By Shaneequa Brokenleg

At the end of January, I was able to attend Winter Talk, a gathering of Indigenous Episcopalians and folks serving in Indigenous ministry. In this sacred space, we were able to gather as people who are sometimes overlooked by the world…but never by God. As we listened and learned, I was reminded of the eternal presence of our ancestors, the wisdom they hold, and the fierce love that carries us forward. At the Winter Talk Healing Eucharist, we were blessed by a powerful sermon from Bishop Steven Charleston, a revered leader and voice in our community, whose words pierced through the Oklahoma cold, reminding us of our purpose.

Bishop Charleston’s message was simple, yet radical. He reminded us that we are survivors: survivors of histories that have often sought to erase, harm, or marginalize us. Yet, in spite of it all, we continue to stand, to move forward, and to live into God’s promise. He reminded us that God has called each one of us to become prophets in these tumultuous times, to speak truth, and to challenge the powers that seek to divide and destroy. In a world that often seems bent on chaos and division, Bishop Charleston’s words ring true: “respect the dignity of every human being.”

He also called us to hold steadfast to the truth—not just the convenient truths we may prefer, but the hard truths that invite transformation. The bishop’s message is one of deep spiritual insight: The true heart of community is spiritual, not financial wealth or worldly success, but a shared commitment to the sacredness one another and all of creation. He ended his sermon by quoting a part of the Gospel, “Today, this prophecy has been fulfilled in your hearing,” urging us to live as though God’s kingdom is already among us.

As we step into February, a month devoted to celebrating the richness of Black history and culture, we are reminded of the strength, resilience, and enduring faith that has shaped generations. This is also a time when we lift up the voices and experiences of Black communities, not just in our shared history, but in our present reality. Black History Month serves as an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made, acknowledge the struggles that remain, and recommit ourselves to a vision of justice, healing, reconciliation, and belonging.May we have the courage to fulfill the prophecy that Bishop Charleston…and Jesus, calls us to: Be prophets of justice, of dignity, of truth, and of love. Let us courageously answer that call to create God’s Beloved Community now.

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The Rev. Isaiah “Shaneequa” Brokenleg is the staff officer for racial reconciliation at The Episcopal Church and the associate rector of Church of the Good Shepherd in South Dakota.