Black History Month: Less well-known historical figures
We know the life, legacy and dream of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. But, do we know the life, legacy and witness of Bishop Charles Golden?
Join us in February for Black History Month as we learn more about less well-known historical figures across the United Methodist Church, U.S. culture, and internationally!
“We who constitute the [Methodist Church] must find ways to bridge the gap of racial separation in our church, or forfeit the continuing opportunity to preach the Christian gospel of redemption...”
- Charles F. Golden, from an address at the Convocation on Christian Social Concerns, December 1962
Clara Ester, born in 1948, is a retired United Methodist deaconess whose lifelong commitment to social justice began during her teenage years when she dedicated herself to Christ. During this formative period, she collaborated with prominent figures from the Civil Rights Era, including the revered Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Her activism led her to become a youth organizer for the second Poor People's Campaign in Mississippi, and she went on to hold positions on various boards and agencies in Mobile, Alabama.
The essence of Deaconess Clara Ester can be accurately described with a single word: service. In 1970, she embarked on her journey at the Dumas Wesley Community Center in Mobile, Alabama, which is affiliated with the church. Her roles there included neighborhood organizer, program director, associate director, and, ultimately, executive director until her retirement in 2006.
In 1986, Clara Ester was commissioned as a United Methodist deaconess. At one point in her illustrious career, she assumed the role of board chair for the United Women in Faith's (formerly United Methodist Women) Office of Deaconesses Home Missioners and Missionaries.
Gordon Parks (1912-2006) was a multifaceted artist known for his accomplishments as a photographer, author, composer, filmmaker, and painter. He was born into poverty and segregation in Fort Scott, Kansas, in 1912. Despite the challenges posed by systemic racism and the circumstances of his time, Parks refused to let them hinder his artistic talents. From the 1940s through the 2000s, he dedicated himself to documenting the lives and culture of African Americans, particularly during the U.S. Civil Rights Movement.
Remarkably, Parks never received formal photography training, yet he made history by becoming the first African-American staff photographer at Life magazine. Additionally, he authored the best-selling book "The Learning Tree," which he adapted into a groundbreaking Hollywood film—an unprecedented achievement for an African American artist. Today, Gordon Parks' work can be found in prestigious institutions such as the National Archives, the Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.
Tegla Loroupe, born in 1973, is a renowned Kenyan long-distance runner, marathoner, and global activist. One of 25 children, Loroupe's passion for running was evident from an early age. She would cover a six-mile round trip to school on foot, gradually outpacing older students in foot races. Recognizing her athletic talent, Loroupe set her sights on becoming a professional runner, eventually achieving world records and becoming the first African woman to triumph in the New York City marathon.
In 2003, Loroupe established a foundation with the goal of enhancing peace building, livelihoods, and the resilience of impoverished populations affected by conflicts and civil strife worldwide. Simultaneously, she initiated an annual series of Peace Marathons known as "Peace Through Sports." These races have evolved into significant athletic events that promote peace among African tribes and received commendation from the Kenyan Government in 2010. Loroupe further made a lasting impact by establishing a school and orphanage to support children in northwest Kenya.
Leveraging her platform, Loroupe has been a dedicated advocate for refugees, taking on the role of organizer for the Refugee Team at the 2016 Summer Olympics. In the same year, the United Nations recognized her as "Person of the Year" for her outstanding peace-making efforts in high-conflict areas worldwide.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH BOOK & VIDEO LIST
Books:
Andrus, Marc Handley. Brothers in the Beloved Community: The Friendship of Thich Nhat Hanh and Martin Luther King Jr. Berkeley, California, Parallax Press, 2021.
Eveleigh, Darcy, et al. Unseen: Unpublished Black History from the New York Times Photo Archives. New York, Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, 2017.
Johnson, George M. All Boys Aren’t Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto. New York, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 28 Apr. 2020.
Livingston, Robert W. The Conversation: How Seeking and Speaking the Truth about Racism Can Radically Transform Individuals and Organizations. New York, Currency, 2021.
McGhee, Heather C. The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together. New York, One World, 2021.
Morrison, Toni. The Bluest Eye. London Vintage, 1970.
Children’s Books:
Charles, Tami. We Are Here (an All Because You Matter Book). Scholastic Inc., 3 Jan. 2023.
Edinger, Monica, and Lesley Younge. Nearer My Freedom. Zest Books TM, 7 Mar. 2023.
Taylor, Kim. A Flag for Juneteenth. Holiday House, 3 Jan. 2023.
Weatherford, Carole Boston. How Do You Spell Unfair? MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee. Candlewick Press, 11 Apr. 2023.
Videos: