Reflections after Charlottesville

He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. 1 John 2:10–11

As I reflect on the events that happened in Charlottesville, Virginia, I am saddened by the radical exhibit of deep-seated, sinful hatred that was so viciously displayed and caused the death of a young woman who was a supporter of social equality and promoted anti-racism. We all know that racism has always been a part of the legacy of America, and it started long before the theft and enslavement of Africans.

Hate groups such as the KKK, neo-Nazis, and “alt-right” nationalists promote ethnic cleansing and the annihilation of human beings. Fear and loathing of marginalized people, along with the negative portrait of certain culturally ethnic communities, are major tools of oppression, and this lays a foundation that becomes a breeding ground for the ideology of white supremacy. These people do not know God because they walk in darkness. If they knew God, they would know that there is no master race; there is no superior race; there is only the human race. God created it and the only one that is superior in this entire universe is Him.

Although my heart hurts because of Charlottesville and the casualties that happened there, I find myself saying that the entire United States of America has been awakened by the political and social alarm of racism and white supremacy. Americans have wiped the scales from their eyes and are no longer blind to the realities of bigotry. The voice of Americans is being heard, and it is shouting loud and clear: not again! Hate can no longer be tolerated, and we will stand strong against those who live in the dark world of human oppression, discrimination, and racial inferiority. As an Alabamian who saw the civil rights movement up close, I cried a heartfelt cry that we are here again. As a pastor, I prayed long and hard for our people, our country, and asked Christ to give me the strength to stand and not waver in these dark, turbulent times. God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound judgment.

So, here I stand, yet again, in the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ and the biblical sword of truth in my hand, with prayer in my heart and a voice that speaks out against the dark cowardice voice of racism.

Will you stand with me?

Rev. Doris Hooks