Race and Reconcilliation

I found this wonderful essay by a Crossroads Ministry Trainer online.  Here is an exerpt:

As a Person of Color, I have an acute awareness that Racism is a powerful force. Through the phases of training that have I experienced as part of an Anti-Racism Team and those as a Core Trainer Apprentice, I learned to think about the power of Racism in exponential terms. I no longer perceive Racism as just one big problem that America seems incapable of solving.  I understand racism in complex degrees that can be only solved with strategic planning accompanied by systems that are intentionally created to be accountable to People of Color. From the Anti-Pro-Reconciliation  Initiative, I know that Racism exist as “three powers”:  power1 –racism’s power over People of Color, power2- racism’s power to provide privileges and services specifically for White people and power3 –racism’s power to destroy the lives of every person regardless of race in order to preserve itself.

Marcus Leathers is the Minister at Shepherd’s Park Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Washington D.C.He is also one of four denominational Core Organizer/Trainers being developed through Crossroads Ministry Leadership Development Institute.