Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott, Pastor, Sun Lakes United Church of Christ
My great-grandmother (Elvira Ellis) was 105 when she passed away, and her life remains one of the greatest stories of faith and resilience I’ve ever known. Growing up, I would sit at her feet, captivated by the stories she told about her life and the lives of those who came before her. You see, her mother was born into enslavement—a reality that shaped our family’s history in ways both tragic and triumphant.
It is one thing to read about the history of slavery in books or learn about the Emancipation Proclamation in a classroom. It is another to hear, in vivid detail, about the strength and endurance of your ancestors from someone who lived close to that time. My great-grandmother would recount stories of how her mother, though born into bondage, dreamed of a day when her children could live in freedom. She would tell of how faith in God was a constant source of hope and how spirituals sung in the fields were more than songs—they were prayers, acts of defiance, and promises to future generations.
During Black History Month, I reflect on how faith sustained my ancestors and countless others during the most difficult times. Their faith was not abstract; it was a tangible force that provided the courage to resist, to hope, and to dream of a better tomorrow. The Bible was often their greatest source of solace and inspiration. When they heard the words of Exodus, where God delivered the Israelites from bondage, they saw themselves in that story and believed God would deliver them, too.
In our present moment, when Black History Month is celebrated, I am reminded of the responsibility we all share to carry their stories forward. These are not just stories of oppression; they are stories of triumph, community, and faith. Black history is American history, and it belongs to all of us. It is a legacy that calls us to action—to honor the sacrifices of those who came before us by continuing to pursue justice and equality for all.
In my role as a pastor, I often hear people ask, “What can we do today to honor Black history?” My answer is always the same: Walk in love, seek justice, and build community. Learn the history. Teach it to your children. Speak up against injustice. Join hands with others in service and advocacy, embodying the values of equity and unity.
The stories my great-grandmother shared have taught me that Black history is not just about looking back but about looking forward with hope and determination. It is about living in a way that honors the courage and faith of those who paved the way.
As we honor Black History Month, let us do so with gratitude for the shoulders on which we stand. Let us tell the stories, sing the songs, and lift our prayers, knowing that the work of justice and reconciliation is ongoing.
May we all live lives worthy of being remembered like my great-grandmother.