Many view the current political climate in the U.S. as an assault on Black people and all things Black.
Within this context, will Black History Month take on greater significance in 2025? And if so, how will that be reflected in the messages, sermon series and ancillary activities taking place at Houston-area Black churches?
Here’s what some of Houston-area Black pastors shared with the Defender.
Awakenings, Inc., Tia Norman, Pastor
Awakenings is a global movement founded in Houston and led by Pastor Tia Norman. Norman is a “teacher + guide specializing in spirituality and practices anchored in the mystical teachings of the Christian Contemplative tradition.”
Awakening is a hybrid community that gathers in person on the first Sunday of every month at 5503 Lawndale, Houston, TX 77023. It also offers a Zoom space and Facebook Live stream every Sunday (text “PRESENCE”).
Norman will lead this fellowship on a historical exploration with powerful contemporary implications.
“What our community has been exploring, which I imagine we’ll continue exploring through February, is really a lot to do with the changes that we’re seeing in our political climate here in the U.S.,” said Norman, who began her pastorate in 2017. “The series that we’re exploring is actually entitled ‘Executive Orders and Spiritual Power.’ We’re looking at these very ancient cycles and patterns connected to empire, connected to systemic injustice and really ways that we can return to our center, our wholeness, who we are created to be as a way to respond to the things that are happening in our world from a place that is grounded and centered outside of the cycle of Empire.”
This conversation is inspired, in part, by the political vibe many are feeling currently.
“At least in our community, what I sense and what we’re seeing kind of play out collectively in the world right now as our current president is enacting what he’s able to do as president, we’re seeing the immediate kind of consciousness or mindset from which these new orders are coming into place. They’re obviously designed to build up those who already seem to have power and control and to further marginalize those who are already suffering because of the ways that our systems are set up here.
“Although it’s unfortunate that this is something that we’re seeing play out, and it is very scary in a lot of regards, our power comes in recognizing the fear and being aware of how this is actually impacting us emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Although this is happening in 2025, this is not new,” added Norman.
Norman sounds excited to lead this Bible-based conversation.
“We are exploring scripture and we are exploring the wisdom of Jesus from a way of looking at what is the relevance in 2025 to the ancient world, to the religious and political corruption that was present in the world of Jesus. So, we’re exploring this bigger theology. A lot of times, theology, and I’m not saying anything is wrong with this, but it focuses on Jesus as a personal savior. And that’s all fine and well. But the question that we’re asking is, ‘Is there a bigger theology, and what is the wisdom that we can draw from Jesus when it comes to responding to the boot of Empire being on the neck of the oppressed?”
Visit www.awakeningsinc.org.
Fountain of Praise, Dr. Remus and Mia Wright, Pastor and Co-Pastor
Fountain of Praise (FOP, 13950 Hillcroft Ave., Houston, 77085), led by its senior pastor Dr. Remus Wright and his wife and co-pastor Mia Wright, won’t have a Black History Month-specific sermon series. However, the themes that will be addressed during the month speak to the trans-generational journey of Black people in the U.S. and beyond.
“Pastor Remus Wright is in an eight-week series that will run into Black History Month,” said co-pastor Mia Wright. “He won’t have a specific Black History Month series this year. His message will be grounded in hope, liberty, sacrifice and salvation.”
She added that FOP’s Black History messaging will be shared through Worship Arts (music, dance, history moments) in the worship service and arts via a lobby experience.
Visit www.tfop.org.
Trinity United Methodist Church, Ed Jones, Pastor
Ed Jones, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church (2600 Holman St., Houston, 77004), is taking a multi-month approach to the messages he will be delivering to Trinity congregants, one that centers on an important annual historical marker for the congregation.
“I have been contemplating between two things. March is our 160th Founders Month, and our theme is ‘Echoes of the Renaissance,’” said Jones. “We will have guest preachers most of the month, and I would like to touch on this in March.
“However, I am compelled to preach on ‘Lose or Win: The Art of Winning the War.’ In relationships, I have found that there is no need to win every argument, and the two keep their focus on the mission. This helps us not get bogged down in nickel-dime petty stuff. Amid our current political climate, we could let a lot of sideways energy get us distracted. However, if we keep our focus on innovation, creativity, self-determination, and taking care of our business, we can win the war.”
Visit www.thetumc.com.
Other Black History Month happenings
Fallbrook Church
12512 Walters Rd., Houston, TX 77014
Shrine of the Black Madonna
5309 MLK Blvd. Houston, TX 77021
Feb 1 and Feb 15, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
