Black History Month Resources Available Year-Round

February is Black History (or African Heritage) Month. Officially recognized in Canada since 1996, the month is a time to especially highlight the struggles and contributions of peoples of African descent, and the ongoing realities of anti-Black racism.  

Many communities of faith will draw on resources throughout the month of February to observe Black History Month. Here are some highlights: 

• Worship leaders can find prayers, worship services, sermon ideas, and reflections in the worship section for Black History Month and related special occasions. 
• Unveiled last year as a Centennial project, Here from the Beginning is an exhibition and virtual exhibit that showcases the contributions and experiences of Black people within the United Church, amplifying voices that have long been overshadowed. It is a celebration of faith, history, and community. 
• While this will be a decade-long engagement, some communities might choose to highlight the United Church’s recent commitment to engage with the United Nations Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025-2034) in February. 

Black History Month in February presents an opportunity to particularly focus on anti-Black racism, Afrocentric worship, and the histories and heritages of people in the African diaspora—however this same opportunity is actually available year-round! 

There are several ongoing resources to explore broader issues of anti-racism and action in the church and beyond. A conversation about anti-Black racism, or African heritages in worship, certainly does not need to be limited to one month alone. 

Consider these resources: 

• Some of our United Church anti-racism education programs include an introduction to anti-racism, history of racism in Canada, as well as opportunities to create anti-racism action plans. Additional anti-racism resources can be found on the United Church website. 
• There are several blogs that explore personal stories and experiences from people within the United Church: you can select “anti-racism” from the list, or do a broader search for “Black History Month blogs” on the United Church website. 
• The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is on March 21 every year, and worship resources are available for that. The popular 10 Ways to Work Towards Anti-Racism offers a list of practical suggestions that was released for March 21 in previous year; be sure to explore related lists: 10 More Ways and 10 Additional Ways on the United Church website. 
• The United Church Bookstore has a collection of anti-racism related books and resources. 
• Several United Church anti-racism worship resources are available online. 
• Additional educational opportunities are available at any time of year with the United Church’s 40 Days of Engagement on Anti-Racism including congregational resources, prayers, and ideas for study groups.  

We also invite you to consider making a donation to help to continue to support the United Church's ongoing anti-racism work.