Black Men's Gathering: a comfort zone in which to find spirituality and cultural identity
Twenty years ago, "every major news organization was talking about the extinction of black men in America," says William Roberts, an African-American human resources consultant and psychotherapist.

Strengthening Baha'i bonds in Africa
For the last 10 years, members of the Black Men's Gathering in the United States have traveled to various parts of Africa to connect with members of the Baha'i Faith there and share the healing message of Baha'u'llah. The group's latest trip was to Ghana in December.

Baha'is' gift-giving festival brightens end of winter
"It behoveth the people of Baha, throughout these days, to provide good cheer for themselves, their kindred and, beyond them, the poor and needy, and with joy and exultation to hail and glorify their Lord, to sing His praise and magnify His Name." --Baha'u'llah

So wrote Baha'u'llah, Founder of the Baha'i Faith on how to observe the festival of Ayyam-i-Ha, which goes from sunset Feb. 25 to sunset March 1. .

Prayer for Ayyam-i-Ha
My God, my Fire and my Light! The days which Thou hast named the Ayyam-i-Ha in Thy Book have begun, O Thou Who art the King of names, and the fast which Thy most exalted Pen hath enjoined unto all who are in the kingdom of Thy creation to observe is approaching...

Are there any sects or branches of the Baha'i Faith?
No. The Baha'i Faith is protected from division by a Covenant established by Baha'u'llah. Instituted to preserve the unity of His followers and prevent schism after His passing, the Covenant calls on Baha'is to turn for guidance to His eldest son, Abdu'l-Baha, the appointed interpreter of His teachings, then to Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Faith until his passing in 1957, and subsequently to the Universal House of Justice, the elected international council. Those who do not, or cease to, observe these provisions of the Covenant cannot legitimately claim to be Baha'is. Despite efforts by individuals to divert authority to themselves, the Baha'i community is a single, united body, free of schisms or factions. The Baha'i Faith is thus the first religion in history that has survived its critical first century with its unity firmly established. "Were it not for the protecting power of the Covenant to guard the impregnable fort of the Cause of God," said Abdu'l-Baha, "there would arise among the Baha'is, in one day, a thousand different sects as was the case in former ages." But in this Revelation, Baha'u'llah's Covenant is the magnet that draws the hearts of its followers together.