Anyone who was ready with the obituary of racism in American will have to wait. The news of Henry Louis Gates, Jr.'s arrest in his own home and the exaggerated reactions to it around the country highlights the real and dangerous presence of the old prejudices. Focusing on Gates' behavior after being confronted in his own home only highlights the pervasiveness of racism. Reminders from some that black men should always go docile when confronted with police make the truth even harder to hide.
Those of us who are privileged European Americans should step up to say helpful things and promote the strength and health of the black community and the black churches.
In that light, I'm proud to point to the new initiative at my seminary, the LPTS "Black Church Studies Program" announced this spring and ready to begin this fall. See the link at http://www.lpts.edu/News-Events/article.asp?intID=321.
My colleagues on the faculty and staff, and particularly Lewis Brogdon, are to be commended for their courage and strength to persist and pursue this program for the sake of the black community and the black church!
The Lifelong Learning Office of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary publishes this blog to create and nurture a community of lifelong learners for leadership that transforms the church and the world, to invite members of that community to participate in the Lifelong Learning Programs sponsored by LPTS, to encourage formation of smaller learning communities and study groups, and to alert members to learning experiences available at other venues.
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