“I BELIEVE THAT UNARMED TRUTH AND UNCONDITIONAL LOVE WILL HAVE THE FINAL WORD IN REALITY.”

In our blogs and on our podcast, we want to sound like “unarmed truth” and “unconditional love.” This means that we speak the truth in love, without intent to harm or diminish, and that we love without discrimination based on ideology and issues.

R4R will intentionally:

• Guide in honest, hopeful communication and analysis.
• Give the audience a sense of community and consistency in purpose.
• Galvanize people to pursue racial reconciliation, steeped in love and truth.

5 MAJORS R4R ADDRESSES

1. Redefining Reconciliation
   We believe that reconciliation is one step toward each other, standing together in transparency and truth, then stepping forward together in love and justice. It is not a pledge to simply get along, but to connect to correct what has been harmful.
2. Tackling Tokenism
   We believe that the assertion and belief that “I’m not racist” because “I have a Black friend” is harmful and hinders reconciliation. Authentic friendship wants the best for each other, and systemic and structural racism is far from the best for Black people in America. How can I be a friend if the burden of racism is not something I’m working to lift?
3. Ensuring Equity
   We believe that equity does not equal lack for anyone and that it is key for reconciliation. When we commit to helping eradicate racially motivated inequity, we are demonstrating love in action. Love in action is essential for reconciliation.
4. Walking in Wisdom
   We believe that wisdom (sound, integral assessment and application of knowledge, experiences and history) makes reconciliation tangible and attainable.
5. Creating Culture
   We believe that unhealthy culture deters reconciliation and that, with attention to language and listening, we can create a culture that fosters racial reconciliation.

5 MINORS R4R AVOIDS

1. Who had it Worse
   We avoid comparing atrocities and attempting to weigh oppression.
2. Who does it Better
   We avoid comparing activists and leaders and, instead focus on useful tools and thoughts that strengthen Our Vision and Our Voice.
3. Hanging in Hopelessness
   We avoid language and postures that rob us of hope, instead choosing to merge understanding of history and undergirding with hope.
4. Harboring Hatred
   We avoid lingering on discord and hatred, instead facilitating conversations in a way that, within a strategic time frame, turns us to truth and reconciliation.
5. Staying Stagnant
   We avoid remaining where we are, emotionally, mentally and spiritually, instead embracing movement as a part of racial reconciliation.