Louisiana has recently experienced a heartbreaking surge in arson attacks targeting three African-American churches. These acts of arson, or “punk moves” as we call them in my neighborhood, are the work of a coward hiding in the shadows. I’ve received calls from friends and colleagues across the country asking, “What’s going on down there in Louisiana?” While I share their concern, it’s essential to clarify that these actions by a lone individual do not represent the spirit of all people in our state.
Yes, racism exists, often manifesting in harmful, ugly ways, and I’m not naïve enough to believe it’s been eradicated. Yet, it’s deeply frustrating that the act of one individual can overshadow the brave and ongoing work of racial reconciliation that so many are committed to across our country. These acts of hate may have caused damage, but they cannot undo the efforts of those who are building bridges and working for understanding, unity, and peace.
Where are the media when white pastors willingly step away from their positions because they won’t stand by racially unjust actions within their churches? Where are the news cameras when white parents intentionally surround their children with diverse friends? Where are the articles highlighting white families choosing to live in inner-city neighborhoods to be part of the work toward racial unity? These aren’t stories I’ve read; they’re about people I know and respect. Racism is real, but there seems to be an intentional narrative of division across our country... and it’s working...OR IS IT?
_"...there is an intentional effort to keep our country divided...and it is working...OR IS IT?"_
DIVERSITY IS ALL AROUND
Driving through Louisiana, I noticed Black and white parishioners walking out of a church together. Curious, I stopped and asked a gentleman, “How long has this church been this diverse?” His reply: “I’ve been coming here since 1989, and diversity is all we know.” Now, this is one church, not a sweeping example of the entire nation. Yet it offers a powerful image to balance the picture often painted by the media. Despite cowardly acts like arson, racial reconciliation is alive and well. In fact, these fires serve as smoke signals—signs pointing us toward unity.
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