Honouring Black History Month: 10 practical ideas for churches

“Black History Month is a way we get to participate in Gods redemptive work, submitting to hearing stories of those who have been forgotten, learning from different cultures and ultimately getting a wider, richer, deeper understanding of the kingdom of heaven.”

Grace Okutubo, Respect Me

 

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Every October, the UK celebrates Black History Month — a time to reflect on the contributions, struggles, and achievements of Black people in shaping our society. For churches, this season is an opportunity not only to honour history but also to live out the gospel call to justice and unity. There are many lessons to learn and opportunities to listen deeply, learn humbly to build a more equitable future together.

Here are 10 ways our churches can meaningfully mark Black History Month.

1. Centre Black voices in church
   If your church isn’t regularly hearing Black voices, invite and welcome Black preachers, worship leaders, and theologians to share their perspectives and experiences—not just during Black History Month, but throughout the year. The richness and diversity of the body of Christ is a true gift, and hearing voices that haven’t always been given a platform can deeply enrich the whole congregation.
2. Include Black theologians in teaching and study
   If you have not studied Black theology before, consider voices like Harvey Kwiyani, Selina Stone, and Israel Olofinyana. Their insights offer fresh perspectives for UK churches beyond the voices typically cited in Bible studies, home groups, and sermons. Importantly, this should not be limited to October: ensure that theologians of colour are regularly included and welcomed on the church’s teaching rota, in small groups, studies, and sermon series throughout the year.
3. Celebrate the role of Black Christians in church history
   Too often, the contributions of Black Christians are overlooked. Share stories of impactful individuals such as Pastor Daniels Ekarte, a Christian philanthropist and activist in Liverpool who founded the African Churches Mission in 1931, providing aid, housing, and a sense of community for Black individuals facing racism and poverty. Or present-day leaders working in justice and mission. Highlighting these lives reminds us of God’s work across cultures and generations.
4. Use art and music as celebration
   Consider incorporating gospel music, African hymns, Caribbean choruses, or spoken word poetry into worship. Display art by Black creators in church spaces. Creative expression can both celebrate culture and open conversations about identity, hope, and lament. Why not bring your favourite art or music to share at church and invite others to do the same.
5. Bring awareness to racial oppression
   Black History Month is a reminder for us all to confront injustices that are often overlooked, such as unconscious bias and systemic racism. Equip your congregation to pursue racial justice in daily life. You could take your church through Selina Stone’s devotional Tarry Awhile or Ben Lindsay’s book We Need to Talk About Race and learn together.
6. Support Black led charities and businesses
   Encourage church members to support Black-owned businesses. Highlight local Black-led organisations serving the community. Financial solidarity is one practical way to show honour and encouragement.
7. Engage with schools and young people
   If you’re not already, you could begin to partner with local schools to host events, assemblies, or storytelling sessions. Help children in your congregation learn about Black history through interactive sessions, craft, or drama. Teaching younger generations fosters empathy and awareness.
8. Create safe spaces for sharing
   Do you have a story you would like to share? Do others in your church? Create a safe space for individuals to learn from Black experiences. Offer small groups where members of the congregation can share their lived experiences. This is an opportunity to listen, empathise, and learn.
9. Preach the biblical vision of unity and justice
   Use the month to highlight Scripture’s teaching on God’s heart for justice, diversity, and inclusion. From the prophets’ calls for righteousness to Paul’s image of one body with many parts, the Bible consistently points us to a vision where every culture and person is valued.
10. Commit beyond October
    The greatest way a church can honour Black History Month is by ensuring its impact lasts beyond the calendar. Commit to long-term change in leadership, worship, and discipleship that reflects the diversity of God’s kingdom.

Marking Black History Month in church is not about ticking a box — We are to honour God’s image in every person, learning from one another, and seeking justice in our communities. When churches mark Black History Month with intentionality, humility, and celebration, they bear witness to the Kingdom of God — a kingdom where every tribe and nation gathers as one before the throne.

Recommended Resources

🎬 Documentary

• After the Flood: The Church, Slavery and Reconciliation

📖 Books

• Decolonizing Mission – Harvey Kwiyani

• We Need to Talk About Race: A Young Person’s Guide – Ben Lindsay

🙏 Devotional

• Tarry Awhile: Wisdom from Black Spirituality for People of Faith – Selina Stone

“In a polarised culture, Black History Month is an opportunity for Gods people to re-learn practically what it looks like to live with unity of spirit, putting aside preference, or ‘culture’ if it comes at the expense of our gospel witness.”

Grace Okutubo, Respect Me