Honoring Black Labor and Catholic Faith

The theme for Black History Month this year is Labor, which provides a valuable lens to consider the contributions of Black labor to our country, and our community. The month starts with Freedom Day, February 1, which was designated in 1948 to commemorate the signing of the 13th Amendment in 1865. This landmark legislation abolished slavery, except as punishment for a crime, marking a pivotal moment in the journey toward freedom and equality.

Major Richard Robert Wright, Sr. worked for years to establish Freedom Day to celebrate freedom for all Americans. Wright was born into slavery, freed at the end of the Civil War and went on to become an accomplished educator, politician, and banker.

From the oppressive days of slavery, where forced labor underpinned the nation’s economy, to the resilient pursuit of freedom and dignity post-emancipation, Black labor has been essential to America’s development. Enslaved Africans brought invaluable skills in agriculture, craftsmanship, and community building, establishing infrastructures that future generations would build upon. Following emancipation, Black workers continued to overcome systemic barriers, making substantial contributions as artisans, laborers, educators, and leaders across various fields.

The 13th Amendment had a clause making an exception for slavery “as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted,” which paved the way for mass incarceration and the use of convict labor in prisons. This history is difficult, and we are still struggling to live up to the promise of the 13th Amendment.

Black labor has been essential to the growth of our nation. Skilled trades such as carpentry and blacksmithing showcased exceptional craftsmanship despite limited access to formal training and resources. Black laborers played crucial roles in construction, transportation, service industries, the arts, demonstrating resilience and dedication. Voluntary contributions within communities—such as organizing mutual aid societies and supporting civil rights movements—highlight a spirit of solidarity and activism that has driven meaningful social change.

Our Jesuit Catholic tradition emphasizes justice, dignity, and the inherent worth of every individual. By studying and appreciating the essence of Black labor, we deepen our understanding of the contributions of our fellow brothers and sisters. Black Catholics have been instrumental in advocating for social justice, fostering inclusive communities, and embodying the Gospel’s call to love and serve others. This Black History Month, let us commit to learning and appreciating the multifaceted contributions of Black laborers. By doing so, we honor their legacy and reaffirm our commitment to a just and equitable society. At St. Ignatius Parish we aspire to grow in the strength found in diversity and the enduring power of faith to unite and uplift us all. It takes persistence to bring our country closer to the ideals we dream of, where the dignity and worth of every person is respected and honored. This Freedom Day and Black History Month, we can take as a time to reflect on the freedoms we have, but also on the freedoms many are still fighting to achieve.

Lucy Irwin, parishioner and member of the Anti-Racism Committee

Movie suggestions for Black History Month:
“12 Years a Slave” (2013); “Glory” (1989)
“The Butler” (2013)
“Hidden Figures” (2016)
“The Color Purple” (1985)
“I Am Not Your Negro” (2016)

Book suggestions for Black History Month:
The Warmth of Other Suns, Isabel Wilkerson
How The Word is Passed, Clint Smith
Racial Justice and the Catholic Church, Bryan Massingale
Freedom is a Constant Struggle, Angela Davis

City Light employees, 2008. Flickr / Seattle Municipal Archives (cc)