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[Page i]A BAHÁ’Í COMPANION FOR YOUNG EXPLORERS

Brilliant Star

www.brilliantstarmagazine.org VOL. 49 NO. 1

SPEAKING UP FOR RACE UNITY AND JUSTICE

QUIZ: HOW WELCOMING ARE YOU?

Power of Unity [Page ii]Brilliant Star BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER 1233 Central Street, Evanston, Illinois 60201 U.S. 847.853.2354 brilliant@usbnc.org Subscriptions: 1.800.999.9019 www.brilliantstarmagazine.org

Published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

Amethel Parel-Sewell EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR C. Aaron Kreader DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR Amy Renshaw SENIOR EDITOR Heidi Parsons ASSOCIATE EDITOR Annie Reneau ASSISTANT EDITOR Foad Ghorbani PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

MANY THANKS TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Mei Arrowsmith Sophia Berger Lisa Blecker Leo Reed Breneman Tod Ewing Layli Graham Garrett Haghighi Andrea Hope Kevin Locke Lindsey Lugsch-Tehle Nora Lyon • Sara Moore Paziano Parel-Sewell Layli Phillips Donna Price Gail Radley • Christopher Rash Beata Reintjes Anya Schroder Salena Vare Dr. Dawn Wright

ART AND PHOTO CREDITS

Original illustrations by C. Aaron Kreader, unless noted By Lisa Blecker: Photos for pp. 8–9 By Foad Ghorbani: Art for p. 6 Historical photos courtesy National Bahá’í Archives, unless noted

STORY AND ACTIVITY CREDITS

By Amy Renshaw: 7, 11, 13, 14, 19, 26, 29 By Heidi Parsons: 6, 16, 22, 28 By Annie Reneau: 4, 12, 21, 25, 27 By Lisa Blecker: 8 By Donna Price: 10, 11, 14, 20

SUBSCRIPTION RATES AND RENEWALS

To order or renew a subscription, contact Bahá’í Subscriber Service: Standard U.S. rates: $18 (One year); $32 (Two years) International airmail: $38 (One year): $68 (Two years) Canada and Mexico: $28 (One year); $48 (Two years) Toll-free: 1.800.999.9019/E-mail: subscription@usbnc.org

RIGHTS, PERMISSIONS, AND CLASS USE

All content in this magazine is copyrighted by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the U.S. or by individual contributors. For permission to copy or translate material, contact: Rights and Permissions, Brilliant Star, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Teachers may photocopy pages in limited quantities for classroom use. "Brilliant Star" and issue date must be present on all copies, and proper credit given to the copyright owner.

FAVORITE FEATURES

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Mission of Peace He faced exile and injustice with courage.

Nur’s Nook A craft inspired by an American Indian symbol

We Are One Explore and care for the place we all call home.

Riley’s Rainforest Could your brain be prejudiced?

Lightning and Luna: Episode #74 What happens when Elka Ego’s followers desert her?

Radiant Stars Get to know kids who shine, like you.

Maya’s Mysteries A quiz on scientific facts about race

Stargazer: Tod Ewing He strives for racial justice and healing.

Shining Lamp: Magdalene Carney She educated hearts and minds worldwide.

Cosmo’s Corner A crossword and more from our favorite chameleon

aMAZEing ADVENTURE Soar through space with Zeke and Rhombus.

Brilliant Star empowers kids to explore their roles as world citizens. Inspired by the principles of peace and unity in the Bahá’í Faith, we encourage readers to use their virtues to make the world a better place.

The Bahá’í Faith is the second most widespread religion in the world, with over five million Bahá’ís. It was founded by the Prophet Bahá’u’lláh ("Glory of God" in Arabic) in 1863. Bahá’u’lláh taught that all people are part of one human family, and all religions come from one God. Bahá’u’lláh’s eldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, interpreted His teachings and led the Bahá’í community after Bahá’u’lláh’s passing. Today, Bahá’ís work to bring love and justice to the world, and end prejudice and discrimination of all kinds.

