Baha'i

Race Unity Picnic
June 13, Sunday
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Ballard Park, Picnic Shelter by the river, Melbourne Fl.


	Pete Meyers Food provided by Perkins Restaurant in Viera

Fere Behdin	Tara McArthur	Dale Hooge	Sasan Rohani
Sang songs about "World Peace"	Talked about "The Vision of Race Unity"	Talked about "Progress in the Area of Race Relations"	Talked about "The Advent of Divine Justice"

A. INTRODUCTION (Taraneh Motlagh)

On behalf of the Bahai groups of Melbourne, Titusville, and Cocoa Beach; the Local Spiritual Assembly for the Bahais of Brevard County and Palm Bay, a very warm welcome to everyone who came today to help celebrate and recognize Race Unity Day. Race Unity Day was first recognized and put into practice by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States in 1986.

Race Unit Day is officially recognized this year on Monday, June 14, 1999. We hope this day will give us all an opportunity to get more acquainted. This afternoon we have asked several members from the Bahai Faith, who live in Brevard County to come forward and present some thoughts on race unity.

I would like to introduce Tara McArthur, from Brevard County who will share with you some points regarding The Vision of Race Unity.

B. The Vision of Race Unity (Tara)

One of the underlying messages in the statement, The Vision of Race Unity - America's Most Challenging Issue, written by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States during the middle 1990's, stems from the principle of the oneness of humanity. Each one of us, no matter what our color, religion, or ethnic background, all of us are put here on earth for a purpose. That purpose is to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization.

In order to advance, "It implies an organic change in the structure of present day society, a change such as the world has not yet experienced. "Although we hear time and again that America is one of the best places to live it is a fact that not all Americans enjoy the same standard of living.

We find on the contrary, that the majority of people who enjoy and have come to accept as norm, the style of living we all see projected on our television sets, are for the most part depicting people from a white background. How then can we say that America is the best place to live when certain minorities have been prevented from developing in a fair and equal way? "The fundamental solution", the National Spiritual Assembly writes, "the one that will reduce violence, regenerate and focus the intellectual and moral energy of minorities, and make them partners in the construction of a progressive society--rests ultimately on the oneness of humankind."

Each one of us knows and has experienced what it feels like to be looked down upon by others in the group no matter what the reasons might be, racial or otherwise. The violence that occurred at Columbine Jr. High School, although not racially driven, nevertheless, occurred as a result of segregation within a group that was basically homogeneous in nature, yet we have all witnessed the turmoil and pain it created. How much greater the potential for violence among adult populations separated by man-made artificial barriers between peoples of different race, religion and culture.

The following quote taken from the vision statement helps to understand this situation much more clearly. "It is entirely human to fail if that which is the most important to people's self-perception is denied them--namely, the dignity they derive from a genuine regard by others for their stature as human beings." The statement goes on to explain, "Absence of the genuine regard for others fostered by such truth causes hopelessness in those discriminated against, and in a state of hopelessness, people lose the coherent moral powers to realize their potential." In the sight of God we are all equal, once we understand the importance of this principle we will learn to accept our differences in a positive way.

It is entirely possible that this most unfortunate event could have been averted if students and parents alike understood the importance of being taught proper values. "What we need to include in our educational programs", the statement advises, "are the values of tolerance, brotherhood, appreciation for cultures other than our own, and respect for differences." Further to this, "Both groups must understand that no real change will come about without close association, fellowship, and friendship among diverse people. Diversity of color, nationality, and culture enhances the human experience and should never be made a barrier to harmonious relationships, to friendship or to marriage."

It is the view of the Baha'i community of America that each one of us must do his or her part in solving this problem if we are to continue to advance in this great country. "We believe, moreover, that the day of the unification of the entire human race has come and that, "the potentialities inherent in the station of man, the innate excellence of his reality, must all be manifested in this promised Day of God."

