National Black America’s Day of Repentance is observed annually on June 18. Founded by Sister Yvonne Roberson, the purpose of the holiday is for Black Americans to be healed through reflection and repentance.
On the holiday, people fast, pray, and reflect on their errors from dawn till sundown. They abstain from food, drink, sex, alcohol, and drugs and limit their use of electronics and work. The strenuous fast is broken by praising God before a light meal.
History of National Black America’s Day of Repentance
Repentance is considered a stage of salvation in which a person turns away from sin. In Catholic, Lutheran, Orthodox, and Anglican theologies, the role of repentance is vital in Confession and Absolution. In the Hebrew Bible, repentance comes from the Hebrew word ‘teshuvah,’ meaning ‘return.’ In the New Testament, repentance was called for in the speech of John the Baptist, and Jesus, when he proclaimed the Gospel, also called for repentance. Repentance was also a focal point of the preaching of Peter and Paul the Apostle.
For Emanuel Swedenborg and Jonathan S. Rose, repentance includes any actions that stop us from committing evil acts, which are sins against God. In Roman Catholicism, repentance is fundamental to forgiveness. One of the most important documents of the Protestant Reformation, a religious reform movement in the 1500s, is the Augsburg Confession, in which repentance is divided into two parts: “One is contrition, that is, terrors smiting the conscience through the knowledge of sin,” and “The other is faith, which is born of the Gospel, or of absolution, and believes that for Christ’s sake, sins are forgiven, comforts the conscience, and delivers it from terrors.”
According to John Calvin, in the Reformed tradition, repentance can be defined as the actual conversion of our life to God, which arises from fear of God. In contrast, repentance is considered necessary for salvation and new birth in evangelicalism.
National Black America’s Day of Repentance timeline
In the Hebrew Bible, the word 'teshuvah,’ meaning ‘return,' calls for repentance.
The Reformation defines repentance as the true conversion of our life to God.
According to Emanuel Swedenborg and Jonathan S. Rose, repentance depends on our will.
Evangelicalism considers repentance necessary for salvation and new birth.
National Black America’s Day of Repentance FAQs
When was National Black America’s Day of Repentance founded?
It was founded in April 2021 by Yvonne Roberson.
What is Repentance Day?
Repentance Day is a day of prayer and a public holiday in Germany. It is similar to National Black America’s Day of Repentance.
Is Repentance Day an international holiday?
It is not an international holiday.
How to Observe National Black America’s Day of Repentance
Learn about repentance
Religious repentance has a long and varied history. So, research repentance and learn what it means for different religions.
Participate in the fast
Participate in the fast and reflect on any errors you’ve made. Think about how you could improve yourself and repent to God.
Spread awareness
Spread awareness about National Black America’s Day of Repentance. Make people aware of the importance of repentance.
5 Facts About Repentance
It elicits change
Repentance means to have a change of mind.
It is the heart of belief
When John the Baptist spread the message of Christ’s first coming, he urged people to repent as “the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
It is essential to great commission
In the great commission of Christ, he is bodily absent from the world but is present in the hearts of his disciples, and through them, he calls for repentance for the Kingdom of God.
God commands repentance
According to Calvinists, repentance is not a free choice but a command.
It is a gift
God gives the gift of repentance as an opportunity, and it is up to the people to take it.
Why National Black America’s Day of Repentance is Important
It is a day for repentance
National Black America’s Day of Repentance celebrates repentance. It breaks down barriers around repentance and encourages people to try it.
It has a noble cause
The holiday has a noble cause because it aims to provide peace to people. National Black America’s Day of Repentance helps people find God's grace.
It purifies people
Keeping the fast on National Black America’s Day of Repentance gives people peace. It also purifies their spirits.
National Black America’s Day of Repentance dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | June 18 | Wednesday |
2026 | June 18 | Thursday |
2027 | June 18 | Friday |
2028 | June 18 | Sunday |
2029 | June 18 | Monday |