294. Celebrating Black History All Year Long (with Trillia Newbell)

I have been so excited for this episode because I had the pleasure of sitting down with Trillia Newbell, author of the book Celebrating Around the Table: Learning the Stories of Black Christians Through Readings, Fellowships, Food, and Faith!

When we talk about celebrating culture within the church, what does that actually look like in our homes, around our tables, and in our conversations with our kids? You have perhaps considered this before, but even if you haven't, then you are not going to want to miss this episode because Trillia offers a wealth of insight and experience as she talks about the book.

Celebrating Around the Table is a book which invites families to explore Black history through devotionals, recipes, and meaningful discussions, but it definitely is not just a book about the past; it is also about how Christians can embrace and celebrate the beautiful diversity interwoven into the church.

Tune in as Trillia shares how her own interracial family has learned to cherish both their Black heritage and their shared faith, using Black History Month as a time to reflect, learn, and celebrate. She and I also talk about the church’s role in addressing racism, not with vague calls for unity but with actual, actionable conversations about sin, repentance, and reconciliation.

Via the powerful stories throughout her book, such as those of Elizabeth Freeman who fought for her freedom in court and Ruby Bridges who faced truly unimaginable challenges as a child, Trillia reminds us how faith, courage, and perseverance have shaped history and why these stories absolutely still matter today!

Again, this is an incredibly rich conversation that you are not going to want to miss, whether you are looking for ways to honor Black history with your family or wondering how to have honest, gospel-centered conversations about race, this episode is sure to enlighten, encourage, and even challenge you!

In This Episode

[0:35] - I am so excited to welcome Trillia Newbell, author of Celebrating Around the Table, to the show!

[1:38] - Trillia cherishes her interracial family, enjoys parenting teens, and supports their artistic ambitions.

[4:40] - Trillia's biracial children embrace both cultures, and she is grateful for a family life free of racism.

[8:01] - Trillia's family celebrates Black History Month by learning about influential Black historical figures.

[10:15] - Elizabeth Freeman won her freedom in court after realizing her equality via the Declaration.

[11:41] - Ruby Bridges, at only six years old, desegregated schools, showing faith, courage, and forgiveness despite hatred.

[14:56] - Cooking and discussing cultural recipes can lead to meaningful conversations about history, faith, and community.

[17:17] - Understanding others’ histories and experiences can help break barriers.

[19:38] - Trillia states that racism persists because of sin, causing pain and requiring ongoing resistance until Christ's return.

[23:09] - The church must preach repentance, confront sin, and promote reconciliation that goes beyond political debates.

[25:23] - Trillia believes that parents need to teach children early to appreciate diversity.

[27:19] - I point out how experiencing diverse cultures deepens faith and that family separation causes generational trauma, as seen in slavery.

[29:31] - Trillia adds that slavery’s cruelty tore families apart, erased histories, and tried to strip people of their humanity.

[31:25] - Celebrating Around the Table highlights forgiveness, hope, and the beauty of human diversity.

[33:23] - Trillia closes by expressing that our unity is already won through Jesus, so we should live in that reality now.

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