Tune in for a Race Unity Day Celebration on June 14

In the midst of our shared trials and tribulations, anguish and sadness, anger, and cries for equity and justice, I — like you — am searching for ways to be the change I wish to see in the world. 

As I see photos and videos of what’s happening in the United States, and as I read the many profound and eloquent commentaries and proposals from high and low alike regarding how to change things, I come back to this: What contribution can I make? 

As the founding executive director of the National Center for Race Amity, I take it to heart when the Baha’i writings say we should cast “away once and for all the fallacious doctrine of racial superiority, with all its attendant evils, confusion, and miseries.” And I feel a deep sense of responsibility knowing that Baha’u’llah, the prophet and founder of the Baha’i Faith, said more than a century ago: “Let deeds, not words, be your adorning,” 

Since 2010 we at the National Center for Race Amity have worked to shift public discourse on race so that it recognizes and celebrates our ability to overcome racial prejudice through association, amity, and collaboration. With that in mind, we hope to bring solace and upliftment to our collective spirits and hearts through our virtual 2020 Race Amity Day Celebration, which will be live streamed on Facebook and YouTube on Race Amity Day — Sunday, June 14, 2020. The hour-long program, “Reset To Our Destiny – E Pluribus Unum,” will stream starting at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT. 

Award-winning journalist Celeste Headlee will host, and nearly two-dozen scheduled guests including scholar and social commentator Joy DeGruy, chair and president of the National Council of Negro Women Johnetta Cole, civil rights icon Dolores Huerta, recording artist Andy Grammer, and actor-comedian Rainn Wilson will share insights and solutions that bring people together instead of apart during these trying times. Click here to sign up for event information and updates.

Listen to our podcast interview with Dr. William “Smitty” Smith on America’s Most Challenging Issue

I want the National Center for Race Amity to be what back in the day was called the “water boy.” We will support the valiant crusaders, young and old, black, white, brown, and tan, as they raise the cry demanding justice. We will reset the narrative to our destiny of E Pluribus Unum. 

I’m a former athlete, and my favorite T-shirt from my wife states “X Jock – The Older I Get The Better I Was,” I know, as do many of you, the value of the water boy — now called a field assistant — whether the role serves in high-level sports, or less organized sporting activities.

As water boy for the movement for race amity, NCRA wishes to bring a refreshing  and soothing tonic to our weary hearts — a cool, refreshing clearness containing the reassurance that right is might, and the scientific, moral, and spiritual truths that we are  one human family. I hope you’ll tune in as we travel the arc to justice on Race Amity Day. May we all become the better in us!