HAL BRADY: Perspective on a racial crisis

A few years ago the city where I lived experienced a racial crisis. A 39-year-old African-American passenger in an automobile was killed. The vehicle had been targeted by police officers who believed it was carrying armed men and illegal drugs. It wasn’t, but the 39-year-old man was fatally shot by a sheriff’s deputy after the vehicle had been pulled over on an interstate

Almost immediately following this family and community tragedy, the mayor of our city, concerned African-American and Anglo-American pastors, and Civil Rights leaders began to meet together.

We met on a regular basis to listen to one another, discuss issues of injustice and other community concerns. Though the discussions were not always congenial and sometimes intense, ultimately they were unifying and productive.

Several of the issues considered and discussed were a Citizens Review Board, a committee to review the criminal justice system in our city, justice for the deceased, adequate compensation for the family of the deceased, the release of the tapes of the incident, the creation of business zones in the South side of the city for investment capital with grants to businesses and tax incentives, a cross cultural emergency board and other.

This unifying committee led to other clergy, business leaders and concerned citizens coming together 12 days after the incident for “A Crying Out Together To Become One Rally” in the downtown of our city. The theme of this noon-day public rally was “Reconciliation and Healing” and, according to the local press, some 400 people participated.

Specifically, I remember the words of one well respected community business leader. This leader said, “I applaud the restraint shown by the black community and the leadership the black community has had. I firmly believe the tragedy of this man’s death is the beginning of a new era in our community.”

The leader continued with an appeal to the attendees to think in “we” terms rather than “us versus them” language.

A prominent African-American minister challenged the community and the sheriff’s department to do the right thing in the wake of the shooting.

As a result of these and numerous other efforts, justice issues were addressed and race relations improved. It would not have happened had not community leaders and concerned citizens of both races worked together for the common good.

Regarding the racial issues of today, people have the right to peacefully protest and sometimes that may be necessary to draw attention to the injustices. But I do not personally believe that these injustice issues will ultimately be solved in the streets.

There is much greater opportunity for resolution around the discussion table where people are honestly willing to work together to overcome the difficulties.

Back in our city, these were the steps and actions we took around that discussion table and beyond.

First, we in the white community demonstrated our concern for the family of the deceased. We publicly apologized and asked for forgiveness and sought to enter the family’s pain. We visited with the family, prayed for the family and sought to provide compensation for the deceased man’s children and spouse.

Second, community leaders, average citizens and clergy really listened to each other around that table. The truth is we will never really understand a person until we consider things from his/her point of view.

Third, we didn’t major on our differences and all the things that separate us. We concentrated our efforts on issues of injustice — improving the way the criminal justice system works, equality in education, further training for police officers, a citizens review board, stronger incentives for widespread community business development, and ongoing meetings.

Fourth, the media worked with us as a positive reinforcement for community betterment and unity in the midst of great diversity.

Granted, there are serious justice issues in our nation to be solved. However, the best way to address these issues is to remember that we are all created in the image and responsibility of God and are called by God to work together to build a just, fair and merciful society. Truly, may God bless America as we engage together in these noble efforts.