Where We Stand
We have faced a pandemic that has caused so many of us to change our plans. This has been followed by weeks of horrific, publicized actions that caused the deaths of black men and women across the country. We know this violence didn't just begin in the last few weeks. Racial injustice throughout history has built up and caused an explosive moment that has captured the world's attention. The problem is that we continue on, fall back into our old ways, and nothing substantial changes. The lack of change compounds the fear of others, the distrust of many, and the continued series of racist actions that plague our nation. We offer words that indicate a desire to change, but words fade into the background of new responsibilities that now capture our attention.
I have been challenged through conversations with my friends who come from a different background and racial heritage. I have heard their hurt and anger. I have heard their trust of others being chipped away when words are offered but actions are not taken.
As an organization with nearly forty years of service, we have prayed for unity in our communities. We have invited people to come to the table, convening them for the purpose of working together, because we believe we are better together. But as we know, words and belief without action falls short.
Where We're Going
I do not write this with a grand plan or a set of new actions but with deeper determination that we will continue and intensify our strategy to pray, listen, and take the appropriate actions God gives us. Here are a few steps NNYM is taking to pursue racial reconciliation within and beyond:
- We declare that we will acknowledge our unconscious bias. During our January staff team meeting, we were challenged to process our unconscious bias. We developed a goal to go and meet others who are outside of our normal places and spaces. We agreed to listen and strive to understand the battles outside of our normal daily experiences. We raised the banner to Practice the Presence of our Loving God to Every Community.
- We declare that convening others in our own places is not enough. We will join others in their places and spaces. It is not enough to only meet together; but we must now earn the right to build trusting friendships with those who are different from us. It is not enough to have a conversation, but we must listen well and act where the Spirit leads.
- We declare that humility is a posture we will prioritize. In his 2019 Forbes article titled "Don't Change Beliefs, Change Behaviors", Khalil Smith wrote; "Good intentions don't change culture, predictable behaviors do." We declare that our behaviors of the future will be greater. This begins with a spirit of humility that was modeled for us by Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:1-8).
I truly believe we are better together. Let's get to work.
Randy Davis
Executive Director/CEO