ISSN 0884-3635 [Page 1]POWER OF UNITY VOL. 49 NO. 1 • MARCH/APRIL 2017

NEW DESTINATIONS

2	More Than Two Colors Andrea Hope shares her experiences of race.
6	How Welcoming Are You? Quiz yourself on your inclusive attitude.
7	Sheep Smarts They don’t let stereotypes hold them baaa-ck.
10	Uprooting Racism Dig deep to defeat prejudice.
13	Respectful Remedies Tips for fighting microaggressions
19	What Do You Say? Practice speaking up about injustice.
21	Monster CommUNITY Tame beastly thoughts with tasty treats.
25	Privilege: An Unfair Game What can games teach us about justice?
26	A Memorable Meal with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá He treated everyone with respect.
27	The Hair We Wear Hairstyles reflect our cultures.

DEAR FRIENDS,

Like a painting with the vibrant colors of a rainbow, humanity is an amazing canvas of diversity. But that beauty isn’t always appreciated. Though we’re one human race, people from various cultures or backgrounds are often treated unfairly.

The injustice of racism causes great harm and pain to individuals, families, and our world. To achieve peace and unity, we need to love one another like sisters and brothers.

In this issue of Brilliant Star, explore how to put love into action to help end racism. Find out why our brains create prejudices and how to stop them. Practice what to say when you see or experience prejudiced behavior. Create a hoop inspired by an American Indian symbol for harmony. Quiz yourself on how well you include others. And get to know Tod Ewing, who applies spiritual solutions to his work for race unity.

Most people want justice and peace. But it will take a lot of effort to paint a global mural that honors everyone. First, we all need to work together to erase prejudice. How will you help?

LOVE, BRILLIANT STAR [Page 2]

More Than Two Colors

By Andrea Hope

Andrea and her husband, Marcin Góra, were married in ‘Akká, Israel, in 2015. They currently serve at the Bahá’í World Centre in Israel.

When I was a kid, I moved from Freeport, Bahamas, to Virginia, United States. The winters were icy cold in my new city, and the American accent was very different from my Caribbean one. But the biggest difference was seeing so many new colors of people. In the Bahamas, almost everyone had brown skin, but in the U.S. there were "beige," "peach," and "paper bag-colored" people. At least, those were the words I used to describe them when talking to my mom.

It took me a while to realize that most people in the U.S. saw each other in just two colors: black and white. Since my family is mixed race and I thought my skin looked more like milk chocolate, I didn't like being called black. As a black girl, I was less likely to read positive stories about people who looked like me. I was also more likely to be followed around in stores. When I got good grades, I was told, "You're just trying to be white!" My first experiences with prejudice—being judged or treated meanly by people because of their assumptions about me—were because of my race. It felt like being black meant not being trustworthy or smart.

In my family and my Bahá’í community, race didn't come with so many expectations. I was part of a small group of black, white, and Asian friends who prayed and studied the Bahá’í writings together. We learned that "the diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord" (‘Abdu’l-Bahá). One of my favorite songs said that even with all of our different skin tones, "one heart, ruby red, beats the heart of man."

Open Heart

Now I'm 30 years old, and I've seen this truth with my own eyes. I've been to Europe, Africa, and Asia and seen the beauty of so many cultures that contribute incredible things to the world. I've met people in every country with colorful personalities and the same desire for understanding. One of the amazing people I met is my husband, Marcin, who is from Poland.

In my marriage, I sometimes still feel the pain of racism. When law enforcement treats me differently than my husband while traveling, it makes me feel unequal. Because my experience with race is not like everyone else's, it's important that I share these stories with my friends and family and listen to their stories as well. Experiences with racism and prejudice are very personal, so we should try to listen to each other's stories with an open heart.

Some people have such deep pain from facing discrimination in their lives that they have lost hope that we can all be treated equally. Some think that interracial marriages like mine just will not work. Others have spent all of their lives with one race and have too much fear to meet people from another. Sometimes it's hard to talk with people who come from very [Page 3]WE different backgrounds. But Marcin and I agree that there is no better way to work toward uniting the races than to build a life together with love.

