Citizens concerned for our communities
“Why do they hate us?” these are the words of a seven year old grandchild to his grandmother and these same words are coming from those who serve as keepers of the peace in our communities. Though this question is being asked, the reality of the emotions that surround it must be met with the resolve that brings the community together, rather than being the fuel that tears us apart. The challenge we face in this hour will require that there be effective leadership to navigate us all through this storm.
Leadership in the home, school, business and community must be willing to stand for what is right. The leadership that will make a difference cannot be driven by what is popular nor what is politically expedient. Leadership for what is right is not about profits over people, nor can it be about privilege or prestige. The burden of leading our communities and nation through these difficult days will not belong to someone else. We are the current torch bearers and we must complete our leg of this journey to build and grow our families, communities, nation and world.
The great institutions of our society (the family, the church, the schools, the businesses and the governments) must be willing to change the things that need to be changed. The institution and the individual must confront the issues of character with conviction. We must challenge ourselves to be a part of the solution. Silence in a time of unrest is capitulation to the status quo. The very reason there are problems is because there are problems that are not being addressed. Therefore, silence cannot be the instrument that we use to make our lives better.
The voice of community leaders needs to be heard in every committee meeting, church, family gathering, synagogue, and any other meeting that is taking place to do more than fan the flames of discord but also to let the refreshing wind of change be felt throughout the community. Our children should not be afraid that tragedy is waiting around the corner for them nor should they be discouraged for being keepers of the peace as a result of fear. We are a people who have accomplished tremendous things through the years because of our tremendous capacity to believe that in this present age we were made to make a difference for the betterment of all humanity.
The challenge we face today compels us to confront hate with love and fear with an unshakeable faith. We do that by creating dialogue with one another in an intentional way. If the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step then we can begin to change things with a smile and a courteous hello, from officer to citizen and from citizen to officer. We do this by declaring truth about these issues from the pulpits, boardrooms and podiums as we empower and encourage others. We do this through cooperation rather than isolation.
Rev. Dr. Daryl J. Vining Sr., Hebron Fellowship Baptist Church
Bishop, Dr. Harvey B. Bee, Christian Fellowship Church
Dr. Tolan Morgan, Fellowship Bible Baptist Church
Dr. Johnny Ellison, Pastor, Green Acres Baptist Church
Pastor Paul Little II, Bibb Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Pastor David A. Clarke Sr., Union Grove Baptist Church
Levi Rozier, MTH Sr. Pastor, Harvest Builders Worship Center
Rutha Jackson, president, Houston County Branch, NAACP, Grace Temple International Worship Center
Pastor Mack McCullough, Word In Season Ministries
Pastor Dale L. Smith, Mt. Sinai Fellowship Church
K. King, King Management Consultant
Kevin Hasty, Lifeway Christian Bookstore
This story was originally published July 18, 2016 at 6:40 PM with the headline "Citizens concerned for our communities."