	Race Unity Talks
	A. Introduction B. The Vision of Race Unity C. A Realistic Look at the Question of Progress in the Area of Race Relations. D. The Advent of Divine Justice
	A. INTRODUCTION (Taraneh Motlagh) On behalf of the Bahai groups of Melbourne, Titusville, and Cocoa Beach; the Local Spiritual Assembly for the Bahais of Brevard County and Palm Bay, a very warm welcome to everyone who came today to help celebrate and recognize Race Unity Day. Race Unity Day was first recognized and put into practice by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States in 1986. Race Unit Day is officially recognized this year on Monday, June 14, 1999. We hope this day will give us all an opportunity to get more acquainted. This afternoon we have asked several members from the Bahai Faith, who live in Brevard County to come forward and present some thoughts on race unity. I would like to introduce Tara McArthur, from Brevard County who will share with you some points regarding The Vision of Race Unity. B. The Vision of Race Unity (Tara) One of the underlying messages in the statement, The Vision of Race Unity - America's Most Challenging Issue, written by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States during the middle 1990's, stems from the principle of the oneness of humanity. Each one of us, no matter what our color, religion, or ethnic background, all of us are put here on earth for a purpose. That purpose is to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization. In order to advance, "It implies an organic change in the structure of present day society, a change such as the world has not yet experienced. "Although we hear time and again that America is one of the best places to live it is a fact that not all Americans enjoy the same standard of living. We find on the contrary, that the majority of people who enjoy and have come to accept as norm, the style of living we all see projected on our television sets, are for the most part depicting people from a white background. How then can we say that America is the best place to live when certain minorities have been prevented from developing in a fair and equal way? "The fundamental solution", the National Spiritual Assembly writes, "the one that will reduce violence, regenerate and focus the intellectual and moral energy of minorities, and make them partners in the construction of a progressive society--rests ultimately on the oneness of humankind." Each one of us knows and has experienced what it feels like to be looked down upon by others in the group no matter what the reasons might be, racial or otherwise. The violence that occurred at Columbine Jr. High School, although not racially driven, nevertheless, occurred as a result of segregation within a group that was basically homogeneous in nature, yet we have all witnessed the turmoil and pain it created. How much greater the potential for violence among adult populations separated by man-made artificial barriers between peoples of different race, religion and culture. The following quote taken from the vision statement helps to understand this situation much more clearly. "It is entirely human to fail if that which is the most important to people's self-perception is denied them--namely, the dignity they derive from a genuine regard by others for their stature as human beings." The statement goes on to explain, "Absence of the genuine regard for others fostered by such truth causes hopelessness in those discriminated against, and in a state of hopelessness, people lose the coherent moral powers to realize their potential." In the sight of God we are all equal, once we understand the importance of this principle we will learn to accept our differences in a positive way. It is entirely possible that this most unfortunate event could have been averted if students and parents alike understood the importance of being taught proper values. "What we need to include in our educational programs", the statement advises, "are the values of tolerance, brotherhood, appreciation for cultures other than our own, and respect for differences." Further to this, "Both groups must understand that no real change will come about without close association, fellowship, and friendship among diverse people. Diversity of color, nationality, and culture enhances the human experience and should never be made a barrier to harmonious relationships, to friendship or to marriage." It is the view of the Baha'i community of America that each one of us must do his or her part in solving this problem if we are to continue to advance in this great country. "We believe, moreover, that the day of the unification of the entire human race has come and that, "the potentialities inherent in the station of man, the innate excellence of his reality, must all be manifested in this promised Day of God."
	B. A Realistic Look at the Question of Progress in the Area of Race Relations (Dale) -Address given by Martin Luther King, Jr. at Freedom Rally Addressing an audience in St. Louis almost 40 years ago, Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke on the subject of race relations and the kinds of attitudes we use in tracking it's progress. The one attitude which Martin Luther King, Jr. preferred was what he called a more realistic position, which lay somewhere between extreme optimism and extreme pessimism. In other words, whatever steps have been taken so far to improve race relations in this country we, nevertheless, still have a long, long way to go. According to Martin Luther King, Jr. peace between races, does not simply mean the absence of tension, but rather the presence of justice. So often we are led to believe that everything is okay when in fact it is not. Incidents of racism are covered in the news media continuously. This underscores the need for each one of us to adopt an active part in bringing about peace with justice. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave numerous explanations as to why this country would benefit from practicing a true democracy whereby all men would be treated as one. He counseled the African American people not to spend their money on nonsensical things but rather, "on the eternal values of freedom and the cause of justice.", words that all of us need to reflect and act upon. He admonished his audience with these words, "Be sure our methods are thoroughly moral and Christian." Martin Luther King, Jr. stood for non-violence. He asked his listeners to "get a hold of this simple principle of love (Love Your enemy) and let it be the guiding principle throughout our struggle." He prayed for leaders in the community who were in love with humanity. Each one of us, irrespective of the abilities we possess, has the capability to adopt and support this worthy goal in life. Martin Luther King, Jr. assures us, "If we will do this my friends we will be able to speed up the coming of this new order which is destined to come. This New World in which men will be able to live together as brothers. This new world in which all men will respect the dignity and worth of all human personality. This new world in which men will learn the old principle of the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man and when that happens we will be able to go out and sing a new song: Free at last, free at last, great God Almighty I am free at last."
