A History Before America’s Shores
02-01-2022
Black history starts on the other side of the Atlantic with African kingdoms that created successful societies, says Rev. LaMarco Cable. The new president of the Division of Overseas Ministries and co-executive of Global Ministries for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ, Rev. Cable offers a broader view of black history.
“For me, black history doesn’t start with the slave ships,” says Rev. LaMarco Cable, “it begins with the great kingdoms across the African continent where African people were educating their people, had successful governments and were able to treat many illnesses. We are to remind ourselves that we came from a resilient people…that we are part of the greatness that was brought to these shores.”
Recently installed as president of the Division of Overseas Ministries and co-executive of Global Ministries for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ, Rev. Cable has had a first-hand look at that greatness. Visits to numerous countries in Africa over the past 15 years has helped him gain an appreciation for the broader context of Black America’s history.
“Africa is a continent of black people, and it is rich in diversity,” says Rev. Cable who is currently a D.Min. candidate at McCormick. “There are festivals across the continent where people celebrate their cultures, but not in the same way we would think of Black History Month here. The history is different.”
The history of the continent can be quite different, notes Rev. Cable, depending on the geographic region and the western countries that colonized various areas. One way this difference showed up was in denominational influence. “Baptists, Methodist, Congregationalists and other Christian denominations settled in various regions of the African continent and brought their religious practices with them,” he explains.
Religious practice in Africa was regional as was their social and economic histories. “Today,” says Rev. Cable, “we’re seeing Christian faith traditions that have a strong commitment to evangelism spread beyond their region and go to neighboring regions to establish churches.”
Historically, when missionaries from mainline denominations came to Africa, Rev. Cable pointed out, they had an evangelistic model that ministered to the whole person, calling for the establishment of a place of worship, a medical clinic or hospital and a school. “I believe that’s still the model for mainline denominations on the continent,” says Rev. Cable, “and there also is a religious movement that is growing across the continent that patterns itself after the large-scale church model that has become significant in America over the past 20 years or so.”
As growth in various faith groups spread across the continent, so can interfaith conflicts. The need for organizations that understand the value of fostering, nurturing, and building international partners and cooperative models continue to be vital, he emphasizes.
“It’s important that those of us in the U.S. understand the cultural, political and social context – both historically and currently – of those who live and serve in other countries,” says Rev. Cable. “We have to go the extra mile to find reliable sources that will educate us about the realities of people in other parts of the world. Then we can join with and amplify the voices of organizations and people who are working for justice and equity worldwide.” That kind of effort won’t change history, Rev. Cable acknowledges, but it can change the destiny of people, both within the U.S. and around the world.
Learn more about Global Ministries and how to support local and global efforts for justice, reconciliation, and peace.
“We have to go the extra mile to find reliable sources that will educate us about the realities of people in other parts of the world. Then we can join with and amplify the voices of organizations and people who are working for justice and equity worldwide.”
Rev. LaMarco Cable