Celebrating Black History has always been a part of my spiritual, mental, and emotional development.  I remember learning about Benjamin Banneker and his contributions towards designing Washington D.C. and the first grandfather clock.  I remember learning about the scientific accolades of George Washington Carver, as well as the medical ingenuity of Charles Richard Drew.  Before finishing 2nd grade, I learned to embrace the artistic poetry of Langston Hughes and the musical melodies arranged by Duke Ellington.  I absorbed the powerful oratory of Martin Luther King Jr. and the defiant determination of Rosa Parks.  These individuals were not mere characters from a book, but they were people.  They were real people.  They were people who looked just like me, and they were a part of my history.

As far as I’m concerned, Black History cannot be contained or limited to a month.  I embrace and celebrate my history pretty much, every day.  It provides me with the space to gain new insight and information.  Remembering those who have come before me provides me with the space to expand my imagination.  Embracing the beauty and struggles of the past provides me with the space to dream and strategize for a better future. My celebration of Black History provides me with space.

Rev. Chris Delmadge

Class of 1997

Board of Trustee Member