February is Black History Month. There are many resources available throughout the United Methodist denomination for you to use.

• 29 Ways You Can Participate in Black History Month - The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) created a list of  small and big things you and your church can do.
• How to Help White Congregations Observe Black History Month - Do's and Don'ts. GCORR reached out to pastors and worship leaders who are or have served mostly white congregations for advice on why and how to introduce and incorporate Black History Month into their Christian worship, nurture, outreach, and witness.
• Celebrate Black Missionaries throughout History - created by UMC Global Ministries. Highlights four of the many examples of unique and lasting contributions of African Americans in mission.
• Download History Makers Activity for Kids - created by the GCORR. Help kids learn about Black United Methodist History Makers
• Download a Multigenerational Activity Journal and Resource Book - In 2022, The Michigan Conference of the UMC created this booklet featuring 28 historical figures for persons of all ages.
• Read The Black Church Matters: Envisioning the Beloved Community - An article on Discipleship Ministries by Rev. Dr. Michael Bowie about the Black History Month and Black Churches.
• Black History Month Mission Moment - resource UMC put together information about Black History Month and how it ties to the church, including a sample Children's Message, an Offertory Prayer, and a Newsletter Nugget.
• Learn about the Beloved Community - GCORR featured the Beloved Community in their "What is Series".
• Listen to the “Expanding the Table” Podcast - GCORR's award winning podcast on Practcing Anti-Racism has many ways to learn including Raising Anti-Racist kids.
• Borrow books or DVDs on Black History Month - The United Methodist Resource Center has a long list of books and DVDs on Black History Month to borrow for free to help further your (and your church's) learning. This list includes books for adults and children.
• Read 33 Children’s Books by Black Creators for Black History Month - One of the resources offered by the General Board of Church and Society’s is the Sacred Worth Books database. They have curated a list of 33 books, written and/or illustrated by Black creators, which feature stories that reflect Black history in America.
• Connect with the NIC Anti-Racism Team.
  • The Anti-Racism Task Force (ARTF) of the Northern Illinois Conference was created after NIC goals were established at the 2019 Annual Conference. They focus on helping our conference accomplish action toward living out the conviction that racism is incompatible with Christian teaching.
  • The task force has been working diligently on many programs and offerings. In 2022, they presented a 4-part speaker series to prayerfully learn, engage, and tackle our personal and corporate role in addressing racism. Visit the Speaker Series webpage to watch the recordings, learn from the resources, visit the sponsors, and find recommended books to further your learning.
  • In 2023, one of the biggest events will be the Civil Rights Pilgrimage (April 26, 2023 - May 1, 2023). This pilgrimage will take members to the heart of the Civil Rights movement to share and experience the history of those who fought for Civil Rights. It will also connect them to the social principles against racism and encourage on-going engagement and advocacy upon their return.Click here for more information on the pilgrimage.
  • A new offering in 2023 will be a Film Series (keep an eye on your eNews for more information). Other programs and offerings include Clergy Peer Reflection and Engagement Series (CPRES), Becoming the Beloved Community workshops, the Black Healing Collective, The Ephasis Project, and more.
  • The Anti-Racism Task Force is looking for input for ways we can make systemic changes, please take the survey here. If you are interested in joining the NIC Anti-racism Champion Team, click here.