Rev. Dr. Liberato (Levi) Bautista, Church and Society’s Assistant General Secretary for United Nations and International Affairs, offers his reflection on 2026 Black History Month and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr ‘s Holiday. The photo above is of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., winner of the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize, being congratulated by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Harold (left) and His Majesty King Olav V (back to the camera) in Oslo, Norway, December 10, 1964. Dr. King is joined by his wife Coretta on his left. photo by Associated Press
“Now that the remembrance of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 2026 holiday is over and the celebration for Black History Month is here, I’d like to take a moment to reflect: What does love really look like when fear fills our headlines and racist injustice influences our systems?
“Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day last month, we remembered not just a dreamer, but a dedicated justice advocate—someone who organized, negotiated, marched, prayed, and sacrificed for the vision of the Beloved Community. Dr. King showed us that peace isn’t just the absence of tension; it’s the presence of justice. February’s Black History Month also carries that truth with many stories of struggle and progress by Black people against incredible odds. That truth continues to guide us today.”
Read the full article on the UMC Justice website, HERE.