When the Museum of African American History and Culture opened in Washington, D.C., in 2016, it finalized a project that began in 1915. The museum traces the history of African Americans from slavery in 1619 to the present time. At the celebration, Pastor Howard Wesley of Alfred Street Baptist Church said the new museum symbolizes “the contributions, culture, and crisis of black America.” Then-President Barak Obama said the museum gives people a better understanding of our history—about slavery, the poor, black activists, and teachers. King Solomon, 3,000 years ago, led his nation in celebrating their liberation from Egyptian slavery. At the dedication of the Temple he had just built in Jerusalem, he urged the nation to reaffirm its vow to love and worship God with all their hearts and to treat their neighbors with love and justice. We read in 1 Kings chapter 8 how Solomon praised God for freeing his people and giving them a homeland. He lifted God high and humbly testified to God’s great goodness. Giving God credit is what we should all do when God bestows his blessings upon us.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