Throughout history, progress toward racial unity has often been through love. Once people got to know each other, their friendships grew so strong that they couldn't stay quiet about injustice. Like Branch Rickey, a baseball pioneer who was motivated to take action when he saw a black player from his team crying after being refused a hotel room because of his race. Years later, Rickey hired Jackie Robinson as the first black athlete to play in Major League Baseball. Rickey said, "I may not be able to do something about racism in every field, but I can sure do something about it in baseball."

Andrea, age 10 (left), celebrates her uncle's wedding in New Jersey, with her older sisters, Elizabeth and Latricia, and their mother, Johnetta.

Of course, we still have a long way to go. But we can be inspired by those who have helped in this journey. We can also try our very best to make friends of all races and to speak out when we feel or see discrimination.

With our family, friends, and community, we can learn more about the diversity of the human race and grow in compassion, love, and understanding.

Images: art by sollia and Lorelyn Medina; portraits by Lindsey Lugsch-Tehle

Unity in Action

How many of these things can you do to help build race unity in your community?

• Talk with your friends about racism you've experienced or seen.
• Learn a quote that inspires you to work for justice.
• Create artwork that shows the beauty of the human race.
• Invite a diverse group of friends over for dinner.
• Visit a cultural history museum. Share what you learn.
• Read about achievements of people from different races and share them.
• Say a prayer for unity.
• Consult with elders, friends, and others about ways to achieve race unity.
• Watch videos about different cultures (such as TEDxKids).
• Interview an interracial couple about their marriage.
• Try a game from another culture.
• Write a poem about unity.
• Help at a cultural festival.
• Ask if your school can host a diversity workshop.
• Take an imaginary trip by learning all you can about another country.

Andrea Hope is a spoken word artist who has performed poetry and taught workshops in many countries around the world. She is also the author of the poetry activity book, I Am & I Can. [Page 4]

A Brief Timeline: The Life of Bahá’u’lláh

The highlighted area marks the time in which this story takes place.

1817 November 12 Birth of Bahá’u’lláh in Tihrán, Iran

1844 Recognizes the Báb as a new Messenger of God

1852 Imprisonment in the "Black Pit" of Tihrán

1853–1863 Exile in Baghdad, Iraq. From 1854–1856, He goes into the mountains to pray in solitude.

1863 April Declares Divine Mission as Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith

1863–1868 Exile in Constantinople (Istanbul), then Adrianople (Edirne), Turkey. Begins writing letters to kings and rulers in 1867, urging world unity

1868 Last exile, to prison-city of ‘Akká, Israel

1877 Finally free to live in countryside homes of Mazra’ih and then Bahjí, outside ‘Akká

1892 May 29 Bahá’u’lláh passes away at Bahjí.

Injustice in Constantinople

What do you do when you see injustice happen in front of you? Do you ignore it to keep the peace, or do you stand up for what’s right, even when it’s difficult?

Bahá’u’lláh and His companions faced those questions in Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey). The sultán of the Ottoman Empire exiled Him from Baghdád to Constantinople in 1863. Though Bahá’u’lláh was innocent, Persian officials who wanted Him sent farther away convinced the sultán to banish Him.

Bahá’u’lláh and His companions traveled for 110 days through summer heat with little food and water because of a famine in the area. Bahá’u’lláh’s eldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, was 19 years old. He helped to obtain food when it was scarce and worked tirelessly to make the journey easier for everyone.

When Bahá’u’lláh arrived in Constantinople, officials assumed that He would ask for money or political favors to gain support for His faith. They visited Him, expecting that He would want to start a relationship with them. But Bahá’u’lláh was not interested in such schemes. "I have no wish to ask favor from them," He said. "My work is not of their world; it is of another realm, far removed from their province. Why, therefore, should I seek these people?"*

Bahá’u’lláh’s response surprised most officials. They had never met a man of influence with such little interest in deal-making. Bahá’u’lláh’s attitude bothered the Persian ambassador to Constantinople, and he began to spread rumors about Bahá’u’lláh and His followers. His lies eventually reached the sultán. Without investigating the matter for himself, the sultán ordered Bahá’u’lláh to leave Constantinople less than four months after He’d arrived.

