Racism Alive and Well

As a leader in the North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice and the Healing Racism Group in St. Louis, I am often asked by whites of goodwill how can I as one person make a difference in opposing racism? An even more difficult question that is also asked is how and what can I do to oppose racism? There are no easy answers to either of these questions, but one individual can do a great deal to combat this evil. To act alone requires a great deal of courage and inner strength, especially when challenging individuals with strongly held views. However, it is not impossible. We have to keep in mind that if we are doing what is fair, just, right, and good, God will bring into our lives those people, things, and opportunities that will help us succeed.

We have just witnessed several actions taken recently by groups that are challenging racism and making a difference. These groups canceled their conventions at the Adam's Mark Hotel in St. Louis after the U.S. Justice Department filed discrimination charges against the BBE Corp. This corporation is the parent company of the Adam's Mark Hotel chain and due to the latest charges of bias against African-Americans in one of its hotels in Florida, the suit was filed. This along with previous complaints by individuals and groups caused the owner, Fred Kummer, to scramble quickly to hire the group, "Project Equality" in Kansas City to conduct an audit and provide training for his employees in an attempt to quickly settle this suit and give the impression that he is eliminating racism in his hotels. Those groups that canceled their conventions at the hotel in St. Louis were the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the American Historical Society. They canceled in spite of the possibility that they may forfeit hundreds of thousands of dollars for failing to comply with their signed contracts with the HBE Corp.

Both actions were no doubt started with the challenge by one individual who succeeded in convincing others within their groups to support these actions. This is one of the most effective means of ending racism in business and industry. These entities are in business ultimately to make a profit, and the profit margin is the lifeline of businesses. Therefore, if the profit is threatened by a loss of customers or business, they will change in order to survive. Business tends to be driven by the profit motive. One individual can motivate and mobilize a group or groups to which he belongs to oppose racism by influencing his members not do business with or patronize those businesses that still discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, etc. Unfortunately, some businesses still practice racism, in spite of discrimination being declared illegal by the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Further, one person can make a difference when interacting with individuals on a personal level, by taking action to express disapproval of racist speech and actions. Although this requires courage and strength of character to speak out in opposition to this evil when acting alone. This can be done by telling an individual or group that you simply do not appreciate that kind of talk. If an ethnic or racial joke is being told, do not laugh no matter how comical it might be and also express disapproval.

Another means of combating racism, is to work with groups and organizations that are
working to oppose this evil. You may also form your own group beginning with relatives, friends, and close acquaintances. After you establish sound goals, other individuals of like mind will follow you. Then, read books and materials that provide information on various groups, as well as books on race relations and the history of the struggle of African-Americans from slavery, reconstruction, the civil rights struggle, to conditions this group is facing today. Although racism is illegal, it still exists and is now almost exclusively covert and subtle. This also includes learning more about the rapidly increasing number of hate groups scattered throughout the Country.

Finally, write letters to the editor in your local newspaper condemning racist speech and acts. Also encourage your friends close acquaintances, and relatives to do likewise.

These are a few actions one individual can take to challenge racism on an institutional and individual level. If all people of goodwill could become involved, it would have a tremendous impact upon this injustice and evil.

Rance Thomas, PhD, President, North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice

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