Race Amity: Forging a Path… to Achieve Unity in Diversity

“So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.” Baha’u’llah

…The goal of building a new civilization requires complete change in how society is organized and also in the conduct and behaviour of individuals. In this connection, Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings intend “to effect a transformation in the whole character of mankind, a transformation that shall manifest itself, both outwardly and inwardly, that shall affect both its inner life and external conditions”. (bahai.org)

Eliminating individual prejudice is a necessary, but insufficient, part of promoting racial unity. Human beings have embedded racial disunity within geographic space, where it is hard to change and is reinforced by political, economic, and social boundaries. Thus, individual people may believe themselves free of racial prejudice, but they may face no or weak testing of this belief if they are isolated in geographic circumstances that solidify racial disunity. (June Manning-Thomas/ https://bahaiworld.bahai.org/library/spatial-strategies-for-racial-unity/)

The Baha’i teachings say that our virtues find their highest expression when we use them to promote the oneness of humanity. In this way, spiritual growth and social action are in a reciprocal relationship, joined together as one. The Baha’i teachings also posits that, one’s two-fold moral purpose is service to others, and to develop one’s spiritual capacity, which include: truthfulness, trustworthiness, patience, kindness, understanding and love, to name just a few.

There are already significant efforts underway to learn how to create models of unity in neighborhoods and communities throughout the nation. Baha’is have been persistently engaged in such efforts for many years. The aim is not unity in sameness—it is unity in diversity. It is the recognition that everyone in this land has a part to play in contributing to the betterment of society, and that true prosperity, material and spiritual, will be available to us all to the degree that we live up to this standard. We should earnestly discover what is being done, what truly helps to make a difference, and why. We should share this knowledge throughout the country as a means of inspiring and assisting the work of others. If we do this, we could soon find ourselves in the midst of a mass transition toward racial justice. (National Spiritual Assembly of The Baha’is of The United States)

In this meetup discussion, let’s consult on actions we can take to guide humanity on a better path of unity and harmony. We know that change is inevitable. How might we contribute to this ever-advancing civilization together? Baha’is are working through-out the world to advance the whole of humankind toward unity and justice. People of all backgrounds, religions, and beliefs are welcome.

We also invite you to join us in person if you live or are visiting in the Chicagoland area! The location is listed below:

The Oak Park Baha’i Community Center
124 Madison Street
Oak Park, Illinois