A local pastor is using Black History Month to encourage young people to view Black history as a living part of today, not something confined to the past.

The message is being shared by the Rev. Charlie Stallworth of East End Baptist Church as February observances continue.

Stallworth said Black history should be understood as American history and should never be treated as ancient history.

“During Black History Month, I encourage people to, when you see racism or injustice, to speak against it,” Stallworth said. “That is just as powerful as telling a story.”

Stallworth has been sharing his message at churches across Connecticut, including in Bridgeport.

He said telling stories and preserving history is especially important at a time when he believes history is being challenged or rewritten.

“It is so important, especially in this particular day and time, that we continue to tell those stories and talk about the legacy that African Americans have helped to develop in this country,” Stallworth said.

Stallworth also said the American civil rights movement is ongoing, with new challenges emerging each day.