Talk is cheap. Everyone will say, “George Floyd’s murder was a terrible tragedy.”
What can White America actually do that might possibly make a difference? I’m going to begin by saying listen. That is one reason I have been reluctant to say much. I want to hear from the African-American community what might be helpful.
I especially want to listen to those who are respected Black Christian leaders. I’ve been listening to T.D. Jakes. He is a man who carries authority and respect. I’ve been listening to Bishop Garland Hunt, cofounder of OneRace. There are others who are not well known I listen to.
Here are some things that I’ve heard so far that white people can do.
Read the OneRace Covenant and pray through it.
Sign the OneRace Petition. Make a contribution.
Text 551-56 sign the ColorofChange Petition
Demand justice for Ahmaud Arbery
Demand justice for Breonna Taylor
Research the issues underlying police brutality and abuse of power. Systems prevent accountability – we can do better. Demand reform.
Find a Black church in your own home town. Speak to the pastor and ask him how you can serve him. Listen well and follow through.
Find those in your neighborhood or larger community who are of a different race and have a conversation about racism.
Join us on the OneRace March on Atlanta June 19. I’m praying for hundreds of world racers to join this.
Reach out to an African American you know and ask them their opinion on what you are doing and if they have additional suggestions. Listen. Do it – follow through.
Practice being a minister of reconciliation. If this is hard, try it with someone who you like first. Then ask God about the people who you have hurt and go to them as Jesus would.
Ask God to show you the ways that you are a part of a system that perpetuates racism and when he speaks, repent. Ask him what you can do to be a minister of reconciliation.
This is a preliminary list. In writing it, I am hoping for a constructive dialogue. But my heart is broken and I wonder if I will be able to really add anything to the conversation. Frankly, I feel so impotent – this whole thing makes me want to hide. But I know we must begin by listening and then responding. It’s the actions that count.
Thanks for your voice here Seth!
Well said Seth.
“This is a preliminary list. In writing it, I am hoping for a constructive dialogue. But my heart is broken and I wonder if I will be able to really add anything to the conversation. Frankly, I feel so impotent – this whole thing makes me want to hide. But I know we must begin by listening and then responding. It’s the actions that count.”
Love you, man. So much. Thank you for your honesty, vulnerability, and sharing tools with us.
I have been listening to Christine Caine, who directed me to Dr Aita Phillips and Shaun King. They have all been very informative and presented different views. I don’t agree with all of Shaun King’s comments, but I think he presents some good stuff worth hearing and considering.
Love you Pops.
Amen. I share these posts on my wall…very few read. Tragic. Impotent. Yes. But God is listening.
Thank you Seth. Appreciate your authenticity so very much. And your action items.
TD Jakes is a great person to listen
Thank you Seth, I so appreciate this.