Congregation Recognizes Black History Month

The LaGrange Park Center Anti-Racism Team is presenting an eye-opening eight-part video series throughout February for employees and local sisters during their lunch break.

The documentary series called A History of Black Achievement in America reveals contributions black people have made that influence all spheres of life in the U.S. – from life in the New World to taming the “wild west,” to science and religion, politics, education, medicine, law, literature and much, much more. The series reveals achievements that never made it into the country’s history textbooks.

In its description of the series, educational DVD producer Ambrose Video summarized the significance of the little-known history:
“Against all odds, American blacks have created great art and science ... fought heroically in every American war. Against all odds, black men and women have worked endlessly to secure their own freedom and equality. The untold story of blacks in America is a 350-year saga of incredible achievements.”

Some of the topics covered in the tapes included specific black-American achievements during the settling of the New World; founding theUnited States; the fight for freedom; the Depression and the War; and Civil Rights. For more information go to ambrosevideo.com .

In addition, the Anti-Racism Team arranged for African-American studies professor Joseph Brown, SJ, to offer a three-hour Saturday afternoon program on February 6th about institutional racism. Playing a variety of old spirituals, which he incorporated throughout his presentation, he explained the coded meaning and influence of African-American spirituals leading up to the civil rights movement. Nearly 100 people attended.

Joseph Brown, SJ. Photo by Joellen Sbrissa