black History Month, and especially this year at the Diocesan level. To speak about Black History Month without speaking of the systemic inequities in our country would be un-Christlike. I admire the boldness and honesty of Bishop Shane in challenging our congregations as followers of Jesus to engage in dismantling walls of suppression, and to be aware of how racism undermines the dignity of individuals and groups.  

For Christians, Black History Month is more than a celebration, it is a reminder of a dark period in the history of Canada. A reminder that slavery existed in Canada, and that the church played a pivotal role during that period. Racism is real, said Bishop Shane, and as followers of Jesus, it is integral to our vocation to reject and dismantle racism in all its forms. 

This first diocesan celebration of Black History Month was certainly a reminder that Jesus Christ is asking us to participate in transforming the world into a better place by being the salt of the earth and light to the world through his power working in us. With the strong message delivered by our Bishop we can go forward looking at enhanced ways to make the 400-year presence of Blacks in Canada reason for celebration. 

We extend our gratitude to Bishop Shane for his support and participation in the first Annual Black History Month Diocesan Celebration; to our readers and technical staff who contributed to making the virtual presentation of the service seamless; and to the music contributors drawn from Choirs in Ottawa, the Bahamas and Soweto. 

The opening prelude set the tone with a very upbeat “Guide my Feet” performed by St. Agnes Choir in the Bahamas, followed by the Black history Anthem “Lift every voice” performed by The Julian of Norwich Choir under the direction of Maté Baker, the Gospel hymn “In Christ there is no East or West” performed by St. Stephens Choir  under the direction of Frances Macdonell, and finally the Soweto Gospel Singers rendition of “O Happy Day.”

Special recognition to our Black clergy who organized the 2021 Virtual Service – “Church without Walls”: the Rev. Canon George Kwari; the Rev. Canon Hilary Murray, the Rev. Julian Campbell; the Rev. Nash Smith and the Rev. Deacon Elizabeth December.

As members of the Diocese of Ottawa, we take up the challenge of our Christian tradition which reminds us that  “No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket.” “Black history-Our Canadian Story” is the lamp that has been lit and is giving light to our Canadian community and the world. Join us in February 2022 as we continue to shine the light on the Black Canadian Story.