To the Editor:

As someone who is regarded as white, why am I a member of the Jackson County NAACP? This is what I know: the policies that hurt black children in schools also hurt white children. The conditions that create hungry black children also create hungry white children. The policies that keep black families from getting health care keep many white families from getting health care. Laws that hurt black workers also hurt white workers. Therefore, what is good for black people is good for everyone. When we unite over our common needs, solutions can be found.

From a Christian point of view, Jesus was quite clear. He stated (Mark:31) that the second of two commandments is to “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

If you think your neighbors are only those who look like you or agree with you, Jesus also said (Matthew 5:44) “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

Later (Matthew 25:40), Jesus said “as you did to one of the least of these my brothers, you do to me.”

Jesus is again quoted (John 13:34) as saying “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”

Clearly, Jesus is for brotherly love, not hatred.  In addition, hatred doesn’t just hurt the recipient, it hurts the souls of those who hate even more.

As for Jesus himself, was he not born a Middle Eastern Jew, with dark skin? The whole notion of black versus white is superficial, if not artificial, as we are all human beings whose ancestors originated in Africa. If you don’t believe me, have your DNA tested and find out for yourself.

To hate others for their humanity is to hate oneself. That is no way to live. Ultimately, this is about justice, and not for ‘just us.’  As the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Until all are free, none are free.” Now that is the way to live.

When we all come together, we can create something positive for everyone.

Dan Kowal

Franklin