Bishop Daniel Garcia, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Subcommittee for the Promotion of Racial Justice and Reconciliation, and Bishop Roy E. Campbell, chairman of the USCCB’s Subcommittee on African American Affairs, issued a written statement commemorating 100 years of Black History Month in the United States. The two bishops remarked on how the event’s centennial is a good opportunity to prayerfully reflect on the ways history has been preserved, honored, and passed on across generations.
“During this year’s observance of Black History Month, we encourage the faithful to consider the lessons of history, honoring our heroes of the past and learning from the mistakes of the past,” the statement read. “Although we may at times encounter people or situations in our country that seek to erase ‘memory’ from our minds and books, it can never be erased from our hearts… Let us pray and work to honor the inherent dignity of every person and the sacred stories of every people.”
The full statement by the USCCB can be found here at the USCCB website.