Awareness shapes our diverse faith lives

Editor’s Note: Voices is a weekly commentary by a panel of Maine columnists who explore issues affecting spirituality and religious life.

Years ago, when I first saw the remarkable movie “Amistad,” I was shocked and shamed by my ignorance. I had never heard of La Amistad before this movie was produced. In my history classes, I had never learned about the slave ship revolt or the historic Supreme Court decision that affirmed the freedom of 42 African people 30 years prior to the Civil War.

History is not always a complete or an objective reporting of our past. What is recorded is determined by the viewpoint of the people in power; history often reflects their misconceptions. In the United States, African-American history has been distorted by the prejudice of historians, by the opinions of people in power, by the society reviewing the stories and publishing the books.

On Feb. 7, 1926, Carter G. Woodson created Negro History Week to correct the historical social distortions and increase people’s knowledge of African-American history. In 1976, Negro History Week became Black History Month, a month to learn the significant ways in which African people have affected the civilizations of countries around the world.

Some examples:

Alexander Pushkin, the “father of Russian literature,” was ridiculed as a child because his skin was dark like his African mother’s. He grew up mostly alone, reading and indulging his desire to be a writer. His pride in his African heritage was expressed in his writings. He was censored and forced into exile, which stifled Pushkin’s potential, yet his contribution to Russian culture was still enormous.

Alexandre Dumas was a literary genius of African ancestry. Dumas produced an enormous output of novels, travel works, memoirs and historical studies that dominated French literature throughout the 17th century. He is best remembered for his romantic novels including “The Three Musketeers” and “The Count of Monte Cristo.”

Prince Siddhartha, who preached in India over 2,500 years ago, became known as the Buddha, “the enlightened one,” whose philosophy has spread throughout the world. Buddha was one of the world’s most prolific philosophical and religious leaders. In his time, India had an indigenous black population that had entered the subcontinent about 50,000 years ago from Ethiopia. Through cultural and racial assimilation, the face of India and the face of Buddha began to change. However, throughout Indochina, one can still find statues of Buddha in his original appearance with dark skin, a flattened nose, powerful lips and curly hair.

February invites us to get to know pioneers such as Lillian Evanti, the first black woman to sing opera to a white audience; Mary Mahoney, a pioneer in nursing; and Rogers Albert, one of the first slaves to go to college.

Black History Month teaches us about the heroes and heroines who gave their lives to sit down and stand up, and whose words and power helped create a more just society. Malcolm X and the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense started programs to feed, clothe, educate and empower hundreds of African-Americans. In February 1944, Henry S. McAlpin became the first African-American to be accredited to attend White House press conferences.

On Feb. 4, 2004, Rosa Parks turned 91. On Feb. 4, 2004, my mother turned 91. I lived 51 years without knowing or appreciating that fun and enriching coincidence.

In how many other ways am I missing out? My education and life have been greatly enhanced by Black History Month. “Amistad’s” dramatic exposure of racial prejudice and oppression in this country pushed me along in my journey. Eradicating my own ignorance and racial prejudices has been part of my spiritual journey, maturing the relativity of my faith. Anti-racism work is a part of the way I live my faith.

Societal wisdom and the way we live our diverse faiths in the world is shaped by the level of our public awareness. African-American history offers a world of creativity, integrity and courage too often overlooked. It can change people, their hearts, their minds and their faith. Our communal and religious lives are made better by assuring and expanding that African-American history is taught in our schools, displayed in our libraries and honored in our culture.

The histories of the many cultures that make up our country should be part of every month. Deepening our appreciation for people, who in their struggle for freedom courageously lived their faith and advancing the rights of all, inspires us to do no less.

The Rev. Elaine Beth Peresluha is minister of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Bangor. The views expressed are solely her own. She may be reached via bdnreligion@bangordailynews.net.