Three Faiths Gather in Omaha to Address Race and Religion

I had the privilege to gather with colleagues and learners from different fields and backgrounds to think about one of the most critical issues of our time – the intersection of race, religion, and social justice.  That day, I attended a session entitled “The Bridge from Harm to Hope.” One stands out in my mind of the many important stories and questions that came from it. Barry Thomas, an expert in DEIA and educational leadership, told a story about the tsetse fly, an African disease bearing insect. He had been teaching about the tsetse fly for nearly two decades when he found out that it became a danger only after the onset of slavery. When millions of people were stolen from their homes and native lands, the change in population density allowed the tsetse fly to move beyond its natural borders and cause harm to the West African community. 

The point of sharing this story was to illustrate the ways in which harm can sometimes be perpetrated without our knowledge. When we do not know (or care to know) the full story, we become part of a system that perpetuates harm. 

“It is not our fault,” concluded Mr. Thomas, “but it is our responsibility.” 

Since that day, I have been thinking about how we reconcile the harm we cause by being part of the very systems that perpetuate it. A Jewish teaching from Pirkei Avot, the Ethics of our Ancestors, explains, “it is not your duty to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.” We cannot desist in our efforts to right the wrongs of our time, and we cannot shy away from taking responsibility for the pain and damage we have caused, inadvertently or otherwise. 

The initial Race, Religion, and Social Justice Conference brought me considerable pleasure. The problem is selecting the most pleasurable moment! The Keynote Panel, Race Religion, and Social Justice: North Omaha Concerns, targeted a multi-diverse group of attendees, looked at the weaknesses and strengths of social justice in the North Omaha community. It was a joy to witness several attendees take the initiative to ask questions that could lead to collaboration among the groups this conference represented. 

The questions were directed at each of the panel participants, Rev. Portia A. Cavitt, 

Pastor of Clair Memorial United Methodist Church, Rev. Stan Rone, Pastor of 24th Street Church of God The Worship Center, and Rev. Kenneth A. Allen, Pastor of Zion Baptist Church. Their expertise in community engagement, healthcare initiatives, and collaboration within the North Omaha Community drew offers to help make a difference. Genuine interest and awareness were evident in the questions submitted by the conference attendees. 

After talking with the panel participants, all were gratified to find that so many attendees received information about North Omaha that dispelled myths attendees later began with, “I thought that…”, or “I didn’t know that…” I watched as our panelists interacted attentively with professionals, academics, laypersons, and others, all of whom seemed to find significance in their presentations. 

Now, after the dust has settled, comes the true test. Good intentions mean little if there are no positive outcomes to those good intentions. The promised collaborations made at the beginning of the day and nurtured throughout the conference day need to be fulfilled. Positive outreach results come only with hard work and genuine commitment to our desired social justice. 

The inaugural Race, Religion, and Social Justice Conference was incredibly eye-opening and thought-provoking. Every speaker and every breakout session shared different pearls of wisdom – from the opening panel discussion on North Omaha to the closing keynote, Dr. Simran Jeet Singh, whose speech revolved around “Hate, Faith, and Belonging.” However, before any of those even began, I was struck by a realization that this space – in Omaha, Nebraska of all places – was one of the most diverse I had ever been in. That feeling has stayed with me during the months that have passed since this event, and more than anything I believe it’s a testament to the incredible community here and the inspiring work that the Tri-Faith Initiative does. 

There were so many pieces of wisdom that I took away from this conference. Still, the two that were most impactful were the Jewish teaching that says, “you are not obligated to finish the work, but neither are you free to desist from it” (Pirke Avot 2:21) and this James Baldwin quote shared by Dr. Singh, “If I love you, I have to make you conscious of the things you don’t see.” Both of these speak to the larger issue of social justice and, more than anything, reminded me that I am not alone – that the Muslim community is not alone – in trying to change the world for the better. Learning from other faith traditions has helped me to deepen my understanding of Islam and allowed me to see that although we might disagree on how to get there, we have the same goal of creating a better world – one where everyone feels safe and accepted. As a young Muslim woman, there are not many spaces in the U.S. where I feel truly able to be my whole self; Tri-Faith is now one of those spaces.