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    United Methodists of Upper New YorkLiving the Gospel. Being God's Love.


    news article

    I live in two worlds

    March 16, 2021 / By Rev. Holly Strickland, Conference Commission on Religion & Race

    As an African American woman, I live in two worlds.

    One world has modeled and shaped for me the culture of my ancestors. Even though I do not have a family tree where the lineage can be traced to generations of military, businesses, and/or land acquisitions, I do have a heritage.

    Many people know a great deal about where their family is from or at least have a general idea from the family stories and locations that are shared while growing up. As an African American, I do not have that kind of historical detail. My ancestors were part of the Atlantic slave trade, which was designed to strip them of their language, music, art, and religion, and separated them from their families.

    Africa is a huge continent and somewhere within that space are the early ancestors who are a part of my origin. In 2018, I took a mission trip to Kenya, in East Africa. I felt so comfortable there. In my spirit, I felt as though I had come home. Home to a place where most of the people looked like me. Where the rhythms of the music and the gratefulness of what God can do touched me deeply. So much so, in fact, that I shared with the people I met that I was claiming Kenya as my country of origin. While on this trip, God showed me that I do have a legacy, albeit limited.

    However, there is another world that I live in: a white-dominated society where people with lighter skin color, different from mine, have an abundance of power and wealth, and control the society's systems. These systems include economy, housing, education, justice, prisons, and health, to name a few. This is a reality that people of color encounter every day in one way or another.

    This world keeps me in a state of tension and unrest most of the time. When a police patrol car drives up behind me, I shudder. I know that even those who are following the law and the speed limit can get pulled over and not live another day. I know that because of the police brutality and violence and other types of racism in this society, that when my sons, grandson, and nephews leave for a day of work, a jog in the park, or a trip to the grocery store, they may not come back. I know that there are certain back roads and places that I dare not stop if I am looking for directions, running out of gas, or need help with my car. Yes, even now, in 2021, these situations exist.

    I also know that when I go for an interview or start a new job, I need to have every hair in place, wear a three-piece suit, and provide an outstanding resume. Regardless of how qualified I am, the first thing employers will see is the color of my skin. That is, if I even get an interview. According to a 2017 study published in the Harvard Business Review, companies are more than twice as likely to call minority applicants for interviews if they submit "whitened "resumes than candidates who reveal their race—and this discriminatory practice is just as strong for businesses that claim to value diversity as those that don’t. So, if my name sounds too ethnic and Black, I might be pre-judged and denied an interview.

    I know that my children and grandchildren may very well be treated differently by teachers and administrators than white students. One study shows that Black students are more likely to be suspended or expelled, less likely to be placed in gifted programs, and subject to lower expectations from their teachers. And, for some reason, when students of color are awarded scholarships and internships, white parents think their own children have been robbed of these opportunities. In fact, a 2018 article in the Washington Post tells us that nearly two-thirds of white Americans oppose affirmative action policies—though the vast majority of Americans will never be directly affected by them. The data show that most prefer "colorblind" admissions policies; however, the processes fail to produce more inclusive, diverse campuses.

    History tells us that people of color were never expected to become citizens of this country, never expected to learn to read or write, never expected to own land, or to be financially independent. They were considered chattel, the property of the slave master, and nothing more. Like the animals on the plantation, they had no rights or power. As in a caste system, people of color were considered at the lowest point in the hierarchy.  

    We know that some things have changed. Slavery is no longer legal. Jim Crow laws have been abolished. But systemic racism still exists in our society. And it's the continuous practice of systemic racism that tries to keep me in a state of tension and unrest if I allow it.

    However, scripture tells us that we are all one race. Galatians 3:28 reminds us, “There is neither Jew nor gentile, there is neither slave nor free, nor is there male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (NIV). This love centers us around the love of our Savior and Lord. The Bible is our compass and guide. John Wesley tells us that we are moving toward perfection. He tells us to do good, do no harm, and stay in love with God.

    However, as Christians, we aren't perfect. Some people who declare they are Christians and disciples of Jesus Christ may use the benefits of white privilege and entitlement as though they are God’s only chosen people. The problem is when people who control the wealth and power in the world do so selfishly and unjustly. There are still those who would deny or restrict basic human rights to people of color, including health care, housing, employment, and education.

    Yes, I live in two worlds—black and white—but it is God's world that keeps me focused and working to serve God and others in a righteous way. And for all of us imperfect Christians, the love of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit is what keeps us moving through our worlds in the best way possible.


    With more than 100,000 members, United Methodists of Upper New York comprises of more than 675 local churches and New Faith Communities in 12 districts, covering 48,000 square miles in 49 of the 62 counties in New York state. Our vision is to “live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God’s love with our neighbors in all places."