![]() Once again, it’s Black History Month, and once again, this country is showing us exactly why we still need it. On one hand, Donald Trump signed a proclamation “celebrating” Black history. On the other, he issued an executive order banning Black History Month events in federal agencies, alongside MLK Day, Juneteenth, LGBTQ+ Pride, and any other so-called “special observances.” At the same time:
Do you honor Black history, or do you erase it? Do you celebrate our contributions, or do you suppress the truth? The hypocrisy is loud, but the racism is even louder. Some want to pretend that race is no longer an issue--as if 246 years of slavery, nearly 100 years of Jim Crow, and 50 years of mass incarceration, housing discrimination, and the war on drugs suddenly vanished overnight. Now, the powers that be are telling us to “move on”—to stop talking about race, to stop teaching our history, to stop acting like oppression is still happening. But here’s the truth: Racism was, is, and will continue to be a problem until we FIX IT. Black history isn’t just about the past—it’s about the present and the future. It’s about our resilience, our brilliance, and our undeniable impact on every inch of this country. And we will not be erased. So, HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH—not because they acknowledge us, but because we acknowledge ourselves. Not because they allow it, but because we demand it. What Can We Do?The erasure of Black history won’t stop unless we take action. If the government won’t celebrate us, we will celebrate ourselves. If they ban our history, we will teach it anyway. For Churches:
-Rev. Derek
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Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document. ![]() Art of the week Resistance! Frederick Douglass -- by Rev. Derek (ink on Bristol Paper) "I prayed for twenty years but received no answer until I prayed with my legs.!” — Frederick Douglass The recent sermon by Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde at the National Prayer Service has sparked much conversation, and rightly so. Addressing President Trump directly, she called for compassion and mercy, especially for those most marginalized by his administration's policies. It was a moment of boldness, truth-telling, and deep faith. Bishop Budde’s words remind us of what it means to live out our faith authentically in challenging times. As Christians, we are called to follow the example of Jesus, who consistently sided with the oppressed. Jesus was a Palestinian, a minority Jew, lynched by the Roman majority—those with the economic and political power of his time. His life and ministry were rooted in radical love, justice, and solidarity with the marginalized. It’s not enough for us to simply pray, gather in our churches, or read about justice. We must put our faith into action. As Frederick Douglass once wrote: "I prayed for twenty years but received no answer until I prayed with my legs." Today, we are called to pray with our legs, our mouths, our privilege, our energy, our finances, and our resources. Praying with our finances means recognizing that money is not just a tool for personal use but a resource that can further justice and equity. Whether it’s donating to organizations advocating for marginalized communities, supporting grassroots movements, or funding initiatives that provide direct relief, our financial stewardship is an essential part of the fight for justice. The policies being enacted, such as eliminating federal recognition of transgender and nonbinary identities and stripping protections for gender-diverse Americans, are clear acts of oppression. These policies aim to erase, silence, and further marginalize already vulnerable communities. As people of faith, we cannot sit idly by and allow these injustices to continue. Bishop Budde exemplified courage by speaking directly to power. Her plea for mercy was grounded in love, humility, and a call to unity that does not ignore the fears and needs of the oppressed. Her actions remind us that faith must be lived boldly, even in the face of criticism, hate, or misunderstanding. We too must step out of our comfort zones and stand with those who are hurting. We must actively resist systems of oppression and create spaces of safety and hope for all. Jesus didn’t call us to remain behind the walls of our churches. He calls us to be out in the world, to embody his love and justice, and to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. This is a particularly harsh moment in our nation’s history. Immigrant communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, and other marginalized groups are bearing the brunt of oppressive policies and rhetoric. It’s not enough to hope for change—we must be the change. Bishop Budde’s leadership reminds us of the power of speaking truth to power and the importance of engaging in respectful, compassionate discourse. But let us not stop there. Let us act. Let us organize. Let us pray with our legs, our voices, our privilege, our finances, and our resources. Let us show up for those who are hurting, scared, and at risk of losing everything. In this moment, we need to follow Jesus’ example of radical love and bold action. Now is the time to pray with everything we have. Let us be bold, be brave, and, like Bishop Budde, speak truth in the name of love, justice, and mercy. -Rev. Derek Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document. ![]() by: Rev. Derek Loving God, As we stand at the threshold of a new year, we come to You with hearts that carry the weight of 2024. This year has brought a long and divisive election season, deepening the wounds of our nation and leaving many on the margins feeling unseen, unheard, and