As the Regional Synod of New York of the Reformed Church in America, we honor Black History Month by reflecting on our biblical call to justice and peace. As RSNY, we give thanks for and recognize the significant contributions of our homegrown African American pastors within the RCA. We honor Black ministers such as Rev. Dr. Michael Edwards, Rev. Dr. Paul Grover, Rev. Andre Daley, Rev. Dwayne Jackson, Rev. Anna Jackson, Rev. James Steward, Rev. Sharon Atkins, Rev. Kelvin Spooner, Rev. Maudlin Willock, and Rev. Mornier Rich.
These homegrown ministers have continued to promote reconciliation through honest dialogue grounded in biblical faith and through shared activities that sustain the Reformed tradition in our faith journeys. We also extend appreciation to African American pastors who came from other denominational communities and now serve within the RCA, continuing to take tangible actions for equality by engaging their faith through community service and anti-racism efforts. This work emphasizes that Black History Month should extend beyond reflection to promote meaningful action, sustained engagement, and the acknowledgment of Black contributions as an essential part of a diverse community and its mission.
Some may ask why the Synod should observe Black History Month. The Synod of New York has a unique story. It was this Synod that opened opportunities for People of Color at every level of RCA polity. It is my hope that by sharing the importance of honoring all People of Color, we may give thanks to God for these open doors and continue to grow more intentional in acknowledging the role of all God’s children as equally worthy of God’s grace and love. As Regional Synods are being phased out within the changing polity of the RCA, this season offers us a meaningful opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the Synod’s legacy by honoring Black History Month.
Black History Month is a significant time in the life of the Black church community. As an African American man, I cherish this celebration deeply. Growing up in the Black church, I remember spending the month of January preparing for a Black History Month Sunday, where we recited the achievements of Black Christians and remembered the legacy of those who endured oppression and injustice with faith and courage.
As a former member of the Black Council in 1972, I witnessed firsthand the many contributions made to the Reformed Church in America, the National Council of Churches in Christ, the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, and the World Council of Churches—efforts that helped advance the dismantling of racism and the liberation of God’s people. For many African Americans, observing Black history was not limited to a month; it was a way of life. I recall taking intergenerational and cultural youth to present a check to the late Coretta Scott King on behalf of the Regional Synod of New York and the RCA General Synod Program to support the work of Non-Violence at the King Center. I fondly remember chauffeuring Bishop Desmond Tutu and his family to the annual RCA Black Caucus from General Synod, after which he was named a World Peace Leader. The RCA Black Council Executive Director spent Christmas with those who had been held hostage during the holiday. Black church leaders raised collective voices to advocate for divestment from banks supporting the institution of Apartheid. Leadership development courses for Elders and Deacons enabled them to become skilled in RCA Polity and the Church Book of Order, and to serve as moderators at General Synod and on RCA Commissions.
Over the years, these experiences deepened our understanding of God’s sovereignty and the teachings of Liberation Theology. The beauty of celebrating Black history lies in reclaiming stories that were often ignored or overlooked in history books and, at times, within our own synod gatherings.
The Black church’s celebration of Black History Month reminds us of leaders such as Rev. Dr. William Moses Howard, whose leadership affirmed our dignity, worth, and value in Christ within the life of the Reformed Church in America. It also recalls the faithful collaborations of the Regional Synod of New York in opening a Revelation 7 vision—where people of every nation, tribe, and language stand together as one before God.
May our observance of Black History Month continue to inspire us toward justice, reconciliation, and faithful witness, as we honor the fullness of God’s children and the richness they bring to Christ’s Church.
Prayerfully,
Rev. Dr. Micheal Edwards, Executive Minister