At the conclusion of Black History Month, we give thanks for the brilliance shaping our nation.
This year marks 30 years of officially recognising Black History Month in Canada.
We remember and celebrate the many Black leaders who have shaped our nation through faith, courage, and perseverance, including:
- Viola Desmond – a courageous businesswoman who challenged racial segregation in Nova Scotia in 1946. Today, her legacy is honoured on Canada’s $10 bill, a visible reminder that Black history is Canadian history.
- Jean Augustine – the first Black Canadian woman to serve in Parliament, whose advocacy led to the official recognition of Black History Month in Canada.
- Lincoln Alexander – the first Black Member of Parliament and the first Black Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, a man of deep love for Jesus and public service.
We are deeply thankful for the many Black pastors, worship leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders across Canada, and for all those in our communities, neighbourhoods, and churches who faithfully share the gifts of who they are. We honour those who serve, create, advocate, and build communities of hope, including within our Vineyard family.
Black history is not just about history. It is present leadership. It is lived faith. It is the gifts, creativity, and courage of people in our communities, neighbourhoods, and churches. It is brilliance that continues to shape our nation.
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A Prayer for Black Canadians
You are the God who sees me. (Genesis 16:13)
To the God who sees,
We thank You for the faith, resilience, and leadership of Black Canadians across generations. Thank You for those who built, preached, created, governed, advocated, and persevered, often without being seen or given recognition.
Forgive us where we have failed to truly see, where we have overlooked, dismissed, not listened well, or failed to honour as we should.
Open our eyes and soften our hearts.
Teach us to see one another as You see us, image bearers, gifted, called, and deeply loved.
We ask that our Vineyard churches be places of welcome, empowerment, justice, and unity, where we truly see one another and celebrate the rich diversity and gifts each person brings from their unique backgrounds and experiences.
You are the God who sees.
Help us to see as You see.
Amen.
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Reflection: How can we continue honouring Black voices not only in February, but all year long?
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We are committed to being just communities, welcoming the gifts and voices of those who have been excluded. Vineyard Engage inspires and empowers Canadian Vineyard people to engage with justice locally, nationally, and globally: setting things right in our relationships and society.