From “US: The Resurrection of American Terror” by Rev. Kenneth W. Wheeler
Dr. King was clear that reparations would have to be paid by the government. But what I’m suggesting to my white sisters and brothers is something much deeper and much more profound. I am suggesting that you look deep into the recesses of your hearts and souls to find enough humanity within you to undertake a journey back to the Black sisters and brothers that you discarded and rejected and find ways to make amends.
There is a human dimension which is equally important, if not more so, and that has to do with restoring the trust that has been broken between Black and white people. This will be the greater work – and it will not be resolved within a short amount of time. White people and white Christians must be willing to take the lead to repair the breach. White Christians in particular must be willing to commit to being involved in this reparative work for the long haul. The work of racial justice is not episodic. It is a lifelong struggle. Four hundred years of white supremacy cannot be solved or erased by giving lip service to diversity and inclusion programs when your congregations still remain largely white. A sermon once every blue moon about racial justice is also inadequate.