Kathairo Solutions

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” -Romans 12:21

On a recent trip to Atlanta I spent some time in the suburb of College Park. After a good southern meal of chicken and waffles, I decided to take a walk. While strolling down Main Street, I came across several murals that caught my attention. These tributes to Prince, Ralph and Juanita Abernathy, and Celia Cruz all had the same caption, “I Am Black History.”

What Would Dr. King Say Today?

These murals were particularly beautiful to me in light of the reason I was in Atlanta a board meeting of the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation (AAF). Ahmaud was a young Black man whose life was tragically taken through an act of hate and racism in February 2020. This sad incident is indicative of the plight that Black people have faced and still face in America. The Foundation exists to continue his legacy through justice and hope along with transforming grief into action. AAF hosts youth summits to support mental wellness and create pathways for young men to thrive.

So murals like the ones in College Park, events focused on Black empowerment, and slogans like, “say it loud, I’m Black and I’m proud!” are a healthy response to oppression and hate. As racism is spiritual and systemic, overcoming it requires smashing the spite walls that have been built between us. Pursuing unity includes reconciliation. And reconciliation requires addressing the harm of the past (and present) to truly make things right.

Don’t Let Go: Attitudes for Reconciliation

“From oppression and violence he redeems their life,
    and precious is their blood in his sight.” –Psalm 72:14

You’ll Also Like These Posts

How to Connect with Someone Across the Divide

3 Ways to Stand Up Against Hate

People of Reconciliation