Bethel Lutheran Church in Gary plans youth-led Black History month series
Students at Bethel Lutheran Church in Gary, Indiana are leading their congregation through Black History Month with a three-week, youth-led series that highlights African American trailblazers and connects their stories to faith, learning and Christian witness.
The series features student-led PowerPoint presentations on African Americans whose contributions have shaped the nation, particularly in science, innovation and public life. It concludes with a congregational reading of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
As congregations across the Synod look for meaningful ways to observe Black History Month, Bethel is centering its worship and education on history that church leaders say is critical to understanding faith and community.
“It is essential for us all to know the diverse experiences of living in the United States, and how powerful the African American trailblazers are,” said Pastor Joy Heine of Bethel Lutheran Church in Gary. “Along with ensuring we do not repeat the past atrocities. We are called to welcome curiosity, knowledge, and history, to understand each other’s experiences. Whitewashing, denying, and ignoring history, inhibits us from living into our whole selves, abilities and gifts.”
This year’s Black History Month programming was initiated by Charolette Hawkins, whose vision and organizational leadership guided the planning process. Hawkins coordinated student participation and encouraged involvement from the wider congregation, helping to bring the celebration together.
The success of this year’s observance reflects her consistent effort and commitment, alongside the contributions of the youth who carried out the events, Heine said.
The series unfolds over three Sundays with a strong emphasis on youth leadership. During the first two weeks, students teach the congregation using PowerPoint presentations filled with photographs and stories of African American trailblazers.
The first Sunday focused on African American scientists and inventors whose innovations have often gone unrecognized. The second Sunday highlights trailblazers across multiple fields, including activists, politicians, athletes and entertainers.
The final Sunday shifts to a participatory, intergenerational experience. Readers of all ages will take part in a shared reading of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. The event will conclude Feb. 15 with a soul food potluck, where attendees are encouraged to share food from their cultures.
The individuals highlighted were selected based on the interests of Bethel’s youth, informed by previous Black History Month presentations and a desire to introduce lesser-known figures.
“We wanted to include people the youth are curious about, alongside individuals many of us were never taught about,” Heine said.
One of the primary goals of the series is education through the lens of faith, particularly for young people.
“The ultimate goal is to educate ourselves, the congregation and our youth about black history, which is America history, and the gains from the past or being whitewashed, yet again. So, we need to tell the story! Our congregations are powerful places for us to do this,” Heine said.
Bethel leaders hope the model can be adapted by other congregations seeking faithful ways to observe Black History Month. Suggestions include hosting post-service movie discussions on racial justice, using library books during children’s messages to highlight influential figures, and creating presentations focused on local African American trailblazers.
