Thank God for the PC(USA) and its Christian education ministry. Resources like Faith Journey: Special Edition feature special days that are particularly significant for African-Americans. A church that recognizes the importance of teaching its members to value and respect all cultures is a church that works toward the eradication of racism and prejudice.
The Office of African American Leader Development is pleased to announce other resources that can be used during Black History Month or anytime during the year. The Changing Face of the African American Church: Ministry to Young Adults is a video and study guide that helps congregations understand the importance of reaching young adults and gives practical suggestions for retaining their leadership in the church. Jesus and the Hip-Hop Generation, from the denominational curriculum We Believe, is a Bible study for young adults that examines the unique culture of today’s generation from a biblical perspective.
In the Heart of Worship is a new CD produced by the African Heritage Presbyterian Association of Musicians (AHPAM). The CD features hymns from The Presbyterian Hymnal embellished with jazz and blues musical styling. This CD/DVD set can be used during personal devotion time or as a centering resource before committee meetings. AHPAM musicians are available to present workshops, music clinics, concerts, or provide worship during retreats or special gatherings.
There are a variety of creative ways in which African-American history can be taught in our congregations. For its 2005 Black History Month celebration the Presbyterian Center in Louisville, Kentucky, featured “The Oprah Win It” and “The O’Rightly Factor” talk shows. These productions brought together a variety of talents throughout the building. Volunteer actors, actresses, producers, directors, set designers, writers, researchers, camera crews, and reception hostesses came together to plan, learn, and have fun while teaching about African-American history. The talk show hosts interviewed actors portraying Madame C.J. Walker, Malcolm X, W.E.B. Dubois, Zora Neal Hurston, Lucy Craft Laney, Frederick Douglas, Vivian Thomas, and many other notable African-Americans.
Congregational Ministries Division Director Donald Campbell acted as the host for “The O’Rightly Factor,” which was a take-off of the Bill O’Reilly Show. Employees commented that they learned more African-American history in one day than they had in their lifetime. They also commented on how much they enjoyed learning in such a creative context.
Each show featured a series of commercials entitled “The Power Of One,” highlighting the lives of Marva Collins, Osceola McCarty, Mother Clara Hale, and Nelson Mandela. These commercials were designed to emphasize the significant impact that one life can make on enhancing the lives of others.
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