Black History Month invites us to look more closely at whose stories have been centered
and whose have been left out. That includes the way sacred figures have been imagined, depicted, and passed down through art. By re-imagining sacred figures through culturally rooted, historically aware, and deeply personal lenses, Black artists challenge the idea that holiness has a single face.
Art is Not Neutral
Images of sacred stories and revered figures influence how we imagine the divine, how we understand authority, and who we subconsciously associate with holiness. When we encounter only one version, fashioned through a restrictive lens, we reinforce a limited worldview.
Christian sacred art, in particular, was shaped by power, empire, and access to institutions that controlled education and publication.
For centuries, Western Christian imagery has been dominated by a narrow portrayal of the divine, most notably the image of a white, European Jesus that became standard long before the Renaissance and persisted through colonization, missionary work, and formal religious education.
These images didn’t just decorate churches and books; they shaped belief, theology, and whose identities were seen as sacred. This is where Black artists play a powerful and transformative role. Their work reminds us that religious stories are not static; they are always interpreted through culture, context, and lived experience. Taking the time to explore such diverse, sacred art helps us envision how imagery reflects the social and political forces of its time and helps us recognize the importance of reclaiming diminished voices.
In this way, diverse representations expand both our artistic understanding and our theological imagination.
Art and Religious Literacy
Art also enhances religious literacy by providing a visual gateway into the narratives of a faith tradition. It helps students identify and interpret the core symbols of that tradition and encourages learners to move beyond superficial descriptions and depictions. Christianity has influenced, and has been influenced by, the human experience across various contexts. As a result, Black Christian art offers an important and unique lens for exploring the internal diversity and historical evolution of Christianity.
After all, religious literacy isn’t about belief; it’s about context. When students learn how sacred art varies across cultures, time periods, and communities, they begin to recognize religious practice as a lived, evolving experience rather than a single story. This is why sacred art is such a powerful teaching tool. It sits at the intersection of history, culture, theology, and identity, inviting meaningful conversation and deeper learning. It fosters both critical thinking and empathy — critical components of a religiously-literate, pluralistic society — and encourages viewers to engage with alternative ways of knowing.
Conclusion
Black History Month offers a timely opportunity to explore all these themes in relation to one another. By engaging with the work of Black artists who reimagine sacred imagery, educators help learners see that faith, art, and history are not separate subjects, but interconnected ways of understanding the world.
History, art, and religious literacy, all in one lesson.
AI Disclosure: Portions of this post were supported by generative writing tools. All ideas and the final product reflect my own professional experience and opinions.