Moderator Mardi Tindal's blog: Salt, light, and Black history

Posted on: 02/02/2011 14:51

Earlier today I passed along a note from Walter Sowa about former Moderator Dr. Bob McClure. I also find myself thinking today about the Very Rev. Dr. Wilbur Howard, the first Black Moderator of The United Church of Canada, 1974–1977, and what a long and often difficult journey Black leaders and members have had in the United Church.

These leaders so often demonstrate what it means to be salt and light of the world (Matthew 5:13–20, this Sunday’s gospel), as does the Journeys of Black Peoples in The United Church of Canada, helping to restore the saltiness of our church. I felt privileged to join the journey at last summer’s event by this name.

Among many impressive Black leaders who have been—and are—salt and light, I was introduced to the story of Viola Desmond at that gathering. I had never before known about Viola Desmond, a remarkable Canadian woman. Nine years before Rosa Parks decided to sit at the front of the bus, Viola sat in the “Whites only” section of a Halifax movie theatre. Viola paid the price and went to jail. Last April the government of Nova Scotia finally apologized and issued a posthumous pardon.

Why hadn’t I known about Viola earlier, and why was an apology so long in coming? Whatever the reasons (and some of them obviously have to do with the legacy of racism), I know now, and hearing her story of courage is inspiring.

Particularly throughout Black History Month, we have opportunities to learn more of our history as Canada and as a church of Canada. You’ll want to check out the new DVD, Sankofa: Histories and Heritages of Black Peoples in The United Church of Canada.

My congregation always plans special Black History events during February. How do you celebrate Black History Month in your congregation?

I'd also love to see memories shared here of Wilbur Howard's leadership. He - and your memories of him - are important to the soul and community of The United Church of Canada.

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Mardi Tindal's blog

Comments

pupil

Posted on: 02/03/2011 14:51

I did not know anything about Black History in Canada, until I discovered, while researching my own family history, that it was also my history. I began reading everything I could find after that.

joy35

Posted on: 02/03/2011 16:30

Hi there!

First of all, I have to say that it's really great having your blog appear in my inbox. I just recently signed up to have it sent there and it's been very inspiring!

Especially today.

I'm a classroom teacher and throughout the last month we've been spending time learning about and reflecting on inspirational people who have demonstrated great courage. Martin Luther King Jr. has been one of our focus people...as has Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges, Nelson Mandela...

One thing that I have found so inspiring and hopeful during these discussions with my Grade 4/5 class is their absolute disbelief and astonishment that anything like this (i.e., whites and blacks having to drink from different fountains...) has happened! They are just blown away by it!

Next week, my class will be now learning about Viola Desmond. I can't wait to learn more about her..."google" here I come...;)

Thanks for dropping a little bit of light into a busy teacher's inbox on a very busy day!!