Racial issues concerning Black and White Americans are constantly under scrutiny. For African American, some are not willing to say anything because they have learned to live with it or fear of the consequences. Most every facet of life in the African American community is underlined by racism: in banks, stores, housing, buying cars, insurance and especially in the churches. I remember when Rev Jessie Jackson was running for President. He made the statement that the most racist hour in America was the 11 o’clock hour on Sunday morning. The Charleston, South Carolina shooting suspect, Dylann Roof, murdered nine African Americans at the Mother Emanuel AME Church during a Wednesday night Bible Study meeting.
Racism in the United States is well known from racial profiling, affirmative action, police brutality against minorities and the history of slavery. It was a historic moment for America when they voted in the first Black president, Barack Obama.
The majority of his policies have met serious opposition, such as an inclusive health system that’s described as socialist or even communist. Most of the president’s critics utilize a racist coordinated undertone. He is a Christian, although his middle name is ‘Hussein.’ Right-wingers have used it to claim he is Muslim, further fueling racial and discriminatory attitudes and sentiments. The famous march from Selma to the State Capital raised the question, how long? Almost 50 years later we still ask how long must we as African Americans suffer racism.
My answer is: only God knows. The long view of history tells us we must simply trust Him and to act faithfully to what He has revealed to us, to resist evil, encourage good, love your enemy and tear down walls of division.
My weekly prayer is for the reader of this commentary to become spiritually inspired of God. Become a Prayer Partner with Expressions of Faith by contacting EOF at P.O. Box 330127, Nashville, Tenn. 37203. God bless!
