Rear Adm. Barry C. Black (Ret.), the 62nd chaplain of the United States Senate, culminated August with an uplifting sermon for the youth at Howard University’s Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel, guiding ideals on how to keep the faith and strive “to be your best self” in the face of “gargantuan challenges.”
“My young friends, Jesus paid it all for you and for me, and I don’t care how crazy the world seems — your best is yet to be,” Black told the congregation on Aug. 31. “Don’t you let anybody tell you what you cannot do. You’ve got to learn how to trust the providence of God, even when you don’t understand it.”
Black’s welcomed return and message of empowerment comes amid a heightened state of insecurity in the nation, and particularly in its capital, as armed forces patrol the streets, racial divisiveness ensues, and many attempt to navigate the difference between truth and error in a digitally-dependent age.
Nonetheless, his delivery was as sanguine as it was poised.
Thanks to introductions from the. Rev. Dr. Bernard Richardson, dean of the chapel, Black’s ability to “speak truth to power and the powerless” preceded his inspirational message.
“I often say we sometimes fail to recognize greatness when it’s close to us,” Richardson shared, “and he’s been very close to us over these years.”
Based on the scripture of Daniel 1:1-8, 17-20, Black delved into moments of self-reflection as he brought the word to life with personal anecdotes and unapologetic candor.
A native of Baltimore, Maryland, he pointed to resonance in the stories of young Biblical figures Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, as he explored his own journey through faith, academia, and striving for self-actualization–a mission he credits to God, former teachers and the invested education of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
“You don’t understand how important it is to see someone like you leading out,” said Black, a two-time HBCU alumnus with degrees from Oakwood College (now Oakwood University) in Huntsville, Alabama, and North Carolina Central University. “Take your time here seriously–you’re building your life now.”
Prepare for Great Opportunities, Make a Commitment to Oneself, ‘Bring Out Your Best Self‘
The U.S. Navy veteran of more than 27 years challenged students with three suggestions: prepare for great opportunities, make a commitment not to defile oneself, and untap inner reserved power, “to bring out your best self.”
On the preparation front, he shared the story of how he earned a master’s in management from Rhode Island’s Salve Regina University, opting to take five additional courses while participating in the Naval Chaplains School Advanced Course.
Years later, that proactive leap would prove useful while interviewing for the job of chaplain of the senate, where “90% of the questions…had nothing to do with leadership, had nothing to do with ministry, it was all about management.”
Further likening his roots of self-worth to Jesus “spilling his blood on Cavalry for me,” Black encouraged the room of Bison to “never forget who you are” and lean into what God has planned for a life unimaginable.
“God equips you…for the doors he will open for you,” he said, reminiscent of a 10-year-old Black who came across–and repeatedly listened to–a narrative record that he soon discovered was Peter Marshall, the 57th chaplain of the Senate.
Reflecting on the other path of the crossroads, the rear admiral envisioned what his conversation with God would look like in Heaven, had he not purposed in his heart, at a young age, that he would not defile himself.
“God said, … ‘I had in your future and I had in your destiny that you would be not only the chaplain of the Senate, but the longest consecutive serving chaplain of the Senate,’” said the chaplain of 22 years. “‘I had that in your destiny.’”
Thus, he journeyed his life around unleashing his own reserved power, matriculating from a 26-year career in graduate school (1970 – 1996) with three masters degrees, two doctorates, a new position as Admiral, and a testament to the power within one who navigates the world through a lens of faith–and most notably, trust in the Lord.
“I know somebody who left the Chants of Cherubims and the Songs of Seraphims, somebody who divested himself of the prerogatives of deity, didn’t think it was a big deal being equal with God and came to this dirty tennis ball called Earth to see about you and me,” he preached. “And this Christ is preparing a place for a prepared people in my father’s house.”
Power of Howard: ‘There’s Nothing Better than this Great Institution’
Ahead of the sermon, Richardson touted Black’s presence as a blessing to Rankin Chapel, nodding to the chaplain’s long history of support and admitting he once attempted to recruit him to come to the Northwest institution, but “God had something better for you.”
“In this critical time in which we’re living, his prayers, his insights, his wisdom are in an important place in the Senate,” said the dean of his dear friend.
However, Black pushed back, emphasizing the power of Howard University.
“He’s correct that I had an offer from Howard,” he began, “but there’s nothing better than this great institution.”
The 62nd Senate chaplain shared hopes to see students carry that same sentiment of pride in their HBCU as they matriculate into their best selves, despite the uncertainty of the world.
“My young friends, you strive to give God your best. You prepare for opportunities you’re not aware of, you know that your future is so bright, I ought to have my sunglasses on right now,” said Black in closing. “Stop trying to be twice as good. You’re Howard [Bison]–be 10 times better.”