Summary: <p>Melinda Schmidt talks with five Millennials about racism and finds that for some, strong feelings are just below the surface.</p><p><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1L5C3W1Wc5ll23YGkmk7hYQZvwh5HrGR22qYu3KrhpAQ/viewform" title="We're giving away 5 copies of Many Colors by Soong-Chan Rah. Click here to enter to win a copy." target="_blank">We're giving away 5 copies of <em>Many Colors </em>by Soong-Chan Rah. Click here to enter to win a copy.</a></p><div id="showNotes"> <div> <div><h2>How Can the MBI community best observe Black History Month?</h2></div> <div>by Ashanti Pettaway </div> <div><p>When first asked to write this piece I pondered, how could I possibly answer this question in a few words? Not only that, I was nervous because this sensitive issue requires addressing some hard truths. So, please allow me to say that there are some things that are going to be said that may be difficult to hear, but they come from the heart of a believer who loves God and his people and desires to see reconciliation among all races. In that spirit, below are three points that can help Moody better understand and observe Black History Month.</p></div> <div><p>To my Caucasian brothers and sisters, please remember this one key point: Black History Month is not about you. When slavery is discussed, we’re not seeking to blame you as individuals for something that happened hundreds of years ago. We simply desire for you to listen with an understanding and compassionate heart, so you can better understand us and the struggles we’ve faced and are still facing today.</p></div> <div><p>I had a classmate here at Moody say to me, “When are black people going to get over slavery?” He argued that slavery happened in the past and is no longer an issue, so why keep bringing it up. I argue: are we to forget such atrocities as the Holocaust or September 11th? No! Acknowledging and comprehending the past is always necessary for us to move forward.</p></div> <div><p>During the last month of education and celebration, we recognized the great contributions African Americans have made to this country and honor their achievements. We learn about the great inventors, scholars and activists like Granville T. Woods, Garret Morgan, Paul Robeson, W.E.B. Dubois, Ida Bell Wells-Barnett, John Mercer Langston and Madam CJ Walker, who often go unrecognized in our educational system.</p></div> <div><p>Black History Month serves as a reminder of the beauty and the beast that live in America. But most of all, we get to see the marvelous hand of God at work and how he brings us through what seems to be impossible. That should encourage everyone, no matter your race or culture.</p></div> </div> <div><a href="http://www.moodystandard.com/how-can-the-mbi-community-best-observe-black-history-month/" title="Read a response to this article at The Moody Standard Website" target="_blank">Read a response to this article at The Moody Standard Website</a></div> <div><h2>Additional Articles</h2></div> <p><a href="http://www.npr.org/2013/06/26/195897860/martin-says-its-time-to-move-on-from-the-past" title="It's Time to Move on From the Past by Michel Martin" target="_blank"><em>It's Time to Move on From the Past</em> by Michel Martin</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/mariadixonhall/2013/06/saying-grace-paula-deen-progressives-and-race/" title="Saying Grace: Paula Deen, Progressives, and Race by Maria Dixon " target="_blank"><em>Saying Grace: Paula Deen, Progressives, and Race</em> by Maria Dixon </a></p> </div>
