American Bible Society has a legacy of working within the African American community to spread God’s Word. Learn more. In 1900, the leaders of American Bible Society responded to the new situations created by the Supreme Court’s “separate but equal” decision in 1896 and the uneven distribution in… Read More

Discover how Black History Month began and use these tools to expand your knowledge of black history. We owe the celebration of Black History Month, and more importantly, the study of black history, to Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Born to parents who were former slaves, he spent his childhood… Read More

What is the basis for the curse in Genesis 9? Learn about the context and meaning of this passage. Genesis 9:18–29 has been popularly understood to mean that Ham was cursed, and this understanding has often been used to justify oppression of African people, the descendants of Ham. In… Read More

The Old and New Testament include numerous references to African individuals. Learn more about this legacy. The view of Africa that has evolved in recent centuries has little or no historical integrity inasmuch as it reflects Eurocentric interpretations of the Bible. However, new light is shining on biblical… Read More

As a congressman and pastor Powell spearheaded government reform projects that fought poverty and injustice. Born to a middle-class family in 1908, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. was educated in the New York City public school systems, and later attended Colgate University. As a young man, he was concerned about… Read More

Throughout its history, the mission of American Bible Society has benefited from the work of many African Americans. Read more about this history. The Bible has played a significant role in African-American religious experience. It has been a foundation for devotion and spirituality and, for many, a primary… Read More

King’s legacy of non-violent protest has influenced generations of Americans. Use these meditations to further engage with King’s message. The following meditations recall the dream and vision of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His was a dream embedded in his faith in God and in Jesus’… Read More

Harriet Tubman is most famous for helping over 300 people escape from slavery. But she also spied for the Union army, spoke for women’s rights and accepted a medal from Queen Victoria of England. Read more about Tubman’s accomplishments here. Harriet Ross Tubman was often referred to in African American… Read More

Douglass was a powerful advocate for freedom and equality before and after the Civil War. Read more about his life and legacy here. Frederick Douglass was born in 1817 in Maryland. As a young boy, he was taught to read by his mistress who kept him as a house… Read More

Read more about African Americans who have shaped society and Christianity in America. Over the past hundred and more years, incredible changes have occurred in American society that have generally improved the lives and increased the options for African Americans. Many of those changes came about as… Read More