Black History Month 2025 Marks Decade for African Descent

This year, Black History Month coincides with several significant anniversaries, prompting reflection on the ongoing “mission” to advance justice and equality. The call to “stay on the mission” was emphasized recently by Rev. Dr. Bernice King, daughter of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., at a gathering of Pan African faith leaders.

Historical Anniversaries in 2025

Several key anniversaries are being observed in 2025. These include the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed, a foundational document in Christian faith influenced by Origen of Alexandria, an Egyptian theologian considered one of the African Fathers of the Church. Additionally, it marks the 140th anniversary of the “Scramble for Africa,” a period of colonization, and the 40th anniversary of the Kairos document in South Africa, a pivotal statement advocating for a free South Africa and the end of apartheid.

Jubilee Year and Pope Francis’ Call

2025 is also a Jubilee Year, beginning December 24, 2024, and continuing through January 6, 2026. Pope Francis has proclaimed this year, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” with a call for debt relief for some of the world’s poorest countries in Africa.

Second International Decade for People of African Descent

Black History Month 2025 also coincides with the launch of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent. This decade focuses on reparatory justice and kinship, particularly for people of African descent living outside the continent. Globally, there are approximately 350 million people of African descent, with over 200 million residing in the Americas. The decade was proclaimed on December 17, 2023, as an opportunity to address the legacies of enslavement and colonialism and to secure the full human rights and freedoms of people of African descent worldwide.

Bread for the World’s 50th Anniversary

Bread for the World is celebrating its 50th anniversary of advocacy while recognizing the contributions of Pan African communities.

Angelique Walker-Smith is senior associate for Pan African and Orthodox Church engagement at Bread for the World.