by Rev. Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith 

In February 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, son of formerly enslaved African-American parents, developed the idea for Negro History Week to promote the history, culture, and achievements of African Americans and related peoples worldwide. The seven-day observance was designed to coincide with the designated birthday celebrations of President Abraham Lincoln and statesman Frederick Douglass. In February 1970, following years of student advocacy, Kent State University led the movement to expand the week to a month. The federal government  followed this initiative in February 1976.

 This year offers new opportunities to acknowledge Black history—and herstory—as well as a growing Pan-African spirit. The Black History Centennial, the 250th anniversary of the United States, and the G20 convening in the United States all offer unique opportunities for engagement. Our commitment to ending hunger means we should advocate with the U.S. Congress, the African Union, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Congressional Black Caucus, and the United Nations (UN). The UN has eight mechanisms that address the concerns of People of African Descent, as well as the African Group, which represents 54 countries on global issues. 

We also see promising advocacy opportunities in the recent bipartisan passage of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in the House of Representatives. We remain prayerfully engaged as Bread for the World continues its long-standing leadership on AGOA, from its inception through its reauthorizations, and we advocate for its successful passage in the Senate.  

The Debt Crisis, Climate Change, and Hunger Challenge  

The debt crisis in Africa fuels hunger by forcing governments to cut spending on agriculture, healthcare, and social programs, while diverting funds to debt servicing. Rising costs and climate shocks  worsen food insecurity, creating a vicious cycle of poverty, underinvestment, and instability, leaving millions unable to afford basic food. This crisis leads to increased malnutrition and reliance on food aid, as resources for local food production and infrastructure remain scarce.   

A Way Forward  

The historic G20 South Africa Summit and COP30 significantly advanced food security efforts by linking food systems with climate action, promoting sustainable agriculture (including agroecology), supporting vulnerable populations (women, youth, and people living in poverty), and reforming financial mechanisms for resilience. These efforts build on South Africa’s leadership, including the Task Force on Food Security and the Belém Declaration’s call for people-centered climate action. 

 G20 leaders pledged “to work together to strengthen agriculture, aquaculture, and food systems for the benefit of present and future generations, while reaffirming … support for the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty as an important platform for addressing poverty, hunger, and inequality in an integrated and sustainable manner.”  

Advocacy Actions  

Join Bread for the World in prayers to end hunger during Black History Month, while also addressing debt relief and climate action through their Offering of Letters at Bread.org/OL.  

Rev. Dr. Walker-Smith is Strategist for Pan African and Orthodox Faith Engagement for Bread for the World, World Council of Churches North American President, and NCC Governing Board member representing the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.