unloved. We lift up those who have struggled—those who are weary, grieving, and uncertain about what the future holds. Yet, even in our sorrow, Your Word reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 4:13 not to grieve like those who have no hope. We hold fast to the truth that You are always in control, even in the midst of turmoil. Your love is constant, and Your promise of justice, peace, and redemption never fades. Help us, Lord, to anchor our hope in You. Let that hope be the wellspring from which we draw the strength to care for ourselves and for one another. Teach us to rest when we are weary, to find joy even in small moments, and to persevere in the work of love, justice, and mercy. Empower us not to grow weary in well-doing as we continue to create, protect, and inspire positive change in the world. Remind us that every act of kindness, every stand for justice, and every word of encouragement matters. As we enter 2025, may we walk boldly in Your light, remembering that the struggles of today are not the end of the story. You are with us, guiding us, and calling us to be instruments of Your peace. With hearts full of hope and trust, we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, the One who is ourWonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Our Door, our strength, and our refuge. Amen Hope vs Rage: When Faith and Fury Collideby: Rev. Derek Angry, sad, frustrated, confused, shocked—yet completely unsurprised. As a student of history, I understand humanity’s recurring attraction to authoritarian leaders. But as a Black, queer, progressive Christian pastor, I once held onto the hope that people were better than their insecurities. I wanted to believe (actually I NEEDED to believe) that witnessing events like the insurrection at the Capitol, the inhumane kidnapping of children from their families, and the vulgar and violent rhetoric against women, the poor, and immigrants would lead to meaningful change. I’m heartbroken that this hope wasn’t realized. As someone who loves this planet, I can’t fathom how any person with basic understanding could deny the climate catastrophe we’re experiencing. Yet here we are. Today, high school boys film themselves taunting their female classmates with phrases like “Your body—my choice” and post these videos online. My trans siblings are terrified, unsure if they’ll be able to safely receive the healthcare they need to live as their authentic selves. LGBTQ+ couples are rushing to marry and sign legal documents, desperately trying to protect their love from the rising hate. I wonder what this all means for the church. Many on the left blame the church for the spread of hate, but the congregations that support such fascism are not like the church I serve. Our church flies rainbow, trans, and Pan-African flags on our building. Every year, we display yard signs naming all God’s beloved trans children who died from fatal violence in the United States. Our small congregation fights tirelessly for the oppressed and marginalized, even as we struggle with an old building, limited resources, and the financial strain that often has me donating my own salary back to the church. And yet, some on the left call to tax all churches, lumping us in with conservative mega-churches. We’re already barely scraping by—any additional financial burdens could force us to close our doors. These broad indictments disproportionately harm small, resource-strapped congregations like ours. There is still a crucial need for what churches like mine provide: a loving, justice-driven community where people can find belonging and support. Unfortunately, the opposition to the Church often stems from the actions of those who blindly follow a wannabe fascist dictator, casting a shadow over all faith communities. These frustrations can feel overwhelming, but they also fuel my resolve. My anger drives my unwavering determination to resist this hate. “This is precisely the time when artists go to work—not when everything is fine, but in times of dread. That’s our job!” — Toni Morrison. I live by this. I’m creating, writing, organizing, and working to supply the movement with tools, resources, art, and sermons. I invite you, dear reader (in my best Lady Whistledown voice!), to join me. Use your gifts, talents, and platforms to resist. Share your thoughts and ideas with me. What’s inspiring you? How are you preparing to stand strong against the hate? Let’s encourage each other and keep the fight alive. Vibrant Voices is A Vital Resource for Families, Churches, Nonprofits, and People of All Ages to Spark Conversations Through a Black History Lens and Preserve the Stories of Marginalized Communities at Risk of Being Erased from History. I created Vibrant Voices: Coloring the Stories of Black Visionaries as part of my resistance work—a way to get stories of resilience, creativity, and history into the hands of those who are fighting for justice. Vibrant Voices is a 136-page premium coloring book that celebrates 62 influential Black figures and events, with hand-drawn images and stories that uplift and inspire. In a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion are under threat, this book serves as a vital resource for families, educators, and communities dedicated to truth and celebration. It features both well-known and unsung heroes, including LGBTQ+ figures, to empower people of all ages to learn and be inspired. Please visit DerekTerry.com for more information and to order. Also, please feel free to share it with those who believe in the power of inclusive history. Together, we can use our gifts to resist, to uplift, and to keep the fight alive. 10 FREE MLK COLORING PAGES- DOWNLOAD & PRINT! A GIFT! |
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