At just five years old, I was naive to the social realities of our differences, she was simply my friend. Later I learned that Jessica’s hair had nearly fallen out after her mom applied a chemical straightener attempting to get rid of her natural curl. Meanwhile, I had my hair permed to try to attain curly hair like Jessica’s. My mother received judgmental looks and rude comments from strangers when we were all out together. The realities of our differences played out in the ways we were treated, and in the personal ways we each understood ourselves. As I look back on my five-year-old innocent self, the social influence of race cannot be denied.

For me, my friendship with Jessica, and later experiences with people who were ‘different’ than I was, formed a lifelong appreciation and value for ‘differences’. This curiosity and value for diversity spread to ‘differences’ of all kinds. It is my experience that our differences make us stronger. Our differences help our communities to be more creative, compassionate, and vital! In my work with the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado I seek to support communities where religious difference is appreciated and protected. Where our religious freedom is supported to allow people of all religions- or no religion- to work together for the good of the whole community. We can honor our uniqueness, while working together for a common vision for freedom, equality, and flourishing for all people.

Race and racism are vital issues within and between each of our religious communities. We need to face the racist past and present within many religious traditions, and to seek to honor cultural differences, while breaking down cultural and racial stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination.

I hope you will join us at the History Colorado Center RACE: Are We So Different? exhibit on January 4th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. as we gather to reflect on our experience of the powerful exhibit, and to discuss in facilitated dialogue the intersection of race and religion.