Over the last few weeks people in our town have been seriously asking themselves: What can I do myself to make things right, or better, between the races?

Over the last few weeks people in our town have been seriously asking themselves: What can I do myself to make things right, or better, between the races? Well, over a four-day period, an hour each day, a group of folks have met over Zoom to engage in a series initiated here in Oak Ridge, each seeking to find answers to that question. Here are just a few suggestions for personal actions:

Speak Up! Intervene when you hear people making wrong, hurtful comments especially related to race and race relations. Intervene with your family, neighbors, especially with people that you respect and who respect you in order to get the greatest result. People tend to listen to those with whom they have a close relationship. We all know the difference between right and wrong. If we dont nip it in the bud when we hear what we know to be wrong, we are, each of us, allowing the racism to continue to exist. This is a way that individuals can make changes without ever holding a sign, marching or publicly demonstrating One heart touching another heart, sending out waves of love and care.

Feet Under the Table. Some African Americans in this town have revealed they had never placed their feet under the dinner table in the home of a white person. Many white residents have never had a meal in the home of a black person either. We each can change this. The idea, very simply, is choose someone that you know from work or perhaps you have met at a community meeting from another race, with the goal of developing a close friendship with them. Correspond for now during the COVID-19 pandemic, and once you are able to, plan to have dinner in each others home. You have options even now use the phone, social media, even mail cards to your new friend to begin the relationship. As a start, simply ask how they and their family are doing.

Community Worship. For decades, the Sunday divide has worried some religious leaders. In 1963, during the civil rights movement, Martin Luther King Jr. told an audience at Western Michigan University that 11 a.m. on Sunday morning is "the most segregated hour in this nation" and he also called it a tragedy. Again, this is an idea for after the pandemic. But just consider the idea of setting aside even one day of the month, perhaps a Saturday or Sunday, for a day of community interfaith worship where those who wish can come together for prayer and maybe to break bread together. We all worship the same God we need to seek righteous solutions, together, under God. This would be a good way to break the cultural cycle.

The Golden Rule. We all know that mothers are the first educators of humanity. So, mothers, I suggest that you remember this and instill into your children the moral values they will need to contribute to the betterment of the world. We all have been taught some form of the Golden Rule. (See graphic.) Lets us all live by that, practice it daily, be an example, and teach it to our children.

Listen and Learn. White residents who say they genuinely want to learn, consider how to be a collaborator in whatever processes towards racial justice that are being generated. Dont instinctively take the lead, but listen, learn and offer to help wherever you can.

Our Common History. The earliest Europeans who came as colonists from the Netherlands, Spain, France and Great Britain were Puritans, Pilgrims, Protestants and Papists (Catholics). Most of the settlers to the New World were escaping religious persecution. Driven by religious motives, many of these church members were among abolitionists and anti-slavery advocates. Early newspapers and tracts promoting the abolition of slavery were published by devout church members.

The Underground Railroad was organized to aid enslaved peoples, often at grave risk to many of the religious men and women serving as conductors. Many of the 130 or so historically black colleges were founded and funded by white congregations.

As a people, we simply have not been taught an accurate and true account of our common history. So many who came to this New World actually started as collaborators when religion was part of everyday life, when this country promised equal treatment to all. While the understanding was not practiced at the time, the statement that says, We are all created equal is understandable. So, lets get back to basics! Listen, read, and learn from each other. Peacefully.

Patricia Alston is the public information officer for the Baha'is of Oak Ridge.

Visit link:

Guest Column: Getting back to the basics - Oak Ridger