by Dr. Mia A. McNulty
As I reflect on the current struggles facing Black/African Americans in this country, I am reminded of our foremothers and forefathers whose shoulders we stand on. We have a duty to honor the past as we work to forge a new future.
We have witnessed the results of abuse and injustice in our neighborhoods — from California to Florida, North Carolina to Minnesota, and Washington, DC, to name just a few. Sadly, this targeting is not new. It has been a constant reality since our ancestors were stolen from Africa in chains and later endured segregation and the Jim Crow era. The question before us is: how can we change this narrative?
In the spirit of Sankofa — using the past as a guide to reach our full potential and thrive — we are reminded of the importance of reflecting on history, wisdom, and heritage to achieve both personal and collective growth.
I remember my lessons at First Lutheran School about Martin Luther’s 95 Theses and asking about the comparison to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Letter from Birmingham Jail. What can we learn from these two different perspectives during turbulent times?
As we celebrate Black History Month, founded by Carter G. Woodson, I would like to challenge our churches, synods, and churchwide communities to highlight individuals you most admire on your social media platforms and to develop action plans — boots-on-the-ground campaigns — to address our societal concerns.
I would like to honor Bishop Nelson Trout of Community Lutheran Church in Los Angeles; Ruthie H. Scott; Jackie Cornia; Gwen Carr; Rev. Raymond LeBlanc of First Lutheran Church in Carson; Rev. Albert Starr; Rev. Linda Boston; Deacon Dale Washington; Rev. John Miller; and Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry, among others.
“Sing a song full of the hope the present has taught us.” Even when I am overcome with emotion, I still hold hope for our world and for future generations. As a church and as a community, our voices must come together to uplift, unite, and amplify one another in order to create meaningful change.
‘Till now we stand at last — true to our God, true to our native land.
Mia McNulty, Ed.D, M.L.S., M.Ed., & MPA, is a passionate advocate for heart health awareness and patient advocacy, serving as the Founder and CEO of the Nia Imani Heart Association (NIHA). Inspired by her daughter Nia Imani’s rare heart anomaly, Mia established this non-profit organization with a dedicated mission to promote heart health awareness, particularly among women and girls. Dr. McNulty teaches as an adjunct faculty member at California State University Dominguez Hills. She serves as the elected President of the Carson Torrance NAACP Branch #1030. Outside of her professional and advocacy roles, Mia McNulty is a devout member of the Community Lutheran Church in Los Angeles. Her dedication to faith and community service underscores her holistic approach to making a positive impact in the lives of others.