Two U.S. bishops released a joint statement on February 3, 2026, to commemorate Black History Month. The bishops called upon Catholics to act as "faithful stewards of memory" and "courageous witnesses to truth" during the observance. The 2026 Black History Month marks the 100th anniversary of the commemoration, which began as Negro History Week in 1926. Carter G. Woodson, a historian, initiated Negro History Week, choosing the week encompassing the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Negro History Week officially expanded to Black History Month and was formally recognized by President Gerald R. Ford in 1976.
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Two U.S. bishops issued a joint statement on February 3, 2026, marking the 100th anniversary of Black History Month.1 2 3 4
Bishop Daniel E. Garcia of Austin, chairman of the USCCB Subcommittee for the Promotion of Racial Justice and Reconciliation, and Auxiliary Bishop Roy E. Campbell Jr. of Washington, chairman of the Subcommittee on African American Affairs, urged Catholics to act as "faithful stewards of memory" and "courageous witnesses to truth."1 2
The bishops described the milestone as a chance to reflect on how Black history has been preserved across generations.1 2 3 4
They warned against efforts to erase memory from "minds and books," stressing it endures in hearts.1 2
Catholics are encouraged to honor past heroes, learn from mistakes, and strengthen faith communities.2 3
Black History Month traces to 1926, when Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week.1 2 3 4
Woodson chose February to align with Abraham Lincoln's and Frederick Douglass's birthdays.1
It evolved from Negro History Week, formalized by President Gerald Ford in 1976 and codified by Congress in 1986.1 2
The statement references the USCCB's pastoral "Open Wide Our Hearts," calling racism America's "original sin" that scars African American experiences.1 2 3 4
A joint reflection emphasizes racism as a sin against human dignity and the Gospel mandate to remember unheard stories.1
Bishops call for prayer and action to honor every person's inherent dignity and sacred stories.1 2 3 4
Black History Month honors Black contributions to history, culture, and society while educating against systemic racism.2 3 4
It highlights leaders and the journey toward equality.2 4
Separately, Black Catholic History Month is observed in November since 1990.4
Investigate Catholic teachings on racial justice and memory stewardship
The Catholic Church unequivocally affirms the equal dignity of every human person, created in God's image, and condemns racism as a profound sin that wounds the Body of Christ and structures of society. This teaching roots in Scripture and Tradition, viewing racism not merely as individual prejudice but as a "structure of sin" that fosters injustice and division. Memory stewardship—responsibly remembering historical atrocities like slavery, the Holocaust, and racial discrimination—serves as a moral imperative to confess past failings, seek healing, and prevent repetition, ensuring the Church's witness to fraternity and peace.
At the heart of Catholic social teaching lies the inviolable dignity of every person, regardless of race, as a child of God. The Church reproves "any discrimination against men or harassment of them because of their race, color, condition of life, or religion," as stated by the Second Vatican Council. Racism violates Christ's command to love one another, shredding communal bonds and impeding God's kingdom. It is a "stain upon the Body of Christ," where "if one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it" (1 Cor 12:26).
Popes and bishops have consistently applied this to concrete evils. Pope John Paul II declared racism, including apartheid, "clearly contrary to Christian faith and love," calling for peaceful reconciliation based on equal dignity. Recent U.S. bishops' letters echo this, apologizing for racism's wounds—subtle or overt, intentional or not—within the Church and urging conversion through unlearning biases. Jesus' ministry to the marginalized models this justice, transforming outcasts into bearers of salvation.
The Church's opposition to racial injustices like slavery evolved while rooted in perennial principles. From Pius II in the 15th century to Leo XIII in 1888, popes issued encyclicals condemning the slave trade's cruelties, preceding secular abolitions in Europe and the Americas. Emancipation in Catholic-influenced regions followed, with Brazil's gradual abolition commended by Leo XIII.
Debates persist on doctrinal development. Earlier views, influenced by Scripture (e.g., St. Paul's approach in Philemon), saw some servitude as tolerable under Christian principles, not always intrinsically evil. By 1839, papal advisors shifted, aiding Gregory XVI's condemnation of the African slave trade. Critics like John T. Noonan argue later teachings, such as John Paul II's in Veritatis Splendor (1993), declared slavery intrinsically evil, contrasting figures like Newman. However, qualifiers note the term "slavery" (servitus) in documents like Gaudium et Spes (27) and Veritatis Splendor (80) targets degrading forms offensive to dignity, without exhaustive historical redefinition—emphasizing continuity in condemning inhumanity. Recent sources prioritize this anti-racist trajectory, viewing slavery's racialized forms as paradigmatic evils.
Stewardship of memory demands vigilant remembrance of atrocities to foster humanity and peace. Pope Francis, on Holocaust Remembrance Day, stressed: "Remembering is an expression of humanity... a condition for a better future," warning against ideologies leading to extermination. This extends to racial histories: post-Holocaust reflections prompted apologies, like John Paul II's for Christian complicity, amid dialogues on Jews and Gentiles.
U.S. bishops apply this to racism, urging unflinching examination of history's effects and apologies akin to the Prodigal Son's: "We have sinned against heaven and against you." Recalling saints like Katharine Drexel, who fought discrimination, underscores ongoing duty. Such memory combats "throw-away culture," promoting integral development.
Catholic teaching demands practical response. A "journey of conversion" involves prayer, education, and encounters across racial lines to uproot biases and build belonging. Pastors should preach against racism, include anti-racism petitions, and foster dialogue revealing pain and stereotypes. Aligning with Catholic Social Teaching, advocate policies dismantling structural injustice while respecting dignity.
Hope animates this: "Nothing is impossible for God," transforming hearts via Synod-like listening. Parishes must create spaces valuing diversity, witnessing Christ's love.
In summary, Catholic teachings on racial justice root in universal dignity, historically opposing slavery and racism while developing clarity on their intrinsic evils. Memory stewardship—through remembrance and confession—guards against repetition, fueling conversion, dialogue, and action for unity. This faithful path heals wounds, embodying Christ's command to love.