Black History Month is more than a time of remembrance—it is a call to action, a spiritual mandate to honour the legacy of our ancestors while illuminating the path forward with the light of Christ. Throughout the Bible, God commands His people to remember their history, pass it down, and draw strength from it. Just as the Israelites were instructed to recount their journey—from bondage to deliverance—we too, as Black Canadians, must preserve and share our stories.
Let us remember the Biblical Mandate given in Deuteronomy 6:6-9, God tells the Israelites:
“These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
This passage underscores the importance of remembering and teaching history. Our history, as black peoples, is one that is rooted in strength, endurance, and faith, is a testament to God’s sustaining power. The story of Black people—marked by oppression, resilience, and triumph—parallels the biblical accounts of those who suffered but overcame through faith and perseverance.
Unfortunately many of us fail to recognize the depth of Black history beyond enslavement. Long before the transatlantic slave trade, African civilizations flourished.
We have a rich heritage of kings and Innovators!
History tells of kingdoms and empires where Black kings, queens, inventors, and innovators thrived. In West Africa, the Mali Empire (1235–1600) stood as a beacon of wealth, education, and innovation under the reign of Mansa Musa (BBC, 2021). Musa built schools, universities, and libraries. History books say Musa was one of the wealthiest people in the world, and some historians say that he was among some of the wealthiest persons of his time. Mali’s wealth came from gold, salt, ivory, and trade.The ancient kingdom of Mali spread across parts of modern-day Mali, Senegal, the Gambia, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Mauritania, and Burkina Faso. Musa’s empire controlled the important cities of Timbuktu and Gao. The libraries of Timbuktu, a center of learning, preserved thousands of manuscripts on medicine, astronomy, and law, underscoring Black intellectual contributions to global knowledge (UNESCO, 2023).
Also, the Smithsonian records that the Kingdom of Kush (circa 1070 BCE–350 CE), located in modern-day Sudan, was renowned for its skilled ironworkers, military strength, and advanced architecture.
The Bible itself references African nations, such as Ethiopia, a land of great significance (Psalm 68:31: “Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God”).
Meanwhile, Queen Nzinga of Ndongo and Matamba (1583–1663), in present-day Angola, was a brilliant strategist and diplomat who fiercely resisted Portuguese colonization and the transatlantic slave trade (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2023).
The combined glories of the Kingdom of Kush, the Mali Empire, and Great Zimbabwe proved to be centers of wealth, knowledge, and innovation. What a rich heritage black people have. These historical achievements highlight the brilliance and resilience of Black civilizations that laid the groundwork for modern innovations and the potential within us. A legacy of strength, innovation, and leadership continues to inspire Black excellence today.
Have you ever heard the expression or the phrase “the real McCoy,” ? Well, take pride in knowing that the person behind this statement that symbolizes authenticity and quality; is referring to Elijah McCoy, a black-Canadian engineer and inventor who revolutionized the field of engineering by inventing a self-lubricating device that significantly improved the efficiency of steam engines.
From then to now; there are still pioneers shaping Canadian society. Black excellence reflects the creativity and intelligence that God has placed within us. Exodus 35:31-32 reminds us that God gifts His people with wisdom and skill:
“And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works.”
This same divine gifting has empowered Black people to lead, create, and innovate across generations. Recognizing this truth is essential—not only for pride in our ancestry but to affirm God’s intentionality in who we are.
Embracing our history means recognizing our God-given purpose. Many of our ancestors, despite unimaginable hardships, found hope in their faith. They sang spirituals in the fields, prayed in secret, and believed in God’s deliverance. We know that it is without saying that Black history encompasses much tribulation and struggles but even with that, there is courage, strength, honour and dignity that Black people have exuded despite the challenges faced. From the military valor of the No. 2 Construction Battalion during World War I to the Black loyalist of Nova Scotia and the Abolitionist. The fight for freedom has been a huge part of our framework as a people. So it is of no surprise that the No. 2 Construction Battalion rose to the occasion during the first world war. This was a Canadian Expeditionary Force, also known as the Black Battalion, created on July 5, 1916. It was a segregated non-combatant unit, the first and only all-Black battalion-sized formation in Canadian military history.
Today, we face somewhat different struggles—systemic inequalities, underrepresentation, and the ongoing battle for justice. Yet, just as God called Moses to lead His people to freedom, He calls us to be voices of righteousness, advocates for truth, and bearers of light in Canada.
Jesus reminds us in Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Beloved readers, no matter where you came from; most of us reading this newspaper are in Montreal or somewhere in Canada. So you are part of Canadian Black History in the making… Black Canadians have the opportunity to shine—whether in workplaces, churches, or communities—by using our voices, talents, and influence to uplift others and glorify God.
No matter what your age, YOU HAVE A PURPOSE and a legacy to pass down.
Just as God instructed the Israelites to retell their history to their children, we must do the same. Our young people need to know that their history did not begin with slavery, but with strength, innovation, and faith. If we fail to pass down our history, the world will rewrite it.
Psalm 78:4 says: “We will not hide them from their children, but tell the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonders that He has done.”
This means intentionally teaching our children about Black pioneers, Christian leaders, and the victories that have shaped us. It means instilling in them the confidence that they are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) and created for a purpose.
Many may wonder how to go about this. Well, it’s simple…Do the Work and Shine the Light.
Knowing our history should lead us to action. Here are some Godly precepts that we can use as key steps to get us started. As believers, we must:
1. Pray for Justice and Healing – Lift up our communities in prayer, asking God for unity, wisdom, and progress (Micah 6:8).
2. Support and Uplift – Encourage Black businesses, ministries, and initiatives that align with godly values.
3. Educate and Mentor – Share knowledge and opportunities with the next generation.
4. Speak Truth in Love – Address racial injustice with biblical wisdom and courage.
.
