Black Lives, White Lies: The Need for White Christians to Fight Racism in America

Book excerpt: Most of us at one time or another have experienced or even told a “White Lie”. We may tell one to keep from hurting someone we care about. We may tell one to hurt someone. Whatever the source or the reason a White Lie is always inaccurate information. Unfortunately, when it comes to Race in America, White Lies have been a staple of the narrative. White lies have been told to Black people, about Black people and believed by Black people. White lies have been told to White people about Black people and believed by White people. Lies, lies and more lies, and as our nation’s history tells us, this has not been a recipe for success when it comes to Blacks and Whites “understanding” each other. Because of all the lies, many Whites in America are puzzled by the phrase “Black Lives Matter”. Some are offended and think Black people suddenly think they are better than Whites. Nothing could be further from the truth. This book is an attempt to provide a glimpse into the reason that phrase came into being. It provides information for Black readers that has not been provided by mainstream history in the U. S. It will shed light on things that all Black Americans should understand about how we arrived at this point. It hopes to enlighten White readers in a very small way about the “Black Experience” in America. It seeks to answer some of the questions White readers may have about what led to the use of the phrase and encourage White Christian readers to consider “taking up this Cross” in an effort to be more like Christ.