Sacred Scarred

LaTonya Taylor's Thoughts

LaTonya Taylor is an excellent editor and writer based in the Chicagoland area (presently she edits and writes for Ignite Your Faith magazine).  We went to college together and worked together in the admissions department giving tours and the like.  In college, I always found her to be thoughtful, reflective, and passionate (both in person and as a writer for the Echo, our campus newspaper).  Nothing has changed.  In light of the Don Imus comments, she shares her perspective as a Christian, an African-American, and a woman.  Thank you, LaTonya.

Imus' Scarring Words: An opportunity to learn

The maelstrom radio shock jock Don Imus started when he referred to members of the Rutgers University women's basketball team as "nappy-headed hos" is winding down. The Scarlet Knights issued a statement accepting Imus's apology for words he called "insensitive and ill-conceived."

I find this outcome so far only partially satisfying. People heard something outrageous and were outraged. They understood Imus's words were both racist and sexist, attacking the Rutgers players' beauty as people of color, as well as their stewardship of their sexuality. And the market spoke. After initially suspending Imus in the Morning for two weeks, CBS canceled the radio show, and NBC Universal canceled his TV simulcast on MSNBC's cable channel.

But part of me hopes that Imus's remarks also lead to a redemptive conversation within the Christian community. I hope we can move from satisfaction over Imus’s punishment to think about ways we can redeem his situation--and others like it.
[Read the rest.]

I MUSt PROMote RECONCILIATION

A storm of media has covered the racist and sexist comments made by radio host Don Imus since he called the players on Rutgers' Women's Basketball team "nappy-headed hos."  Just google news search for Don Imus, Rutgers if you're not quite up to date (there's plenty to read).  It serves as yet another example of the need for the ministry of reconciliation.

Toward that end, you truly must read this article:

Integrated Prom will be First at GA High School

All I can say is, "Wow!" 

• Wow, that here we are in 2007 and this the first time this is happening at this school (how many others are there?)
• Wow, that there are actually a group of students who are making a change to "tradition" because it's the right thing to do (good for them).
• Wow, that the next generation may actually be willing to "breakaway" from past hurt and segregation and move toward the heart of God (let's keep praying).