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Black History Month

February 01, 2022 | Found in: General , Featured
Black History Month

Since 1970, February has been designated as Black History Month in the United States - an opportunity to honor the accomplishments of Black Americans and to celebrate the rich history of a people which of course includes the injustices of enslavement, oppression, segregation, and the lingering repercussions of racism, but also includes liberation, justice, and victory.  

While ultimately we believe the Gospel is the solution to the injustices and divisions caused by sin in our world, we join the celebration of Black History Month by honoring those who have made significant contributions to our world, including those who have sacrificially labored for ethnic harmony and Oneness among God’s people.

During the month of February, we are honored to hear from local pastors, friends, and ministry partners from around Greensboro as they share about Black leaders, pastors, and theologians who have made a unique impact on their lives and ministries.  Our hope is that these stories will serve to encourage, educate, and broaden perspectives on the beautiful ways Christ continues to build His Church in our city– from every nation, tribe, people and language– to bring His Name glory! 

The History of February One

February 1st is a significant day, significant in the history of the city of Greensboro and our nation.  It was on this date in 1960 that four African American students from North Carolina A&T State University staged a sit-in at the segregated lunch counter of Woolworths in downtown Greensboro, sparking a movement of similar sit-ins in college towns across the South. 

A monument on the campus of North Carolina A&T State University serves to honor Ezell Blair Jr., David Richmond, Franklin McCain, and Joseph McNeil - known as The Greensboro Four - and this pivotal occasion in the history of the American Civil Rights Movement.

Pastor Wayne Robinson – The New Millennium Christian Center

Pastor Wayne Robinson serves as the Senior Pastor of the New Millennium Christian Center in Greensboro. Wayne also serves as the Triad Area Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. As the co-founder of Mission Greensboro, Wayne serves a community leader and understands the importance of building coalitions across racial, ethnic and socio-economic lines. 

A Greensboro native, Wayne is a former high school and college standout athlete at Greensboro Day School and VA Tech. He is also a former professional athlete in the National Basketball Association and the European Basketball Association. He has travelled the nation and many countries overseas playing the game of basketball, experiencing cultures, and growing through life’s challenges and victories. He is committed to building a dynamic network of student-athletes, coaches, pastors, and local businessmen.  

Wayne earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance from Va. Tech; and graduated from the Pamplin School of Business in 1980. He received his ministerial license and pastoral ordination from the Cathedral of His Glory in 1989 from Dr. C. Paul Willis (Senior Pastor and Oral Roberts University Alumnus).  

Wayne is happily married to Sheryl Renee for 39 years; has two children Blake Charles (35 years) and Holland Marie (27 years). He also has a granddaughter Johanna Marie (11 years) and a grandson Saint Malachi (4 years).

 

Reginald M. Holiday – Bethany Fellowship Church

Reginald M. Holiday is a Gospel preacher, apologist, and equipper of men. He preaches and teaches God’s Word with clarity and simplicity using a modern day message to effectively communicate spiritual truth and practical living. His message challenges people from all walks of life to know God and to live for Him. By the grace of God, he is the Founder and Senior Pastor of Bethany Fellowship Church, located in Greensboro. This dynamic and life giving fellowship of Christians are impacting the city and the world through the Word of God!

He was licensed as a minister of the Gospel by the late Bishop Ithiel Conrad Clemmons on April 16, 1995, at the Historic Wells Memorial Church. He was also mentored by great men of God such as Dr. John C. McClurkin, Dr. Robyn Gool and the late Apostle Otis Lockett. 

He has been faithfully married to his lovely wife, best friend, and ministry partner, Linda Holiday, for 31 years who is the mother of their four children Dominique (Wife- Sydney), Alecia (Husband- Gary; daughters- Brielle and Ariel; son- Asher), Justin (Wife- Sophie; son- Maximillian; daughters- Ava and Lula) and Wesley Conrad.

"From this rich spiritual tradition and vein of revelation, the Father saw fit to birth, nurture, and call me into and as a part of His household. I am forever thankful and mindful of my roots. Bishop Ithiel Conrad Clemmons made an indelible and lifelong impact on me theologically and shaped me into the leader I am today." - Reginald Holiday

Click here to read more of Pastor Holiday's words about African American theologian Biship Ithiel Conrad Clemmons, who had a profound impact on the lives of both Reginald and Linda Holiday. 

 

Derrick Hawkins – The Refuge

Pastor Derrick Hawkins serves as Executive Pastor for The Refuge Church, a multisite church in North Carolina. Most recently, he served as Senior Pastor of The House of Refuge Deliverance Ministries in Greensboro, which eventually merged with The Refuge to become The Refuge of Greensboro, serving East Greensboro. In 2018, a tornado devastated the surrounding neighborhood and caused significant damage to the church building on E. Bessemer St. Since that time, Westover Church has served as a ministry partner along with Pastor Derrick and The Refuge to help restore this part of town, which included helping repair and renovate their church campus in partnership with Samaritan’s Purse. In 2020, Derrick co-authored his first book, Welded: Forming Racial Bonds that Last, with Pastor Jay Stewart.  Derrick is a devoted husband to Roshanda and father to five children, a gifted visionary, and a fearless leader. 

Check out the video below to hear Derrick talk about how African American preacher William J. Seymour and the Azusa Street Revival have impacted his life as a pastor and follower of Christ. 

Additional Resources

Thank you for joining us for Black History Month this year. We are grateful for our local friends and partners who have shared parts of their story with us. While February is a time set apart to officially recognize Black history, Black history is being made all the time. We highly encourage you to continue reading and learning about Black History, and have included several resources to get you started. 

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