Throughout His lifetime, Bahá’u’lláh’s exiles from His home in Tihrán, Persia (now Iran) covered about 3,000 miles (4,828 km).

The order was unjust, and Bahá’u’lláh refused. Neither He nor His companions had done anything wrong. "Our innocence is manifestly evident, and they have no alternative but to declare their injustice," He said.** He encouraged His companions to stand firm.

But a few of those with Him were frightened and began plotting to save themselves. Bahá’u’lláh saw that discord was brewing among His community and decided to accept the banishment rather than allow their unity to be destroyed. However, He wrote the sultán a long tablet explaining the injustice of his order. He also wrote to the Persian ambassador who had started the rumors about Him, telling him that His Cause "transcends any and every plan ye devise... Were all the governments on earth to unite and take My life and the lives of all who bear

• This quote is from the spoken reflections of Bahá’u’lláh’s daughter, Bahíyyih Khánum, and may not be His exact words.

[Page 5]"The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice..." -Bahá’u’lláh

this Name, this Divine Fire would never be quenched."

On December 1, 1863, Bahá’u’lláh began the treacherous winter journey from Constantinople to Adrianople (now Edirne, Turkey). He traveled with His family and a small group of friends. He told the rest of His companions to return to their homelands to share His faith with others. Though the authorities attempted to put out the flame of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings, its light continued to spread throughout the world. Today, the Bahá’í Faith has over five million followers and has reached every country on the planet.

Bahá’u’lláh lived in this home for one year during His exile in Adrianople.

Word Search

Find 18 words related to the story. Look up, down, backward, forward, and diagonally.

ADMIRE COMMUNITY COMPANIONS DISCORD DIVINE EXILE FIRM FLAME FRIENDS INJUSTICE INNOCENCE JOURNEY KINDNESS LIGHT PEACE REALM TABLET TRANSCENDS

ZNRWQSREFGJTSDY BG JL FJ DRRDPJFIT DEYS FLIN LIDO ESI SFFN LEAGER MCRCN SNO IN AP MOCID POU RU ODK KNTETSEARM MAS WTI EESAAN VDM EXILELN U L C QH A LO EITTBR J DEM LAERC NY BARNY EN RUOJYT IMTWINNOCENCELS V SU IM SKDIO SYGIM I T E 0 N F W M I F E S R GH R DIPB ZU W B WH ZYTHI IGE I ATZE B K G WOT F

• • This quote was reported by a Bahá’í and may not be Bahá’u’lláh’s exact words.

[Page 6]

How Welcoming Are You?

“The world of humanity . . . is like a garden, and humankind are like the many-colored flowers.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Have you ever moved to another town or started going to a new school? It’s not easy being the new kid and trying to make friends. What a relief when someone starts talking to you or invites you to join their game.

Being the new kid may only last a short time, but other differences — such as skin color, ethnicity, or religion — are part of who a person is. Some people see such differences as a reason to stay away. But the Bahá’í Faith celebrates diversity. Like the flowers in a garden, diversity makes our world beautiful and interesting.

Being inclusive, or welcoming, shows people that you respect them and appreciate the things that make them unique. What are your favorite ways to connect with others?

Are you a welcoming person? Circle your answers, then add up your points.

1 I try to make friends with people from diverse cultures. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

2 In a group project, I listen carefully to everyone’s ideas. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

3 I’m patient and friendly with new people. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

4 I encourage friends to welcome diverse kids into our group. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

5 I avoid making assumptions about people based on their looks. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

6 If a classmate looks lonely, I go over and talk to them. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

7 I learn about diverse people and world cultures. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

8 I try to stand up for kids who are bullied for being different. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

9 When I meet a new person, I smile, say hello, and learn something about them, if possible. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

10 I invite kids who are different from me to hang out at my house. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

11 I speak up if I hear an insult or joke about a race or group. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

12 I try to set a good example by speaking kindly to everyone. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

My Score

36–28 points: You’re a world citizen who is wise in the ways of making people feel welcome. Way to go!

27–20 points: You’re connecting with others and building unity. To polish your skills, try another tip from the quiz.

