More than history; Black Faith in action

As we close out Black History Month, we have heard about leading figures that have made a difference.

People like Martin Luther King Jr. and Harriet Tubman naturally come to mind.

The impact of their actions and words were monumental, but there are other trailblazers with a great impact whose stories are not as well known.

The African-American church has a deep history of forgiveness rooted in faith, even toward the history of white supremacy in the United States.

My personal favorite examples reflect this amazing reality.

For example, consider the response of the survivors of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

In June of 2015, twentyone-year-old white supremacist Dylann Roof walked in and killed nine African American adults after participating in a Bible study they invited him to attend.

It’s horrific to imagine – a group of people welcoming a stranger into their Bible study, only to be murdered in cold blood.

Yet in the midst of that horror, the response of the victims’ families when they confronted Dylann Roof in court left many in awe. The presiding judge invited them to make a statement.

Nadine Collier, who lost her mother, said, “I forgive you. You took something very precious from me. But I forgive you” (USA Today, June 17, 2019).

Likewise, Anthony Thompson said a peace came over him after he forgave the killer: “I forgive you, my family forgives you…” (Gaines).

Dr. Eddie S Glaude, professor of religion and African American studies at Princeton University, said: “What we saw in court today was the best of the black tradition – that your evilness, your hatred will not distort the faith. There is a tendency to normalize black forgiveness and, in doing so, lose sight of what a miracle it is” (BBC).

In our world where expressing hatred and hostility for those who disagree is common, in a world where retribution is played out so aggressively by public officials, this is humbling indeed.

Another shining example of steadfast faith and forgiveness is Thea Bowman, African American mystic who converted to Catholicism at age nine.

In 1960, the only black woman at the sister of St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wisconsin, she tried to fit in, and was eventually assigned to teach fifth and sixth graders in an affluent all-white school.

This was not well received by the parents, but Bowman won them over, saying, “I wasn’t glad that I was there, but I felt deep in my heart that God had me: I felt he had a reason for calling me and I had to wait on the Lord and be of good courage” (Hooks 54).

After obtaining her doctorate in English, she tutored both blacks and whites in spirituality, saying, “I don’t apologize for being myself in situations where people are not comfortable with whom I am. I try to be careful though because I don’t want to alienate you” (Hooks 55).

Bowman was always positive and caring, even towards those who despised her. She lived out her faith actively, fighting for racial and social justice, always positive despite great suffering as she eventually succumbed to cancer.

I hope we can continue to be inspired by the great leaders in civil rights, but that we also appreciate the lesser known, faithful African Americans who provide a shining example for everyone.
Works Cited:

Ali, Rasha, “Five Years after Charleston church massacre: How ‘Emmanuel’ reveals the power of forgiveness.” USA Today, 17 June 2019.

“Charleston shootings: power of forgiveness in African-American church.” BBC. 20 June 2015.

Gaines, Patrice. “The Long Road to Forgiveness.” AARP. 27 May 2016.

Hooks, Angela R. “The Mysticism of Thea Bowman.” Christian Century, March 2025.

Contact Sharon at tct@pageone-inc.com