WE HAVE WORK TO DO
February is Black History Month. In addition to the emphasis in our school system and some extra emphasis among our Black population, it is an opportunity for White people to engage in some actions that will contribute to not only their growth but also the healing of society. We hear a lot about racism and the tension and divisions that exist in our society. Let me suggest some specific steps that White people could take in February.
EDUCATION
How about committing yourself to focus your reading in both historical and contemporary understanding of racism. Find a good book on the history of race in America. One excellent source is UP FROM SLAVERY, a biography of Booker T Washington.
We also need to know what is happening in our society today. A book I would recommend is Beyond Diversity: What the future of racial justice will require of US churches. It is compiled by Barna research based on their studies across the country.
FAITH
An excellent book about the relationship between racism and the church is The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby. It shares the difficult history of the role of the church in developing the structures of our racist culture.
However, we need to do more than read books. During February, how about committing yourself to attend one or more services of worship in a Black church. Either go by yourself or with no more than one other companion. Note any ways that the service was different—music, prayers, preaching style, etc. Engage in worship and then write in a journal a brief description of how you felt before you arrived, during the service, and afterwards.
FOOD
During the month identify and dine at one or two Black restaurants. Examine the menu, and if necessary consult with the waiter, and order African-American dishes. Note what you like and what you don’t. How did it feel to be the only White person in the restaurant? Did anyone choose to engage you in conversation and even inquire why you chose this restaurant. Did you notice any particular dishes that have become part of White cuisine?
SOCIAL
Identify and attend at least two social events in the community that are specifically oriented towards the Black community. This might be a Black night club, a dramatic presentation, a lecture at a Black university, a specific cultural event offered during this month, etc. Go by yourself or with no more than one other companion. Like in the restaurant, note afterwards how you felt, what you liked and didn’t like, and any particular interactions that your presence created.
ECONOMIC
Research in 2011 suggested that the economic wealth of the average Black and White families might differ dramatically. A White family might have 16 times the wealth that a Black family has. Take a piece of paper and write on it the amount of monthly income you have. Then divide that figure by fifteen. If the results were what you had available for the month, how might that affect your life?
AWARENESS
What you are doing is both expanding your awareness of differences in cultures. As you look at your experiences make note of two factors. First, what is the society missing out on when it creates barriers to experiencing the different gifts and resources of the variety of cultures in our society. Two, how do the structural realities, such as economics or justice issues, contribute to the divisions of our society.
CHRISTIAN TRUTH AND HOPE
Christian truth never begins with moral perfection. The great biblical figures had many faults. Truth begins with our trusting God enough to confess our sins and experience forgiveness to liberate us to work for change. What area of change would you like to support in our race-torn society?
Thank you for these suggestions, some of which folks might deem to be provocative!