Dan Berry • May 27, 2025
I’m currently reading Dr. Jennifer Harvey’s new book, Anti-Racism as a Daily Practice.
In the first chapter, she talks about how people often approach her and ask how she became so passionate about racism. That made me reflect on how I’ve been asked the same question. If you’re involved in anti-racism work, chances are you’ve been asked, too.
What Were They Really Asking?
Whenever I was asked, there always seemed to be an undertone—like they were leaving something unsaid. After a few years of hearing the question, I began to realize that what they were really asking was, “Why do you care about racism when you’re white?”
I’d love to share more of my story here, but my race journey began in 1991 when I pioneered a church with a vision to break down the racial walls of division that have plagued the church since its inception.
At the start, I was ignorant of why these issues were becoming so important to me. But as my church family grew more and more diverse, I began to experience the beauty of life outside the cultural norms I had always known.
It was during that season that the question from other white people started surfacing more frequently. I found myself forced to reflect deeply on my answer. Often, though, people weren’t really interested in what I had to say. The question was a mask for their true intent: Why are you messing with this? You need to stop stirring the pot and leave it alone.
Nevertheless, what was my answer? Was I trying to be a good person? Trying to prove I wasn’t racist? Was I acting out of some “White Savior Complex”?
In the beginning, I didn’t have a clear answer. But one idea that kept surfacing was that one of Jesus’ final prayers was for His followers to find their way into oneness—to become repairers of the breaches that have caused such deep division. As I pastored and led the church, I had to grapple with the possibility that what was important to Jesus was becoming important to me.
Did I mention that most of the people asking me why I cared were white? They couldn’t understand why I, a white person, was making this an issue.
Why Does It Matter?
I realize not everyone reading this may be into the “Jesus thing,” but for those who are, maybe the real question is: As followers of Jesus, why should we care about racism?
I think it’s good for those of us who say we follow Jesus to pull over every once in a while and reflect on why we do what we do.
I’m sorry if this seems too simple or obvious, but—could it be that it should matter to us because it matters to Him? Could it be that I should be committed to tearing down any system that demeans or marginalizes anyone created in the image of God?
Aside from our faith, shouldn’t we, as human beings, want to become better people? Shouldn’t we feel compelled to do something when other human beings mistreat each other—even when it doesn’t directly affect us?
I don’t know if this resonates with you, but if you ever feel that inner nudge to get involved—do it. Come off the sidelines. Step into the arena alongside others, and let your voice be heard. If you’re confused or afraid but still feel the pull to do something, reach out to us here at Brownicity. There’s a team of people waiting to talk, educate, and encourage you on this journey.
Thank you for taking a moment to reflect on your journey.
Finally, I highly recommend Dr. Harvey’s book, Anti-Racism as a Daily Practice.
He has pastored for forty years in Iowa. After pastoring in predominantly white spaces for several years, he began to realize the need to bring about racial healing in the body of Christ. For the last 30 years he has worked to bridge ethnic and cultural divides, a work that has led him into confronting the churches complicity in upholding systems of racism.
Recent Comments