How racist are you?
I was born into a racist society (North Carolina in the 1940’s and 50’s). My parents were racists. My Dad believed negroes were a lesser species. I attended segregated schools. I heard that song in Sunday School that Jesus loves the little children: “Red and yellow black and white, they are precious in his sight.” I suspected this racism thing might not be what Jesus had in mind. As I progressed through high school I had more contact with more liberal sentiments. It was the 60’s and the Civil Rights movement was in flower. I went off to college in 1964. I was in the first class in my school with black students - two of them.

At this point I believed black people were my equal. I believed it in my head but not in my heart. I could not talk to a black person without being patronizing. Touching a black person felt like an electric shock. I could not perceive a black woman as beautiful. I knew how I ought to behave, but I could not be authentic about it. People pick up on this stuff.

After college I went to seminary. An important part of the training of a minister is practical work in a parish. This is called field work. One of my field jobs was at Grace-Hope Presbyterian Church in Louisville Kentucky. This congregation was 100% black. I started in June. I did not see a white person for three months. At the end of this period my perceptions had changed. I could shake hands with black people without feeling a shock. I had black friends. I started seeing black women as beautiful. When I watched TV I began to identify personal care products that were for whites only. My heart had changed. And people could tell it.

I have a number of black friends and a black son-in-law. I have attached a picture of my grandson, who makes me as proud as I can be.

Now and then I ask my black friends if they pick up any racist vibe from me. They've always told me no. I have come to believe there is one human race. We are all one color: some shade of brown. And I am certain that Jesus loves all the little children.

#copied