“IS THERE A NARRATIVE FOR MOVING FORWARD?”

Did prejudice and racism through slavery, lead to the very high incidence of fatherlessness, broken families, black-on-black crime in black communities, etc..?

How has slavery, "Jim Crow", and the systemic and institutional racism in this country, added to the historical and pathological traumas and mental health crises, that we see so prevalent in many of our black communities, globally..?

What role does academia, the entertainment community, and media, "play" into the current "societal narrative" around black folks and other communities of color "issues" -- And, if so, how much does deep seated political partisanship, liberal-progressive politics, humanistic ideologies, and stagnant cultural and religious philosophies actually feed into the ongoing darkness, discourse and disgrace that is hanging over our communities ..?

What data should we "trust" and deem "reliable", when it comes to the numerous statistical incidences and inferences surrounding the reported "high amount" of systemic racism still in play all over this country..?

And finally — Is their actually disaggregated data that exists, which is not biased, politically motivated, or grossly tainted by making black folks look LAZY, LETHARGIC and LAME in regards to picking up the broken pieces in our communities ourselves..?

I believe that "hyper-sensitive overreach" about some things, while abdicating authority and responsibility about other areas, has led to us being so easily distracted by "the hype", "the hysteria", and "the hemorrhaging" that is still too prevalent in black communities.

Some of the societal ills that shows an alarming disproportionality amongst black folks, includes:

• Fatherlessness
• Broken families
• Black-on-black crime
• Civil disobedience
• Disproportionate representation in prisons and in poverty, etc..

Rarely, if ever, do we poignantly address the "first cause" of most issues with "deep-seated roots".

We typically do what is "politically correct", "morally expedient", or "socially acceptable", as far as the status quo is concerned. But, NOT necessarily what "is" accurate or historically aligned to the "real life" matters surrounding most of these issues.

"Destroying historical monuments and symbols" (as an example) is NOT a strategic or thoughtful way of leading the next generation. By pointing towards positive change and progress, without black folks thoughtfully addressing OUR ISSUES in this country, we STAY in "mark time" without a certain end!!

The same way that "sanitizing history to make anyone feel better" (Condoleezza Rice) is also a ridiculous affront to the horrendous and unbelievable "human" suffering, degradation and disgrace that all too often is "winked at" through many of the "talking heads" that frequently recount our history all over media. The disposition that further polarizes our own community, is the reason why it seems we can never pull all "the sides" to the table..

SOME IMPORTANT HISTORY

The period between when the first African slaves were brought to America and The Emancipation, was approximately 250 years.

The period between The Emancipation and the Civil Rights movement, was approximately 100 years.

And, the period between the Civil Rights Movement and today, is about 50 years.

What does this recollection of history communicate?

That the patterns of history seem to suggest we are living during one of those seismic shifts around "racial justice" and "racial equity" right now; BUT, "why" is that so significant and the most important time for us to ACT!

Ponder these questions, and "see":

• What significant advances in equity, justice and equality for people of color, have occurred in the last decade in our country?
• Where have you seen evidence of strong pushback from white supremacy about "how" we move forward?
• In what ways is our country currently experiencing financial and/or 
geopolitical anxiety?
• Where have you seen examples of white supremacy or racism that scapegoats American immigrant communities in response to these anxieties?
• What role can the church play in speaking out against, disrupting, and dismantling current manifestations of white supremacy and racism by any ethnic group?

• How will we make sure to "get it right" this time as Christ's Universal Body?

This CONVERSATION is a VERY IMPORTANT ONE for our faith communities, civic and social practitioners, and government agencies to have; AND, it must be handled with the utmost CARE, DELICACY and DIPLOMACY for real progress to occur.

For instance, if WELFARE REFORM never takes into account: "the unique personal dynamic and context for every transitioning person or family" and "the continuum of what "healthy stability and sustainability" looks like -- UNTIL IT DOES.", a "livable wage", financial literacy, and a comprehensive plan for streamlining budget management and savings, is eventually achieved; and, then the government will continue to "spin it wheels", by sadly provoking the same repetitive cycles that actually hurts more people than it helps.

When those who are truly desiring to completely transition away from "the system" are given the freedom and flexibility to repurpose "how" the allocated resources are being used (with community oversight gained through "the wisdom of crowds") and they in turn can pursue "other means" -- like owning their own business, or investing in "sound" entrepreneurial opportunities that helps to build a bridge from their job to some other more financially profitable means; where we're ALL on our way to instituting LASTING REFORM!

In my work with the Olmsted County Health, Human Services and Housing Board (formerly CSAB) I'm doing my part where I live; through my direct involvement with our counties critical services to adult and children that are wisely responding to the nuance associated with providing comprehensive human services..

So, what about YOU? (GET INVOLVED..)

Here are "16 Bridge-Building Tips" for white folks that are engaged in the struggle "with us"..

