LIGHT ON BASIC UNITY
BY LOUIS G. GREGORY
Green Acre and the Bahá’í Ideal of Inter-racial Amity
THE oneness of mankind is one of the fundamental Bahá’í principles. Adherents of the Bahá’í Faith understand the vital importance of the practical application of such teachings in daily living, for in this age of light deeds that have a truly spiritual basis will transform the world. Although the message and principles of racial amity as proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh do not change, yet from time to time capacities and understandings may greatly enlarge. Changes of methods, of workers, of human events and experiences also come and have their bearing, so that each outward effort may seem unique. Conferences or conventions formally organized for racial amity in America and under Bahá’í auspices have covered a decade and have been uniformly successful. The latest conference held in Green Acre, Eliot, Maine, in August of 1931 was no exception. Indeed it even surpassed the sanguine hopes of its sponsors. Its structure proved a clearing house for views pertaining to the scientific, aesthetic, sociological and spiritual as they affect the happiness and harmony of mankind.
One of the most significant contributions
to the conference was the addresses
made by Mr. William Leo Hansberry,
Harvard scholar and specialist in the
Department of History, Howard University,
Washington, D. C., who unfolded recent
studies in anthropology, paleontology and
archeology bearing upon the continent of
Africa. Under the subject: “Negro
Civilizations in Ancient Africa,” he
made a deep impression not only by his
profound learning but by his ability to express
scientific discoveries in common parlance
and a way
intelligible to the laity. He presented
knowledge of recent years which has
completely changed current ideas among the learned
about Africa and the influence of its Negro
inhabitants upon the great civilization of
the past. As a result many now believe that
Africa has a prior claim to Asia as the
cradle of the human family. Positive proof has
come to light of great kingdoms and
empires which formerly existed in Eastern,
Western and Central Africa and which
often surpassed the better known cultures
of Europe and Asia. These findings upset
the idea that Central Africa and its Negro
peoples have had but little part in human
history. This region of the world has had a
most decided and positive sway over the
destinies of mankind. Science, fortified by
ancient literature, now shows that European
types of people in very ancient times
emigrated there from Africa and this is
quite manifest, it is claimed, in most of the
Mediterranean races. It was shown quite
clearly that these African peoples played a
much more important part than has been
realized in early prehistoric civilizations.
Among curious statements made by Mr.
Hansberry were: That the Sahara and
Lybian deserts, once fertile plains, were
occupied by Negro peoples. The drying up
of these regions caused the inhabitants of
these regions to seek homes in Europe and
Asia where during the passing ages and
cycles they were gradually changed
by climatic conditions into lighter
hues. That most Egyptian culture
began in Central Africa and that
the Egyptians themselves
had a very large admixture of Negro blood.
That many Greek legendary characters were
considered by ancient writers as either
Ethiopian or Central African in origin.
That from the eighth to the fourth
century B. C.
one of the most virile and powerful
civilizations was that of Ethiopia.
That during the Middle Ages Negro
kingdoms and empires of the Western
Sudan were better civilized than
contemporary states of Europe.
That the drying up of certain vast regions,
the rejection by peoples of the
Christianity[Page 487]
of
neighboring peoples, the slave trade and
other disintegrating influences were factors
which entered into the collapse of culture
and the downfall of Negro civilization.
Mr. Hansberry’s lectures were illustrated
by numerous pictures of fossils, monuments,
paintings, pictures of tombs, sculptures,
temples, etc. These all showed features of
kings and other great characters
unmistakably Negro. His story of the human
race in evolution and description of
Proplipithacus hackelli, the supposed
missing link of the
scientist, a very interesting little creature
which gradually evolved through such
stages as Austrolopithicus africanus and
Homo capensis, types found among African
fossils and similar to those of other
continents, all finally culminating in
Homo capensis, presented a fascinating study. The
effect of climate upon hair and complexion
over long periods of time was also
scientifically explained.
He accepted without reservation from the standpoint of his researches the Bahá’í principle of the Oneness of Mankind.
The social aspects of race relations claimed a session and a half of the convention and two extra special meetings, growing out of a spontaneous desire to deal more intimately and directly with problems of daily life involving the color line and to remove the clouds and cheer the hearts by disinterested kindness. Many questions were asked and many voices were raised in consultation with no trace of inharmony. What do we owe to our fellow beings of another race? How can we aid them if victimized by oppression on the one hand or heedlessness and indifference on the other? The lordly ideals of Bahá’u’lláh, the lofty exhortations of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the vibrant notes of Shoghi Effendi gave light to the spirit of consultation. A friend from far off New Zealand gave an enlightening account of the high standards of justice maintained by the English settlers in that country to the Maori, the
First Inter-Racial Amity Dinner held under the auspices of the Pasadena Bahá’í Assembly; December 1930.
aboriginal race, which has brought the latter,
but half a century ago cannibals, to
the highest plane of social, political, cultural
and spiritual awakening. Should any nations
of the earth do less for their peoples, whether
black or white, native or foreign born?
The power of the Prophet brings new
birth. The new teachings of the new day
are adequate for unity in all race relations.
This work is one of the most needed and
the most inviting for human service. Justice
to our fellow beings clarifies our own vision.
