Today marks day six at the Chautauqua Institution and I have never wanted a “learning vacation” to be over so quickly. Joy is found in the mere thought of packing and leaving. The racist incidents and remarks continue to mount as we have learned that we will not be talking with the leadership about it but were informed that a private meeting had been held during which the matter was addressed and remedies made. A report of the emotions displayed at the retelling of the incidents was presented to the group along with potential and future changes to the program. But I digress.
One lady leaned forward while talking to her friends on either side to say, “I don’t come year after year but I am glad to see that when I look around, I see the status quo.” She said this even as we gathered to prepare our hearts for yesterday’s morning worship service. That she would give place to race even in the very presence of God, that she would take the time to ensure that I was reminded that my cultural representation was a numerical minority even as we gathered to celebrate the same God who gave the same Son who left for all us the same Holy Spirit by which we are all filled, that she forgot about the grace and mercy of God that saves us all and makes us one in His Body but remembered the privileges of the social coloring of her skin is both disturbing and disheartening.
And while I am certain that we read the same Bible, it seems, at least for me, that perhaps our interpretations are drastically different. So, today I imagined that if race could preach as it often does, what would its Sermon on the Mount be?
Blessed are the socially colored white people because the kingdom of earth is theirs. Blessed are these who dominate because they will be supported by all fields of understanding and influence. Blessed are the slaveholders’ children because they will inherit the land and its wealth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for self-righteousness because they will be filled. Blessed are the privileged because they will be given more privileges. Blessed are the pure in ‘skin’ because in them, we see God. Blessed are the race-makers because they will be called the prophets of God. Blessed are those who are celebrated for race’s sake because the kingdom of earth is theirs. Blessed are you when they compliment you and accept you and falsely attribute the goodness of the world, its inhabitants and their success to you because of your race. Be glad and rejoice because your reward is great in earth. For it is how they blessed the socially constructed white people before you. Matthew 5.3-12, New Revised Racialized Version
The Raceless Gospel 
Question…what would you have said if you could have spoken with the leadership or publicly to everyone there?
Nice piece…blessings…Tobias
Thank you, Tobias. I’ll need some time to formulate a response to your question.
Starlette, thank you for this powerful rewriting of the Beatitudes spoken in the voice of race/racism. I am saddened and outraged by the racism you have experienced this week at Chatauqua.
Thank you, Dr. Morrison. It has been quite an adjustment and a learning experience nonetheless.
That was awesome! I think a sermon on this title is in order.
Thank you, Ms. Nita!