1. Don't expect people of color to be your only source of education about race. POCs get exhausted explaining the same ideas over and over again, every time a white person "joins the conversation." Read a book instead. Watch a documentary. Google it. If you must hit up your POC friend for insight, at least buy them dinner, and really listen to what they have to say.
2. Don't take up too much (metaphorical) space in the conversation. Yes, this is hard for verbal processors. We know you have important things to say. But white people's ideas and stories are prioritized everywhere else. Take this opportunity to sit quietly and platform voices of color.
3. Don't compare your experience of oppression or suffering with a POC's experience with oppression or suffering. Although you might see similarities between your circumstances, resist the urge to interpret a POC's experience through your limited lens. Your suffering is real, and it might help you feel more connected to or empathetic toward your POC friend. But your experiences are not the same. Continue to listen and seek to understand.
4. Don't "whitesplain." Do not explain racism to a POC. Do not explain how the micro-aggression they just experienced was actually just someone being nice. Do not explain how a particular injustice is more about class than race. It's an easy trap to fall into, but you can avoid it by maintaining a posture of active listening.
5. Don't make the conversation about you. The needs/feelings/questions/ priorities of white people are centered everywhere else. If you feel silenced or undervalued, use that experience to inform how you treat POC in other spaces instead of developing a victim complex. The falling of white tears does not build bridges.
6. Don't equate impact with intent. Yes, we all know your heart was in the right place and you meant well. But your words or behavior had a negative impact on those around you, and that's what matters. Apologize and do better next time.
7. Don't explain away a POC's experience of oppression. Don't play devil's advocate or provide an alternative explanation for what happened. Take their word for it. Maybe ask a follow-up question like, "How did that make you feel?"
8. If what you are about to say starts with "Not all..." (...men, ...white people, ...evangelicals, ...police officers, etc.), don't say it. Conversations about race and racism are about systems, institutions, and ideologies more than individuals. Of course, there are "good" examples in each of these categories. But don't derail the conversation by bringing up the exceptions, when discussing the rule.
9. Don't demand proof of a POC's lived experience or try to counter their narrative with the experience of another POC. The experiences and opinions of POC are as diverse as its people. We can believe their stories. But keep in mind: just because one POC doesn't feel oppressed, that doesn't mean systemic, institutional racism isn't real.
10. Don't believe the classic trope that behavior modification on the part of POCs would eliminate racism. In other words, don't blame the victim. POCs changing how they dress, what music they listen to, how they speak, or any other number of excuses, will not eradicate white supremacy.
11. Do not chastise POCs (or dismiss their message) because they express their grief, fear, or anger in ways you deem "inappropriate." Understand that historically, we white people have silenced voices of dissent and lament with our cultural idol of "niceness." Provide space for POCs to wail, cuss, or even yell at you. Jesus didn't hold back when he saw hypocrisy and oppression; POCs shouldn't have to either.
12. Do not attempt to equate your experiences visiting, serving, or living overseas with the experience of being a POC in America. You may have been a minority in your setting, but it is not an equivalent experience. Being a POC in America includes a different set of dynamics.
13. Don't underestimate the impact of your words. You have the power to inflict real, lasting damage in these conversations. Be careful; melanin is not a protective shield. Decide if you want to be a balm or a battering ram.
14. Don't forget: racism is our problem. Our people created and sustained it, and now it's our job to dismantle it. Only by the grace and mercy of God are POCs willing to walk this road with us toward racial healing and reconciliation. Honor that reality in how you treat those with whom you want to build bridges.
15. Don't get defensive when you are called out for any of the above. When a POC tells you that your words/tone/behavior are racist/oppressive/triggering, you stop. Don't try to explain yourself (see #6.) Don't become passive-aggressive or sarcastic. Don't leave in a huff. (It may be helpful, however, to inconspicuously step outside/go to the restroom and take a deep breath.) Remain cognizant of the dynamics of white fragility, and take note of how it usually shows up in you.
16. Don't give up. Stay in the race. Take care of yourself. Find community. Keep a Sabbath. Abide in the Word. Pray. Laugh. Cry. Yell. Sit quietly. Sing. Dance. Remember that our hope is in Jesus, who is present, and who sees all, and who grieves more deeply than you over racial oppression. Then come back and work hard again tomorrow. (END OF TIPS)

WS-3 💯🎯🙏🏽🔥💪🏽🙏🏽. To be continued...

Walter L. Smith III

Founder/President

Pure In Heart Int'l Ministries, Inc./

The Center For Kingdom Advancement 

1445 Valleyhigh Dr NW #7052

Rochester, MN 55901-9998

Corporate Line: (424) 333-4047

www.PIHIM.org

www.AskPastorWalter.com

**Leadership Greater Rochester, Class of 2018!

**Gallup Strengths: Positivity, Learner, Connectedness, Responsibility, & Activator

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