The ignorant can and must be taught. The
heedless must be attracted and even the
“dead” must be revived! People born in an
atmosphere of prejudice are not hopeless.
Such conditions yield to spiritual training.
Association with those who firmly but
[Page 488]
lovingly
take the stand for right may often
bring astonishing results. Improvements in
the ways of travel and service with a just
standard raised for all; education which
proves the subjective as well as the
objective harm of prejudices; practical ways of
handling situations and people; the need of
keeping willing workers busy and therefore
happy; the urge for friends themselves to
find opportunities to serve a world full of
sorrowing hearts, are some considerations
that require action. Amity conferences
express the life pulses of action.
The structure of an amity conference is a group of harmonious and willing workers. These must strive wisely to enlarge their circle by conveying their hopes and ideals to others. The social and welfare workers who are found in every community are often those most likely to respond to an appeal for this humanitarian service, bringing their noblest treasures of heart and mind. How the psychology of suffering masses may be affected by the knowledge that somewhere in the world there is a group of people who believe in translating high thoughts into action is something to ponder. That which is, is affected by that which ought to be. The real is influenced by the ideal. Ideals must be cherished and spread. Should ideals be lost all that is worth while in humanity would soon be lost. The array of idealists and workers who came to this convention augmented the joy of life. Others were absent in person but present and quite cheering in spirit. Among the latter was a man of great influence, former governor of a neighboring state, who asked to be remembered when such another convention is held. A United States Senator wrote:
“I greatly appreciate the honor of this invitation and wish I could be with you. But my plans for the month of August are already made and cannot be changed. I have a great deal of sympathy for the splendid work you are doing. You have my best wishes for its continued success.”
One of our seasoned workers who could not attend sent her address which with other beautiful thoughts contained this exhortation:
“Amity is a campaign requiring patience, knowledge and spiritual guidance, holding the good of another in mind vigilantly lest satisfaction with a deed blind us to its quality. Let us determine that not one day shall pass without an effort toward racial amity. Thousands of little acts, small sacrifices that are within the reach of all will bring great results. God will assist us to march forward to a new day in the relationship of all mankind.”
The spiritual part of an amity conference is always the most important and it was emphasised by the chairman on the opening night. After quoting a number of the most powerful aad beautiful of the divine teachings, he said:
“If the light is one, is it possible any longer to view and treat mankind as separated by color, race, or merely material origin? We are meeting tonight as representatives of many races in a world baffled and confused by the serious problems of adjustment that confront us. If a man wishes to plant a garden and raise fine vegetables or fruits and has no suitable instruments such as plow, hoe and seed, he is helpless. Such is the condition of the world today. Mighty forces are at work which no man can subdue unless equipped with divine instrumentalities at present unknown or unacceptable to the statesmen and governments of the world. Nevertheless these instruments exist and are divinely fitted for the work at hand. Therefore it remains for those who are informed of their existence, who are conscious of their perfect adaptation to the needs of the world, to demonstrate their perfect fitness, usefulness and uniqueness to heal the wounds of the world. This is a mighty task. But be assured that Divine Assistance is at hand to strengthen and confirm every soul who arises for this supreme service to mankind.”
The Sunday morning session was especially
planned to teach man’s sole dependence on
God and His creative power. The
Spirit’s Fire of Attraction was the subject.
A voice from the far South told of distressing
conditions which can be remedied
only by a heavenly power. The one universal
outlook is the spiritual. The slow
process which steadiness makes success
certain, that of striving to gain the
respect,[Page 489]
esteem
and affection of those whom we try
to teach, received due emphasis, as likewise
did the need of the friends of truth and
justice everywhere, that they should
maintain a firm and courageous attitude
in upholding the great principle of the oneness
of mankind. A number of striking examples
showing victory for the friends under
various trying conditions as they adhered to
this principle, was set forth. It is that
mysterious power known as the confirmations
of God, which enables His servants to
execute the difficult task even when it runs
counter to all the traditional passions and
prejudices of earth.
The Spirit of Bahá’u’lláh, that great and manifest Light, seeks willing mirrors for its reflection in the world of hearts. Those who pray earnestly and are active in service under the shadow of guidance may perceive its perfections and power. Eyes may see the signs of God. Ears may become attentive to celestial music. Hands may serve. Feet may tread in the footsteps of the True One. Minds may reflect the thoughts of God. Knowledge from Him may teach His ways. Hearts may become knowing through kindness to all the creatures, leaving no place for the dust of prejudice and the rust of hatred, and banishing fear. This is the way of racial amity which moves above the world of limitations into that of eternal realities. One of the most effective amity workers thus sums up this conference:
“I was inwardly impressed during the three days of the conference, and particularly at the unique and wonderful atmosphere of the musical and fellowship meeting Sunday night, that the Pentecostal outpourings were flowing. I do not think that I have ever seen or experienced before such an utter demonstration of the blending of races as on that evening, nor witnessed such love as passed to and from every heart. This is the first realization at Green Acre of that in which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá told us to participate. This is the answer to Green Acre’s problems, spiritual and material. The message from Shoghi Effendi through Miss Easterbrook, a recently returned pilgrim from the Holy Land, clearly points to this as the solution, ‘an emphasis upon racial harmony.’ You should feel radiantly happy.”
