Fight vs. racism still too lonely a path
Before leaving home this morning I discussed with my wife a recent incident in which my daughter was the victim of racial discrimination. It was a difficult conversation, as parents naturally want to shield their children from prejudice, racism and bigotry.
Moments later, as I walked into the Citgo gas station on Dundee Avenue in Elgin, I noticed leftover copies of yesterday's Daily Herald. I looked down to see photographs of Sen. Barack Obama, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, and an old friend, the Rev. Jim Wall, senior contributing editor of "The Christian Century."
The article "The Great Divide" was in response to Obama's powerful speech. I went in to purchase the newspaper but since it was yesterday's news, it was not on the stand. I then looked for my original item, Red Tea, but that was unavailable, too.
As I left the store, I bent down to see the Daily Herald again and as I pulled it from its bundle, I noticed I'd been followed by the employee/owner. It took only a few moments before I realized that once again I was being profiled. As she began to question me about the tea, I encouraged her to call the police, even to search me. I asked her, "What's going on here?" Looking at me with eyes filled with unspoken accusations, she responded repeatedly, "You were looking at the tea." "It's OK," she said. "No, it is not OK," I responded. The situation did not escalate beyond that point, but it was a painful reminder that, to some, I will always remain someone to fear, my very presence will raise suspicion.
I suppose it is difficult for some to understand the anger that African Americans sometimes feel and how the black church has often been a place of refuge for those who are otherwise without sanctuary.
As an African American member of the clergy, I, like Obama, have "the audacity of hope." I have hope that someday 11 a.m. Sunday will no longer be the most segregated hour in America. But I can't help but wonder why is it up to the black church alone to address the wounds of its people? Where are our neighbors?"
If only the furor over Wright's statements, the anger I am fighting and racism in America were really yesterday's news.
Rev. Christopher L. Pierson Director, Connectional Ministries
Northern Illinois Conference of the
United Methodist Church
Elgin