Henry Washington and Black History Month

Have you ever heard of Henry Washington? Henry was one of the first Black elders in the CRC and was part of the group that started Grace CRC in Grand Rapids, the first predominantly African-American church in the CRC.

Family members know each other’s stories. This Black History Month, let’s hear the Black CRC story, as told Black CRC members themselves.

Are you a Black CRC member? Do you have a story to contribute? Whether it’s the story of a “first” like Henry Washington, a reflection on what you’d like the CRC to know about your community, or another story related to being Black in the CRC, the Office of Race Relations would love to hear from you.

Stories will be used in a series on Race Relations Facebook and possibly in other communications avenues, but you have the option to contribute anonymously if you wish.

Some questions to get you started:

• Is there a story of Black congregations or members in the CRC that you think should be told?
• Can you remember some “firsts” (eg. Henry Washington, or Grace CRC, the first predominantly African-American church) that you’d like to tell the CRC about?
• What would you like the CRC to know about Black history or the Black community?

To participate, email Race Relations communications staff at [email protected] or comment on this post.