by Sean Novak
I am a white boy that was born and raised the first decade of my life on the west side of Detroit. To me, there is no other physical space on earth that feels more like home as I roll down 7 mile, 8 mile, or Grand River in Northwest Detroit. Growing up there through the 80s and early 90s created a foundation in me that would be built upon for years to come. I feel most comfortable in places that a lot of people would see me as out of place. Why? Because I’m a magical ginger. Okay, I’m joking… maybe. However, my growth in many ways was nurtured by many brothers and sisters that God blessed with beautiful black skin. However, this collective of God’s beauty is more than a group of people who look the same. There is a shared history. There is a shared culture that includes unique and distinct ways within it that grew out of a common history. That culture has enriched the world. I have been blessed to be amongst this culture my whole life in one way or another.
This foundation in me was created long before I accepted Jesus Christ. As I grew into my walk with Christ, I’ve often wondered why he allowed the path that I’ve walked the past 43 years. What was there to learn from this journey and the family/friends that I’ve acquired on my path? One lesson that emerged was that I have been called to love my neighbor. When Jesus shared the parable of the good Samaritan he was explaining what it meant to love your neighbor. To me, the parable was simple. Be the Samaritan man. I have been metaphorically beaten and left for dead a few times in my life. Many from the black community came along as the Samaritan for me. They shared in my burdens. In the past year, I even had a brother who opened up his home to me when I didn’t have a place to go. I desire to continue learning how to walk in such a Christ-like way.
I also desire to share in the burdens and beauty of my brothers and sisters. I can’t do that if I don’t know them though. So I have extended my hand and introduced myself for 43 years now. I have broken bread and fellowshipped. I have worked to build community with people. I have gotten to know my brothers and sisters who I’ve sat across the table from. I consistently made the choice to sit at that table. I also have stepped into their rich history. These “28 days” represent a fresh reminder to me of what I should be doing the other 337 days a year. I’ve desired to be more like these Samaritans who picked me and many others up off the ground on our way to Jericho. I’ve even tattooed this on my right forearm to remind me.
Black history includes a legacy of sacrificial, Christ-like love. It includes a story of seeking justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. It includes a legacy of women and men who stood up for what is right even if it could cost them their lives. It is a history deeply entrenched in strength, faith, persistence, hope, and so much more. Black history is not just in the past. It is today. It is tomorrow. It is within the man or woman sitting across the table from you if you make the choice to sit there.
Black is beautiful; it truly is. It has to be beautiful because the Lord creates what is good. I would love to break bread with you on March 1st and beyond to chat about it more.