As we are reminded through our Know Our Neighbors series, not only are we commanded to love our neighbor, but we remember that we can’t love our neighbor if we don’t know our neighbor. This February, during Black History Month, we want to know and honor black history as a church so we are renewing some resources that we’ve curated over the past several years. As a church that wants to fight for Black lives, work for justice for everyone, and create belonging for everyone, we hope that these resources can continue to keep us growing and moving in the way of Jesus.
- Several years ago, our staff team and Black members of our church compiled a document called Resources for a Church that Wants to Fight for Black Lives. This document contains books, movies, podcasts, and more resources that offer a starting point for anyone who wants to take a step in understanding. This document also can be found on the library page of our website all year long.
- In 2023, we wanted to be students of the history of this place we call home. We recommend the book “Better Homes of South Bend,” by Gabrielle Robinson for those curious about South Bend’s history (which can be bought through online and local retailers, or borrowed from the public library). Another local option for learning is the African American Landmark self-guided tour by Indiana University South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center.
- Finally, we’ve had the chance to have some conversations with members of our community over the years. The first was with Dr. Angela Logan in which she and Jason, discussed their experiences reading the book, “The Color of Compromise” by Jemar Tisby. The second was with our Care Pastor, Zach Gillis, who sat down with Jason for an honest conversation about Black experience in spaces like SBCC and the importance of understanding the complex realities of people who are marginalized.
