As humans, it is only natural for us to look out for ourselves. This is something that I have learned over the years – no matter who we are, people are bound to be selfish in some way or another. It can often be difficult to accept that this is a fact of life, but it’s important to recognize the … Read More
The ONE Thing Every Multi-Ethnic Congregation Needs to Be Inclusive of Black Congregants (and more)
In 2023, we are going to see churches strive toward racial reconciliation and inclusivity more than ever before. Because of that, it is important for my fellow “church leaders and goers”, to consider strategies that actually promote multi-ethnic spaces and also remain authentic to their cultural DNA. The goal of multi-ethnic churches has historically been to create an environment where … Read More
Financial Contributions needed to Change Systemic Barriers
When it comes to supporting causes that fight against racism, white people often fall short on the financial contributions. You might share a powerful post on social media or donate to a worthy organization, but when it comes time to really put your money where your mouths are, you often don’t follow through. There are a number of reasons why … Read More
I Can’t Breathe: The Killing of Eric Garner
I can’t breathe. Eleven times Eric Garner said those famous words through a compressed windpipe while police officers held him in a prohibited chokehold that ultimately ended his life. It was July 17, 2014 in Staten Island that officer Daniel Pantaleo attempted to arrest Mr. Garner for suspicion of selling single cigarettes. Mr. Garner did not know why he was … Read More
Just Comply: The Killing of Philando Castile
This is for all those “just comply” people. Philando Castile was doing everything right when he was pulled over by St. Anthony Police on July 6th, 2016. He was complying when asked for his license and registration. And he did the proper thing, informing officer Jeronimo Yanez “Sir, I have to tell you that I do have a firearm on me.” Moments … Read More
Two Years Since George Floyd and Nothing Has Changed
It’s been 2 years since George Floyd was killed by police in my home city of Minneapolis. I think it’s a good time to ask ourselves an important question: what’s changed? Nothing, really. Despite numerous protests and efforts to defund police, things are unfortunately still the same for Black and brown people. I want to bring up George Floyd on … Read More
Behind The Wrong Door: The Killing of Aiyana Jones
How do you shoot a little girl through the head and still have a job as a police officer? Answer: you live in America. If you thought thephenomenon of police breaking down the doors to wrong addresses and shooting innocent people is a new thing, then maybe youforgot about Aiyana Jones in Detroit in 2010. 7 year old Aiyana Jones … Read More
An Unhealthy Trajectory: The Killing of Freddie Gray
The death of Freddie Gray was something that I don’t think a lot of people paid attention to. And I want to take time to unravel what actually happened in between his arrest on April 12, 2015 and the day he succumbed to his injuries at the hands of police and died on April 19, 2015. According to police, Freddie … Read More
Proximity to Brutality: The Killing of Daunte Wright
Think about where you drive in a 10 minute radius of your home. Think of the places you drive all the time not ever thinking you’d be in danger; the grocery store, the bank, your church. Imagine your own child driving along in Brooklyn Center on the same street where Daunte Wright was killed by police. I think about this … Read More
Raising a Black Son in 2022
Raising a black son has been one of the greatest joys of my life, but it’s also been one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. The way that I grew up 36 years ago is completely different from today and will continue to be different as time continues to evolve. And I have to recognize that my son, no … Read More