19–12 points: It takes courage to reach out to others. For more practice, try some tips from the quiz. [Page 7]

SHEEP SMARTS

"The sheep, black and white, associate without discord... Therefore, in the world of humanity it is wise and seemly that all the individual members should manifest unity and affinity." —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

If someone calls another person a sheep, it means they consider that person to be meek, easily led, or even unimaginative. Maybe not so smart. But that's a stereotype—an unfair generalization. Sheep do move together in large flocks, but it's actually clever; they unite to avoid predators. They're safer when they stick together. Scientists say sheep are so bright that they can recognize individual faces, navigate a maze, and develop friendships.

There's another way sheep are smart—black, brown, and white sheep all mingle in unity. Their wool is colored by melanin, the same stuff that colors human skin, hair, and eyes. But unlike humans, who can be unfair to those who look different, sheep don't let pigment cause a problem. And that's pretty perceptive!

In this fun field, discover nine sheep with stand-out style.

Collaborative Collin Creative Clyde Integrity Ichabod Kind Katie Listening Laverne Mindful Myrtle Open-Minded Orphus Thoughtful Thera Trustworthy Toto [Page 8]

Make a Hoop for Humanity

"Bahá’u’lláh has drawn the circle of unity, He has made a design for the uniting of all the peoples, and for the gathering of them all under the shelter of the tent of universal unity." - ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

A medicine wheel is a sacred American Indian symbol used for health and healing. It's created in the shape of a circle—an ancient and universal sign that represents completeness. The wheel can inspire people to live more balanced, harmonious lives.

American Indian tribes have different interpretations of the wheel. It may be made as a sculpture, painting, or other work of art. Intersecting lines at the center of the wheel create four equal sections in four different colors. In some tribes, the colors stand for diverse races or ethnic groups, showing that all people are interconnected and equally important.

MY CRAFT REPRESENTS RACE UNITY!

Make your own hoop for humanity inspired by the medicine wheel. Hang it in your home to promote unity and to express your appreciation for our diverse human family.

You'll Need

• .44" (12.1 cm) bowl and 3/4" (9.5 cm) cup (or other round items)
• pencil
• .6" (15.2 cm) square corrugated cardboard
• scissors
• ruler
• two craft sticks
• tacky glue
• yarn (black, red, yellow, and white)
• beads
• one 5" (12.7 cm) and four 8" (20.3 cm) pieces of thin string or cord for stringing beads
• craft feathers

1 Place bowl on cardboard. Trace around it with pencil and cut out circle.

2 Place cup in center of cardboard circle. Trace around it with pencil and carefully cut out inner circle to make a hoop.

3 Lightly glue ends of one craft stick so it's horizontal in center of hoop. [Page 9]

Nur’s Nook

4 Lightly glue ends and center of other craft stick to center of hoop so it’s vertical, forming a plus sign. Press stick ends to hoop and let dry.

8 Repeat steps 5-7 with a different yarn color for each hoop section.

5 Glue end of red yarn against edge of a stick, where sticks intersect.

6 Wind yarn snugly and evenly around stick and stop at hoop.

9 Re-glue stick ends to yarn on hoop. At top of hoop, thread smaller cord under a loop of wound yarn and knot its ends together, to make a loop for hanging.

7 A. Unglue end of this stick where it touches hoop to continue winding yarn around the hoop. Wrapped yarn should span the width of this stick and stop at first edge of next stick.

B. Cut and glue yarn’s end to wrapped yarn or hoop. Avoid gluing yarn to stick.

10 Knot ends of other cords-each to a different loop of wound yarn-along perimeter of hoop. Add decorative beads and feathers to these cords and secure with knots or glue. Trim ends of cords. Now it’s ready to hang! [Page 10]

UPROOTING RACISM

"We must endeavor to free the soil of the hearts from useless weeds and sanctify it from the thorns of worthless thoughts..." —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Like weeds that are hard to eliminate, the roots of racism grow deep in our society. Though laws can protect people, some groups still don't have fair opportunities for jobs, education, housing, healthcare, and more. And just as weeds can damage a garden, unfairness stops everyone from growing to their full capacity.

