Let's ruin racism by building strong personal relationships| THE PORT RAIL

A few weeks ago, I promised to deliver some news on race that comes from a Christian perspective after a column about racial stereotypes and divisions served up by the University of Alabama’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). It describes all whites as racists and Blacks as victims and both Blacks and whites doomed to remain so under all circumstances.

That, by the way, is part of the standard curriculum of DEI promoted by the Woke administration at UA.

Today, let’s take a look at a Small Group on Unity that meets on a weekly basis at the Church of the Highlands as part of that church’s hundreds of small groups to promote the study and practice of Christianity. The unity group was founded by John Covington in 2021 with about six or seven members. It now numbers between 15 and 20 and continues to grow.

It is devoted to dealing with the world through the prism of a Christian faith we all share. About half of the members are whites, and half are Blacks but we are all brothers in Christ. I’m the token Hispanic, I guess, born of a Chilean mother a few years ago.

We come from at least a half-dozen different churches, denominations and backgrounds bound by a common determination to transcend our obvious racial differences and run our lives, present and future, on the promises and work that Jesus did for us while living, on the cross, and in the hereafter.

I have to preach a little, since we all do occasionally as we talk about everything like government, institutions, old-fashioned racism, stereotypes, and laugh as much as seriously ponder the future as Americans united, not divided, by our faith. And that is the theme of the group.

We occasionally meet at other churches to stress our interdenominational spirit. It is a contagious spirit shared by all.

Our members include pastors, business folks, faculty, students and staff of all our local colleges and universities — Shelton State Community College, Stillman College, and UA— and a number from across the state and country, even a couple of star athletes and a retired denizen of California to endow us with a bit of diversity that is a true mark of our faith.

We are Christians and Americans, not whites, Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, Indians, or any of the recent explosion of those coming out of the closets of the LGBTQ community. All are welcome as long as you are a Christian and follow the teachings of scripture.

We move across the boundaries of just about any subject, no matter how controversial or contentious, and below I have included thoughts from some of the members.

“This group is uniquely united,” wrote Brad Newman. “Strong relationships are built and maintained because of our oneness in Christ. We consider ourselves of the same race — the Christian race — eliminating the obstacles created by secular approaches. Polishing of biased secular talking points is replaced with openness and love for one and other. True learning occurs and deeper relationships develop.”

JJ Jackson notes the “group has a nice blend of diversity, that puts a finger on the pulse of the Tuscaloosa community, giving time-honored solutions on current issues you would not hear anywhere else.”

“My new Black (and white) brothers have enriched my life,” wrote Dan McCormack.

Ronnie Whitaker said, “We have all developed relationships — laugh a lot together — and at every meeting I learn something I did not know.”

From Donnie Lee Jr., “I'm the founder of The Lab an international sports development organization as well as the executive director of The Ivy Foundation a charity organization committed to youth character development and criminal justice reform.

"The small group aligns perfectly with my passions as it serves as a think-tank of both like-minded individuals as well as individuals with dissenting opinions but always with a firm commitment to pragmatism. We have members with eclectic backgrounds and life experiences, which serves as the foundation of a diverse and non-dogmatic dialogue. Our small group holds accountability, unity and service as core principles as we believe the Christian race is the only true race as others are simply social constructs.”

And Donnie, as far as I know, is the author of the title of our little piece, “Relationships Ruin Racism.” Thanks, Donnie.

I would be delinquent if I didn’t add a bit of scripture that affirms the nature of the small group.

“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

“For, all people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.”

"And this is the word that was preached to you.” 1 Peter 1: 22-25.

Larry Clayton is a retired University of Alabama history professor. Readers can email him at larryclayton7@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Let's ruin racism by building strong relationships| THE PORT RAIL