Reparations are a necessary step toward addressing the injustices of racism, with initiatives already underway in places like California. These efforts offer a blueprint for national action, but they require citizen engagement. By supporting these measures and teaching future generations the value of justice, we can move closer to equality and mutual respect.

“Race” is a social construct designed to divide, not unite. By avoiding honest conversations about our history, we perpetuate the divisions and injustices created by racism. It’s time to face the truth, teach our children, and work toward justice—reparations included. Let’s start by acknowledging the realities that shaped our past.

True listening requires setting aside assumptions and focusing on the speaker without judgment. In a world where the loudest voices dominate, we must break away from aggressive decision-making practices that exclude and intimidate. Let’s create spaces for dialogue where all voices, especially marginalized ones, are heard and respected.

Many of us believe America was founded as a haven for Christians, but the truth is far more complex. Indigenous tribes, African arrivals, and settlers from Europe and the Caribbean all contributed to the diverse origins of this land. Let’s challenge the stories we’ve been told and explore accurate histories that can heal our nation’s divisions.

Racism persists in our society, often unnoticed by those of us who live within the privilege of whiteness. In this blog, I reflect on how whiteness is treated as the unexamined norm and challenge the idea that assimilation is the solution. Let’s explore the history, pain, and resilience of marginalized communities and engage in meaningful conversations about creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

After decades of living and learning within a racially divided society, I’ve shared my family’s journey in my book, Racism: Can We Listen, Learn, and Live Together?. Moving to Grand Rapids in 1966, we embraced life in the inner city, raising both a biological white son and an adopted Black son. This experience profoundly shaped our understanding of racism and the critical difference between being a passive observer and an active antiracist.