Our annual Black History Month speaker sessions, held over two weeks in February, celebrated the voices and experiences of eight black men and women who are connected to and invested in the Charlotte community. Both middle and upper school students benefited from the testimonies, challenges and inspiration of speakers who exemplify a love of Christ and live out Charlotte Christian's core values in their personal lives and careers.

Our guest speakers shared their backgrounds, professional experiences and personal journeys with Christ, while also making connections to the significance of Black History Month. Given the variety of experiences represented, students learned about African American achievements and contributions in medicine, science, math, athletics, missions and inventions—many that impact our everyday lives.

During her time with grade six students, Mrs. Pier Scott challenged them to consider the importance of representation and what it means to include the stories of all people throughout history, in order to honor the past, celebrate the present and anticipate the future.

When speaking with our grade seven students, Mr. Gabriel Harris encouraged students to try and make their own personal connections to what they are learning throughout Black History Month and the whole school year while also considering their own passions and interests. Referencing John 4 and the story of Jesus approaching the woman at the well, Mr. Harris encouraged students to be willing to step out of their comfort zones and be leaders for Christ by reaching others for Him. 

Ms. Charlene Mack Nelson ('04) spoke to upper school students about what it means to have power in Christ and to use our voices and places of leadership to bring forth positive change throughout our communities. She referenced James 2:17 and reminded students that there are times when our faith requires action. 

Coach Ralph Jones reminded upper school students that Black History Month is “not just about remembering dates and famous names” but about remembering people who were created in the image of God and fought “not for special treatment [but] simply to be seen and treated as equals.” When talking specifically about the Civils Rights Movement, Coach Jones emphasized that many of the leaders and participants were teenagers and young adults—students who sat at segregated lunch counters, high school students in Birmingham, college students who organized peaceful protests and young people who filled the streets because they believed change was possible. He implored students to consider how they can and will use their voices and influence as believers: “Faith is not passive. Faith moves. Faith stands. Faith speaks. Faith acts justly, loves mercy and walks humbly with God.”

For upper school students, Mrs. Natasha Okebie, a current CCS parent, extended a challenge to reflect on the Goliaths they face or have faced, explaining that her Goliath has often been the reality of being a minority in the spaces she works, learns and lives. “Be like Jesus. Be bold. Be warm. Be kind. Be welcoming,” she encouraged students as she shared ways they can demonstrate empathy when they realize a peer is facing a Goliath.

We are grateful for the time, effort and compassion each of these guest speakers contributed toward their sessions and pray that the students walked away with a deeper understanding of the significance of Black History Month and are compelled to love and care for their neighbors well.