LSTC Celebrates Black History Month with the theme, “Reparations: Educate, Liberate and Celebrate!”

The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) announces its month-long celebration of Black History with a series of events that include panel discussions, worship services, art exhibits, movie screenings, and restorative practices. The theme, Reparations: Educate, Liberate and Celebrate asks participants and panelists to explore the question, “How can reparations begin to repair the breach experienced by African Americans created by decades of harm and oppression?”

Programming for LSTC’s 2023 Black History Month celebration was developed by a committee of Black students, staff, and faculty at LSTC to highlight the History and accomplishments of Black Americans and to support the institution’s ongoing commitment to antiracism work and diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.

“LSTC has made a strategic commitment to become an antiracist and authentically diverse seminary.  Our Black History Month program reflects this commitment,” said Min. Vima Couvertier-Cruz, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice at LSTC. “While there’s always room to do more, our students, faculty, staff, boards, and centers are committed to consistently working to build and bridge communities that welcome and affirm people in the richness of who they are while, at the same time, doing the work to resist and dismantle the systems of oppression that marginalize individuals and communities based on their social identities.”

Planning committee coordinator Marvis Hardy says the theme will be enacted by offering educational opportunities for the mind, body, and soul that facilitate liberation for those harmed. “As African Americans seeking reparations for the millions of people who continue to bear the weight of white privilege and supremacy, we anticipate a triumphant celebration  knowing that our God is ever faithful and true,” said Hardy. 

Black History Month is sponsored by The LSTC Albert and Cheryl Pero Center for Intersectionality and made possible through support from the LSTC Office of Student Services, the Chicago Chapter of the African Descent Lutheran Association, and other private donors.

Admission is free for all events, and all are welcome! For a complete schedule of events, including speakers, dates, times, and COVID protocols, please visit our BHM event registration page here.