	C. the Advent of Divine Justice (Sasan ) - by Shoghi Effendi In the 1950's, Shoghi Effendi, lovingly referred to by the Baha'is as the Guardian of the Faith of Baha'u'llah warned the Baha'i community that it would take a great deal of courage and effort to satisfactorily resolve the issues of racial prejudice in American society. Shoghi Effendi told us how to improve race relations within the Baha'i communities and how it could it be done. "Strive earnestly and put forth your greatest endeavor toward the accomplishment of this fellowship and the cementing of this bond of brotherhood between you. Such an attainment is not possible without will and effort on the part of each; from one, expressions of gratitude and appreciation; from the other, kindliness and recognition of equality. Each one should endeavor to develop and assist the other toward mutual advancement of.love and unity will be fostered between you, thereby bringing about the oneness of mankind. In stressing the importance and urgency of the matter Shoghi Effendi states, "White and Black, high and low, young and old, whether newly converted to the Faith or not, all who stand identified with it must participate in, and lend their assistance, each according to his or her capacity, experience, and opportunities, to the common task of fulfilling the instructions, realizing the hopes, and following the example, of Abdul-Baha. Whether colored or non colored neither race has the right, or can conscientiously claim to be regarded as absolved from such an obligation, as having faithfully followed such an example." Shoghi Effendi mentions, "Unlike the nations and peoples of the earth, be they of the East or the West, democratic or authoritarian, communist or capitalist, whether belonging to the Old World or the New, who either ignore, trample upon, or extirpate, the racial, religious, or political minorities within the sphere of their jurisdiction, every organized community enlisted under the banner of Baha'u'llah should feel it to be it's first and inescapable obligation to nurture, encourage, and safeguard every minority belonging to any faith, race, class, or nation within it."Baha'is were encouraged at that time, to make sure in their own respective communities that no discrimination should be tolerated. In fact, if discrimination was to take place it should be in favor of the minority. In the case of Baha'i elections, for example, if a tie vote is the result, then all things being equal the person who represents a minority from within the community should be chosen. Shoghi Effendi asked the Baha'i communities the world over to adopt "Freedom from racial prejudice" as their watchword making sure that it should be demonstrated in all aspects of their lives. Reflect with me for a moment on the words chosen in the title of the book, The Advent of Divine Justice. The dictionary describes the meaning of the word "advent " as the arrival of something momentous. The word "divine", refers to foretelling the future but its important meaning relates to God, or devotion to God and also coming from God. Finally then, "justice" is the principle of ideal or moral rightness, being fair. The question we need to ask ourselves is, what essential principle of fairness is God bringing to man. Bahai's believe that the divine answer to this question has been given already. Over one hundred years ago Baha'u'llah wrote these words. "O ye discerning ones! Verily, the words which have descended from the heaven of the Will of God are the source of unity and harmony for the world. Close your eyes to racial differences, and welcome all with the light of oneness." and "We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations." He then proclaims, "That all nations should become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men should be strengthened; that diversity of religion should cease, and differences of race be annulled." This is the vision we need to set before our eyes. Martin Luther King, Jr. once asked for leaders who were in love with humanity, leaders who didn't follow the dictates of their own egos but rather worked towards those things that would benefit the whole of society. Judge for yourselves the truth of Baha'u'llah's words who said, "That the various races of human kind lend a composite harmony and beauty of color to the whole. Let all associate, therefore, in this great human garden even as flowers grow and blend together side by side without discord or disagreement between them." Baha'u'llah once compared the colored people to the black pupil of the eye surrounded by the white. In this black pupil is seen the reflection of that which is before it, and through it the light of the spirit shineth forth." No one, whatever their race, should expect or allow the other to be the only one doing their part. For those who think of themselves as superior, Shoghi Effendi says, let them abandon this false notion and with it correct a patronizing attitude towards the members of the other race. "Nothing short of genuine love, extreme patience, true humility, consummate tact, sound initiative, mature wisdom, and deliberate persistent, and prayerful effort, can succeed in blotting out the stain which this patent evil has left on the fair name of their common country. Let them rather believe, and be firmly convinced, that on their mutual understanding, their amity, and sustained cooperation, must depend, more than on any other force or organization operating outside the circle of their Faith, the deflection of that dangerous course so greatly feared by Abdul-Baha and the materialization of the hopes He cherished for their joint contribution to the fulfillment of that country's glorious destiny."