We all need to dig deep within ourselves and root out prejudice. We can start by being friendly to people who are different from us. Watch for assumptions about people based on how they look. Listen to everyone's thoughts with respect. Be alert to the negative ways that minorities are often portrayed in the media. Find out more about injustice and share what you learn.

Picture our human family as a garden of flowers in every color. Keep pulling those weeds of racism, patiently and persistently, until every last one is gone.

In this community garden, find nine items that will help to uproot racism.

BRAVE CARING GENTLE HUMBLE BASKET CART GLOVES HOE PATIENT PRUNERS RAKE OF SINCERE TACTFUL RESPECT WISE SHOVEL TROWEL WATERING CAN [Page 11]

WE ARE ONE: EXPLORE AND PROTECT THE EARTH AND ITS CREATURES

"All the members of this endless universe are linked one to another." --Bahá’í Writings

OUR CONNECTIONS

Fossil evidence shows that modern humans, Homo sapiens, began in Africa about 300,000 years ago. Looking for water, food, or adventure, we left Africa in waves of migration about 80,000 years ago. We traveled to Asia, then Indonesia, Australia, and Europe. About 15,000 years ago, we went to North and South America. Maori people sailed to New Zealand only 1,000 years ago. Where will humanity explore next? Mars?

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

Unscramble the letters to find the location: NIACAFILRO 00

EARTH-SAVING TIP

StrAWFUL Situation Our beaches and oceans are overflowing with plastic pollution, including millions of straws. About 500 million straws are used every day in the U.S. alone. Skip the straw when you can.

PROTECTING OUR PLANET

Dr. Dawn Wright, also known as "Deepsea Dawn," is an award-winning scientist from California, U.S. She studies the ocean's volcanic mountain ranges and ecosystems and makes 3-D maps of the ocean floor. She wants to "understand how that part of the Earth works, and hopefully how we can better protect it."

WOW, REALLY?

Antarctica is about the size of the U.S. and Mexico combined, but it's 98% ice - almost three miles (4.8 km) deep in some places!

AMAZING ANIMALS

Joshua Tree National Park is named for a rare, tree-like succulent that can grow as tall as 40 feet (12 m) and live 150 years. Only found in this area, mostly in the Mojave Desert, it's threatened by reduced rainfall due to climate change.

This desert reptile changes to a paler color to reflect afternoon heat. It can even tolerate temperatures up to 115°F (46°C)! A male will take this push-up posture to protect its territory. Fill in the blanks to find its name: E ERT GUA A

Images: Mars rover by NASA, Antarctica by goinyk, Dr. Wright by Esri, Joshua tree and reptile by Amethel Parel-Sewell [Page 12]

Our Unfair Brains

's your brain prejudiced? Do you sometimes form unfair opinions without facts or experience? Unfortunately, the answer is probably yes.

In order to work well and learn quickly, our brains categorize information. If you try a leafy green vegetable that's bitter, your brain may categorize all leafy greens as gross, and warn you not to eat more of them. That generalization is a bias.

Generalizing helps us avoid dangers like fast-moving cars or growling dogs. But if your brain creates a bias against people of another race, due to messages from the media or other people, that's prejudice. It can lead to racial discrimination-treating others unfairly due to their ethnicity.

Research shows that we tend to think more positively about others when we share things in common (even minor things, like favorite sports teams, but also the same racial group). A test from Harvard University has people quickly link positive or negative words with white or black faces. About 70% of test takers react more positively to people from their own race.

Battling biases is tricky. Try to notice when your brain starts generalizing. Remember that people don't represent their entire race or culture- each one is a unique person. When we know how our brains form biases, we can work to stop our unconscious prejudices.

ven babies can have bias! In one study, Caucasian babies at nine months old were quicker to respond to white faces. It also took them longer to recognize emotional expressions from faces of other races. Our brains generalize early, so challenging bias when you're young is really important.

"Send down... from the clouds of Thy mercy the rains of Thy healing..." -Bahá’u’lláh

Explore & Soar: Battle Your Biases

ere are some ways to help Hour brains see people as individuals and resist forming prejudices.

