Becoming a more racially diverse church will require of us all a willingness to lay aside our preconceived notions and avail ourselves of new opportunities to learn about the rich tapestry that all persons add to the fabric of faith and life in America and around the world.

For several years now, the Presbyterian Center in Louisville, Kentucky, has done this by celebrating and honoring the legacy of African Americans on Martin Luther King’s birthday and throughout Black History Month.

From January 15 through the end of February, divisions, program areas, local churches, and the Louisville community gather at 100 Witherspoon Street to participate in events that feature black speakers, artists, preachers, scholars, dancers, musicians, actors, dramatists, exhibits, displays, and writers. The events are organized by a team of employees who represent most areas in the Center. For the past twenty-five years the Martin Luther King’s celebration has been funded by the Office of Racial Justice under the leadership of Dr. Otis Turner, and the events for Black History Month have been funded in large part by the GAC Executive Director’s Office under the leadership of the Rev. Stephany Graham, Associate for African American Leader Development.

Many congregations throughout the denomination also celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Black History Month in meaningful and innovative ways. Below are a few suggestions for planning celebrations in your congregation.

• Plant a peace tree on the church property.
• Make plans to share in a worship experience with a congregation of another race.
• Watch the Eyes on the Prize video and allow congregants to share their thoughts and feelings.
• Dedicate a section of your church library to books and resources written by and highlighting the life of Dr. King and other peacemakers.
• Turn your church dining area into a restaurant for homeless people in your community and serve them.
• Encourage your members to participate in local programs and events honoring Dr. King’s legacy.
• Make a commitment to become a more culturally sensitive, racially inclusive, and justice-conscious congregation.

The Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C., celebrates the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by presenting a musical concert performed by choir members from all of the black Presbyterian choirs in the D.C. area.
Contact the Rev. James L. Allens, Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church, Washington, D.C., (202) 396-1710.

Memorial Presbyterian Church in Roosevelt, New York, offers a major theatrical production during Black History Month. To celebrate the legacy of Dr. King, it participates in an ecumenical service in which several pastors preach.
Contact the Rev. Reginald Tuggle, Memorial Presbyterian Church, Roosevelt, New York, (516) 623-9561.

• Set up a resource table in your congregation featuring books written by African American authors.
• Plan a church trip to visit an African heritage museum.
• Plan a writing competition for youth. Develop a theme and invite youth from the community to participate in it. Example: What will I do to build upon the great legacy of African American leaders?
• Invite a local artist to display his or her work in your congregation. Invite persons from the community to attend the exhibit.
• Plan a cultural festival complete with dancers, storytellers, singers, drummers, poets, and dramatists.
• Plan a four-part speaker’s series. Invite African American activists, authors, and leaders to participate in the forum.
• Change your bulletin to reflect positive African American images and information.

The author, the Rev. Stephany Graham, is Associate for African American Leader Development. Contact her at (888) 728-7228, ext. 8488, or send e-mail to to sgraham@ctr.pcusa.org.