DAY 26: Was once ColorBlind ... but Now I See

     At the start of Black History Month,  Black and White Like You and Me was featured because of it's unique perspective on racism by two gentlemen, one white one black.  Today's blog will feature a similar book but the voices belong to two women.  We're Not Colorblind: Healing the Racial Divide  written by Alveda C. King, and Ginger Howard.    Both women have backgrounds in public speaking, political activism and perhaps, in their eyes more importantly they are both Christians.  What motivated these two women to come together to write this particular book is that Howard was convinced that this book was a calling  from God.  With this in mind, where Black and White was not a spiritual read this book most definitely is and it makes no apology for being that way.  Nor should they be apologetic.  

    The choice for the title of this book is an interesting one.  When discussing race, we have often hard that people should just be "color blind" and ignore the skin color.  While this may be well meaning, it does not contribute positively to solving the  race issues in America.   King and Howard take a honest, heartfelt and blunt approach the current discussions on race relations.  Their eyes have sight.  They see very clearly the problems and hurdles we face as a nation.  As Ms. King points out in a promotional video for the book,  social justice is not God's Justice.  The testimonies brought forth in this book are meant to be  touching and thought provoking. 

    After reading this book, one can not help to want to become part of the solution to ending racism permanently.   It is a shame that society has embraced the premise that the ideal society is one where people are "blind" to color and thus choose a type of passive racism.   The authors deal with the touchy topics, not with kid-gloves but with the armor of truth.  This book is the powerful catalyst for conversations not confrontations.  

    This book was chosen to highlight at the end of Black History Month for the purpose of ending on a high note.  The purpose of celebrating this month is to recognize that the accomplishments of these men and women are the accomplishments that unite us.  If it were not for them standing up to speak their minds,  our march towards equality would have been slowed down.  If it were not for them sharing their stories,  our ability to understand each other would be crippled further still.     Black History Month should be a reminder that Equality does not mean everyone is the same.  Equality is meant to be the standard for treating people the same while still respecting their individuality.