Black History Month 2024: Nikki Haley isn’t the only one having trouble talking about racism and slavery. Invited to speak at a university, the topic was put to me: “Why is it so hard to speak about race?” Truth be told: I don’t know.

All my life—in word, thought, lack of thought, action, inaction, shouts, whispers, chants, taunts, and, lest I forget, in all manner of deeds joyful and affirming―people around me have spoken of nothing but race. Hardly an expert on NOT talking about what we’re always talking about, I turned to others for answers:

Because:

Race speaks volumes about us we do not want to hear.

We’re afraid to say the wrong thing.

We’re afraid to expose ourselves to criticism or ridicule.

Race makes us feel important.

Race makes us feel insignificant.

Race is painful.

Race is denial.

Race is science, but some don’t want to believe it.

Race is lies, but some don’t want to believe it.

Race, racism, is the story of America.

Race, racism, “is not who we are.”

Race raises some up by putting others down.

Race is an uncomfortable conversation I’d rather not indulge.

If we stop talking about it, the problem will go away.

If we stop talking about it, the problem will never end.

Race, racism, is like a drug; you keep wanting more, more, more.

Often asked questions of race, I’m just as likely to be asked to answer with a message of hope. I’m reluctant because the ASK skips a step. What the ASKER really seems to want is a first-class ticket on an express train to hope; bypassing stations of conscious thought, self-awareness, responsibility, moral imperative, and the participatory demands of what is truly required of us as citizens.

The question I ask myself isn’t “what should I say?” It’s “what must I do?” My job, as I see it, is to help us get past our past through action―activist healing. I remind myself to:

Watch my language. Be careful of the words black and white—when “black” is used for all things negative and “white” for things pure and innocent. Racism is embedded in the very words we speak.

Rethink conventional wisdom. In a society where racism is a “way of life,” many prefer it remain unquestioned. Whose way of life? Who prefers it so?

Resist phrases like “the importation of slaves.” People are not cheese or olive oil. You don’t import people. Africans were kidnapped; the American Slave Trade was human trafficking. African Americans were not “born slaves,” they were enslaved at birth. 

Reject denial. It’s not that 21st century ideas are being imposed on 18th century life. Twenty-first century people are demanding we remember that while some 18th century people believed in enslaving others, other 18th century people—notably, millions of people enslaved—did not; those forced to walk “The Trail of Tears” did not support Indigenous removal and genocide. Violating human rights then does not entitle us to justify that violation now.

Reject policies enacted in the name of religion that trample fundamental human rights. There is not a respected religion in the world that does not have at its core: do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

There’s more that could be said, but this is where I start. How about you?

Janus Adams hosts “The Janus Adams Show” on Saturdays at 11 a.m. on Radio Catskill, 90.5 FM. Learn more at www.janusadams.com.