Race and Jesus on This American Life

I am a white teacher who taught grades 6-8 in an all black school outside Washington, DC in 1994.  I remember a student who ridiculed the Pledge of Allegiance , especially the line about liberty and justice for all. And I didn't have an answer for him. But I also brought in a manger scene during Advent to put on my desk.  I had painted all the faces dark brown.  One of the students picked up the baby Jesus in amazement-"Look!  A black Jesus!"  And I also answered, "I'm sure Jesus looked more like you than like me."  I hope it had an impact on that young man and the others who witnessed the exchange. 

Brilliant and beautiful. I listened to this, by chance, just after reading a poem by Langston Hughes, ''Children's Rhymes.'' 

    By what sends / the white kids / I ain't sent: / I know I can't / be President.
    What don't bug / them white kids / sure bugs me: / 
    We know everybody / ain't free. 

    Lies written down / for white folks / ain't for us a-tall: / 
    Liberty and Justice - Huh! - For All?

This story reminds me that hope lives in the small things, in Christ's love shared and witnessed - more in small deeds than in big words! - from person to person.

Thank you for posting Michael.

"Use words only when necessary".  The sister's action had all the meaning in the world. Kids could understand the message. We are all created in the image of God.

Full of grace.

We all know that Jesus was a blond-haired, blue-eyed neo-Nazi Nordic Aryan!  Every piece of painted artwork shows us that.  Would our betters lie to us?

The good sister is just preaching pinko commie trash.