Beautiful, Black, and Biblical: A Staff Member’s Reflections On Black History Month

March 4th, 2026
by CW Allen

Recently, I had the honor of sharing a message at a local Chicago ministry to encourage high school students in their faith as Black believers. I titled my message “Beautiful, Black, and Biblical.” Too often, our young people are told, or given the impression, that Blackness, which reflects a wide variety of cultures rooted in the African diaspora, has no place in God’s story.

Yet that is far from the truth. God intentionally created Black people and our various cultural expressions in His image. Our heritage is not accidental, and it is not outside of God’s redemptive plan. We are called to know and celebrate Him fully because of these realities.

“Cut Africa out of the Bible and Christian memory, and you have misplaced many pivotal scenes of salvation history. It is the story of the children of Abraham in Africa; Joseph in Africa; Moses in Africa; Mary, Joseph and Jesus in Africa; and shortly thereafter Mark, and Perpetua and Athanasius, and Augustine in Africa.”
- Thomas Oden

As I reflect on this, I am reminded that Black History Month itself, now celebrating 100 years, is a testament to this intertwining of identity and faith. It is incredible to think it began in 1926 as Negro History Week, established by Carter G. Woodson. Over time, it grew into the month-long celebration we honor today.

Growing up, I was not taught much Black history in school, like many of us. But when I came to Chicago’s South Side, I immersed myself in it, especially through our ministry work here in Woodlawn. This neighborhood holds so much history. It is the former home of Lorraine Hansberry, whose work A Raisin in the Sun was inspired here. It is the home of Emmett Till. It is also a resting place for leaders such as Jesse Owens, Ida B. Wells, and Harold Washington. This area was home to cultural giants like Muhammad Ali, Muddy Waters, Sam Cooke, and Curtis Mayfield, each of whom helped shape American culture. Our community was part of the Underground Railroad and a destination during the Great Migration. The legacy of believers who helped lead the Civil Rights movement is woven throughout this area.

16 years ago, you couldn’t have convinced a young CW that this would be his story. I never imagined I would learn so much about my own identity here at Sunshine. For me, it is God’s grace that I get to be part of a ministry championing justice and mercy. I am grateful to be both a Black believer and a steward of this history.

Happy Black History Month!