Celebrating Black History Month as a church is an opportunity to reflect on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the diversity of God’s kingdom. It invites us to engage in meaningful action and grow in our understanding of justice, peace, unity, and community. We encourage you to explore this list of ideas and resources for learning and inspiration.
Local Museums and Places to Visit
1 // Download the 2026 Baltimore Black-Owned Business Directory and visit local restaurants and businesses around town.
2 // Get your FREE BoP Pass. BoP (Bridging People) is a free digital passport designed to help locals and visitors explore Black-owned businesses, history, and cultural institutions in Baltimore, Maryland. It is also a play on the Baltimore slang term "bop," which refers to a "long walk" around the city.
In addition to coupons for discounted admission to Baltimore museums ($3 off the Reginald F. Lewis Museum and others!) and special offers from local businesses, the pass highlights the many free locales in which you can deepen your knowledge of famous African American figures.
3 // Visit Baltimore’s Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture for permanent exhibits and unique collections focusing on the experience of African Americans in Maryland. Check out a list of special programs in the month of February here.
4 // Visit Catonsville’s Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum. Benjamin Banneker is often considered the first African American man of science. Features hiking trails, museum, and programs. View and register for upcoming programs here.
Recommendations for Media:
Movies & Books
1 // Watch The Black Church, a 2-part documentary, available on Apple TV ($) or Amazon Prime Video ($), or on PBS.org with a subscription.
An intimate four-hour series from Henry Louis Gates, Jr., The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song explores the 400-year-old story of the black church in America, the changing nature of worship spaces, and the men and women who shepherded them from the pulpit, the choir loft, and church pews. Recommended for ages 13+
2 // Watch a biopic, documentary, historical drama or other movie that chronicles the African-American experience. Look through one of these recommended lists through Common Sense Media, where you can sort by age to find topics & themes appropriate for your family:
Great Movies with Black Characters
Movies with Inspiring Black Girls and Women
3 // Read a new book! Check out some books written by Black Christian authors that Crossroads’ pastors and staff have found impactful to their ministry.
4 // Work through a Bible study or topical series by influential Black theologians, professors, and pastors. First, set up your free RightNowMedia account. We’ve bookmarked a collection of studies and linked some recommendations below:
How I Got Over
This documentary series is a powerful and thought-provoking look at the Black church tradition and its impact on social engagement. Through interviews with prominent faith leaders and examination of the church's music, educational efforts, the arts, and more, the series provides an in-depth look at the resilience and strength of the Black church through true faith in God's word.
Holy Habits
When God calls us to himself, he sets us apart—he makes us holy. But what does it mean to be holy? What habits define God’s people, no matter where they are on earth or which denomination they are a part of? In this four-session series, pastor Derwin Gray explores four foundational behaviors of Christians. God calls us to a new way of living, one formed by rhythms of holiness.
Through Eyes of Color
All Christians wrestle with tough questions about faith. But black and brown people have struggles unique to their community and experiences as people of color. How can we respond to hard theological questions around the topic of race? In this six-session series, Lisa Fields, founder of the Jude3 Project, walks us through the common apologetic questions raised by the Black community. This series will help you contend for the faith as you learn apologetics through a contextualized lens.
The Shift
Our culture, Church, and Community are shifting all around us, which hasn't taken God by surprise. In 1 Corinthians 15:58, we’ve been called to be steadfast and unmovable. In a rare sit-down exchange with Civil Rights Leader, Dr. John Perkins, Jamaal Bernard will have a passing-the-baton moment with the leader in discussing what he has seen God do along with words of wisdom to pass down to other leaders and how Christ-followers can be steadfast in their mission, staying focused on shifting culture.