Midday blog: Racial Reconciliation Matters
2013 is an historic year. Not only does it mark the inauguration of another American President, but it marks the anniversary of several important events in American history. Events during two tumultuous periods in our history, the Civil War and the Civil Rights movement.
January 1 marked the 150th anniversary of President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. April 16 marks the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Letter from Birmingham Jail. July 1 – 3 marks the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. And August 28 marks the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech. Marking anniversaries usually means we have something to celebrate, and I believe we do. I also believe we have farther to go and more that we could be celebrating.
Our nation’s first African American President will soon be inaugurated for a second term. Whether or not you agree with his policies and positions, it is significant for a nation that was built on slavery to have elected an African American to its highest public office. And yet inequities still abound. There are only six Black CEO’s of Fortune 500 Companies, accounting for 1.2 percent of all Fortune 500 CEO’s. Moving away from the world of good paychecks and nice neighborhoods, when a streetlight goes out in urban America, especially a part of urban America where violence occurs with frequency, good luck getting the streetlight fixed. In suburban America, if the same problem occurs, the light will be fixed within days, not months. This is one relatively small issue that is symptomatic of greater issues.
As Christ followers, we need to lead the way in having conversations that help, not hinder, the healing of the racial divide in our country. I want to point you back to Midday Connection on January 8 to hear an enlightening conversation with two African American women about Racial Reconciliation. We will continue the talking with them and take the topic deeper on February 5. And on Thursday, January 17, we will dig into the New Testament book of Mark with Bible teacher Michael Card when we’ll talk about the worth and dignity of the individual. I hope you can join us as we try to be healing agents when we have these gospel focused conversations.
Anita Lustrea is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute and has worked for Moody Radio since 1984. She is a sought-after conference and retreat speaker and loves to connect with Midday Connection listeners face-to-face. Anita lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, Mike, and her son, John. To learn more about Anita, her speaking schedule and her blog, please visit her website.
Very important discussion! I believe the racial divide within the Church will be our biggest shame when we stand before Christ.
With you all the way on this one.
Sherry, I agree, unfortunately. And Donna, thanks!