I think when we can finally shake various fears and biases, we may be able to face the contributions of Africa to our lives. Even though my appearance can be labeled "European-American", all twenty-two or so branches of the family of humans seems to stem from Africa, one way and at one time or another. I just have to go a little farther back in time to find the connection between my ancestors and "African-Americans".
I am glad that my country celebrates the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.and the civil rights activists of the earlier decades.
I feel as though I can understand the impulse to illegally and immorally capture people and transport them across the ocean from their homes to a foreign land. I can understand the impulse even while I condemn it. I can thank those who survived and contributed to the development of my country, no doubt often unwillingly but still mightily and helpfully. However, when I read Ira Katznelson's "Fear Itself" and saw how generations after the end of the Civil War, people were still cunningly and deliberately keeping opportunity away from African-Americans, I have a harder time saluting the Red, White and Blue. I have a harder time believing in the good in people.
I realize that fear and pride and nastiness lurk in our hearts and may emerge at any time and place. I do hope we can edge toward saluting and appreciating the good, the potential, the achievements, the value, the intelligence, and the beauty of all our citizens.
