Over the last few years, a phrase has entered our national vernacular “…while Black.” The … part of the phrase refers to ordinary activities of life such as driving, walking, jogging, studying, shopping, bird watching, etc. The phrase “while Black” refers to the racial profiling experienced by Black people as they engage in these ordinary activities. Numerous examples continue to emerge through media reports from throughout our nation. The consequences are severe ranging including humiliation, fear, arrest, and even death. All these reveal that racial injustice runs deep and is not limited to a few high profile cases. Another example came to light recently when a Black man who is a pastor in his community was arrested while watering his neighbor’s plants. The neighbors had asked the Reverend Michael Jennings to water the plants while they were out of town. A white community resident did not recognize Rev. Jennings at first and reported a suspicious Black man in the neighbor’s yard. Police responded and ended up arresting and handcuffing Rev. Jennings even after his wife provided his identification and the person who made the report told the officers she subsequently recognized him. He was charged with “obstructing a government operation” and taken to jail. The charge was eventually dropped. The video posted below provides more details about this example of unjust racial profiling. For those of us who are not Black, this is another reminder to listen to our Black sisters and brothers when they share their experiences of “…while Black.” It is especially important not to dismiss or minimize their experiences, downplay the trauma caused by racial profiling, or perpetuate the systems that result in racial profiling. We honor the image of God in every person by exposing the injustice of racial profiling, listening to our sisters and brothers impacted by racial trauma, and engaging in the ongoing work of personal and systemic change until the phrase “…while Black” is no longer part of our vernacular.