• Develop real friendships with people from different races and cultures.
• Read books with characters from diverse backgrounds.
• Focus on specific things about people's personalities, not just their race.
• Think critically about messages you receive about race from your family, friends, and the media.
• Learn more about the history of racial groups in your country and how it affects life today.
• Join or form a club to explore how to work for racial justice.
• Learn about real individuals from diverse cultures, and keep them in mind when you hear someone using stereotypes to describe people.

[Page 13]

Respectful Remedies

"The body of the human world is sick. Its remedy and healing will be the oneness of the kingdom of humanity." —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Where are you really from? What race are you? Do you even speak English?

These may not seem like obvious insults, but they can be hurtful. Questions like these are subtle put-downs called microaggressions. They imply that a person isn’t welcome or doesn’t fit in. Like microscopic bacteria that are invisible to the eye but still make you sick, microaggressions can be powerful—especially when they are heard often.

Your immune system battles harmful bacteria in your body. In life, you can fight microaggressions by zooming in on the oneness of humanity and respecting those who are different from you. See each person as a unique individual as well as a member of a race or ethnic group. You can stop invisible insults from sneaking into your conversations.

Find words to complete these tips about stopping microaggressions.

1. Remember to focus on treating everyone with _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.
2. If a friend says you’re being prejudiced, _ _ _ _ _ _ and learn.
3. A person’s _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ doesn’t determine their interests or talents.
4. Get to know about and accept different styles of _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.
5. Help people from diverse backgrounds to feel _ _ _ _ _ _ _.
6. _ _ _ _ for books and movies with characters that are very different from yourself.
7. Don’t ask one person to _ _ _ _ _ for their whole race or ethnic group.
8. Make _ _ _ _ _ _ _ with people from diverse groups.
9. Try to become _ _ _ _ _ of your own unconscious prejudices by reflecting on your actions.

[Page 14]

LIGHTNING & LUNA

CAPTIVE OF ILLUSION

BAXTER AND BRIDGET

IN ELKA EGO’S MANSION OF MIRRORS . . .

LUNA, THEY’RE ILLUSIONS — HOLOGRAMS!

THE REAL ELKA AND HER MINIONS CAN’T BE FAR.

YOU’RE LOSERS!

WORTHLESS!

I HAVE 130 MILLION FOLLOWERS. DO YOU?

TOO BAD HER FOLLOWERS CAN’T HEAR HOW SELFISH AND MEAN SHE’S BEING!

BRO! YOU’RE A GENIUS!

COLIN, CAN YOU SEND THIS OUT ON ELKA’S SATELLITE TRANSMITTER? EVERYONE NEEDS TO HEAR IT!

I’M ON IT!

I CAN MAKE PEOPLE BUY ANYTHING!

ON THE ROOF . . .

THE GAME IS STILL GOING. IT MUST BE USING THE DISH OVER THERE.

WE’LL UNPLUG THE GAME FEED AND REPLACE IT WITH ELKA’S RANT.

I’LL ATTACH THIS TO THE DISH—

YOU CONNECT THE OTHER END TO THE POD.

GOT IT!

NOW ELKA’S COMING THROUGH ON MY PHONE.

MY PATHETIC FOLLOWERS DESERVE WHAT THEY’RE GETTING!

MEANWHILE, AROUND THE WORLD . . .

...GO BROKE PLAYING A MEANINGLESS GAME...

WITH MY APP I CAN CONTROL YOU SO EASILY.

IT WAS SO SIMPLE TO FOOL EVERYONE!

BACK AT ELKA’S LAIR . . .

THE CONTROL ROOM—COME ON!

120,765,123 ELKA’S FOLLOWERS

IT’S ACID! GO INVISIBLE—KEEP TRANSMITTING!

83,267,105 ELKA’S FOLLOWERS

GOTCHA, BRO! [Page 15]BOSS! THEY’RE BROADCASTING YOU TO THE WORLD!

WHERE DID THE GIRL GO?!

68,387,441 ELKA’S FOLLOWERS

YOU CAN’T STOP ME! I’M ELKA EGO!

THE GAME IS OVER, ELKA!

30,164,554 We trusted you! You betrayed us! Elka is a liar! You’re not worth following! You’ve been deceiving us!

