As a community of grace and peace, following Jesus in the generosity and justice of God, Black History Month is an important moment for us to deepen our understanding of our country’s legacy of racial injustice. This work isn’t merely for us to look backward; it allows us to understand how the world of today was built, and to consider our part in making peace.
COMMUNITY LEARNING
This year during the month of February, we’re encouraging SBCC members to read James Cone’s The Cross and the Lynching Tree. This widely respected work helps readers consider the inextricable ties between the suffering of Jesus on the cross, the terror of lynching faced by Black Americans in the twentieth century, and the power of the faith that has sustained Black communities.
In order to deepen our learning through communal work, team members Jason Miller and Zach Gillis will host a roundtable lunch on Sunday, February 22, from 12:15 – 2pm at The Tribune. The lunch is for those who have read The Cross and the Lynching Tree during the month of February, and who are ready to process their learning in conversation with others.
Please note: The Cross and the Lynching Tree discusses deeply troubling violence in detail and may not be appropriate reading for everyone. The roundtable lunch is for adults only.
Lunch is free, but registration is required.
JOINING OUR CITY
For those that can’t join us for the roundtable discussions and reading of the book, or for those that want to further their learning during this month, there are a few trusted neighbors that have events open to the public. Below is a short list of events hosted by these neighbors this year and you can click on each event for more information.
The Civil Rights Heritage Center
The Call To Activism: Lawrence Gideon Book Launch
February 20, 2026, 5-7p
Poetry Den (hosted by SBCC community member, Pam Blair)
February 22, 2026, 6-8p
Or visit the Civil Rights Heritage Center during their open hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10a to 2p
Tuesday, Thursday: 3p to 7p
St. Joseph County Library
Music and a Story with the Euclid Quartet – Who is Florence Price
Monday, February 9, German Township Branch, 10:30a-11a (children)
Echoes of the Great Migration, presented by WNIT
Monday, February 16, Main Library, 6-8p (all ages)
SJCPL Online Book Group: Black Cloud Rising by David Faladee
Monday, February 23, Zoom, 8-8:45p (adults)
Debartolo Performing Arts
Hedda – Black History Films with the Initiative on Race and Resilience at Browning Cinema
Sunday, February 8 at 4p
Terence Blanchard’s “Fire Shut Up in My Bones: Excerpts in Concert”
Sunday, February 28 at 7:30p at Leighton Concert Hall
City of South Bend Venues Parks and Art
Black History Skate Night with Black Owned Business Market
Sunday, February 15 and Monday, February 16 2026 2:00p-7:30p at Howard Park