WHERE ARE ALL MY FANS?

LIGHTNING! FRY THE CONTROL PANELS!

ZAAAPPPPP!

16,102,004 ELKA’S FOLLOWERS

CRACCKKK!

NOOOO!!!

LUNA, BACKUP FROM HQ IS HERE!

THAT UGLY WOMAN ISN’T ME! I’M BEAUTIFUL. I HAVE TO BE.

IT ISN’T THE REAL YOU. WHO’S THE REAL YOU INSIDE, ELKA?

MY EMPIRE, MONEY, POWER, FOLLOWERS... GONE. I’LL NEVER BE HAPPY...

11,001 ELKA’S FOLLOWERS

YOU DON’T NEED FOLLOWERS TO BE HAPPY. YOU NEED FRIENDS—REAL FRIENDS IN REAL LIFE!

AFTER ELKA’S ARREST...

IRONIC—SHE HAD MILLIONS OF FOLLOWERS, BUT THEY ACTUALLY CONTROLLED HER.

WHEN THEY LEFT, SHE FELL APART.

THANKS, GUYS!

ANYTIME! WE MAKE A GREAT TEAM!

TRUE FRIENDS ARE THE BEST! [Page 16]

RADIANT STARS

Getting to know kids who shine Connect with kids around the world! How are they like you? How are they different? Each of us has a unique story to tell. What's yours?

Mei A.

Age: 14 I live in: Virginia, U.S. I want to be: Fashion designer or some type of business manager This career interests me because: I love being creative and taking responsibility Virtue I admire most: Loyalty, trustworthiness Hobbies or sports: Music, playing piano, photography Favorite Bahá’í activities: Junior youth group and holy day celebrations A hero or role model: My parents and other women in my life who are close It's important to have friends from different cultures because: You'll develop an appreciation for all the diversity in the world. When I feel sad about disunity or injustice, I: Consult with many adult role models and my close friends who understand... If I could invent an ice cream flavor to encourage unity: I would call it Multi Mix, and it would be vanilla and chocolate swirled with different types of berries.

Sophia B.

Age: 11 I live in: New York, U.S. Virtue I admire most: Friendliness Hobbies or sports: Tennis, swimming, art Favorite Bahá’í activity: Community service I like to help people by: Comforting them A hero or role model: My mom To stop prejudice and racism, kids can: Make friends with different kinds of people and set a good example for others When I feel sad about disunity or injustice, what helps me stay hopeful is: Knowing that people are always trying to help make it better Place I'd love to visit: Japan All people are one human family means: We all come from God. What I appreciate most about my cultural background is: I like being Polish because I can celebrate Christmas with my grandparents. I like being Canadian because I have family in Canada, and I can celebrate Jewish holidays with my cousins.

Garrett H.

Age: 13 I live in: Washington, U.S. I want to be: A pediatrician, so I can serve humanity and have the flexibility to work anywhere in the world. Virtue I admire most: Kindness Favorite Bahá’í activity: Junior youth classes Place I'd love to visit: The Bahá’í House of Worship in... Chile Favorite animal or pet: My dog, Bailey A hero or role model: Grandma Dolores To stop prejudice and racism, kids can: Lead by example. We may have different backgrounds... but we are all limbs of the same tree. When I feel sad about disunity or injustice, I: Remember Bahá’u’lláh said that all war and injustice will end. My faith gives me strength. All people are one human family means: That... we are all equal, and the building blocks of world unity start with family unity. What I appreciate most about my cultural background is: [It is] mixed... So I get to learn about all different cultures from my family members. [Page 17]“God has crowned you with honor and in your hearts has He set a radiant star; verily the light thereof shall brighten the whole world!” — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Anya S.

Age: 13

I live in: Colorado, U.S.

I want to be: Undecided, but I do have an interest in teaching, arts, and sciences.

This career interests me because: I love . . . kids . . .

Virtue I admire most: Respect

Favorite Bahá’í activity: Teaching children’s classes

A hero or role model: My dad

When I was bullied or excluded, I: Told my parents . . . and they helped me by having meetings with my advisor at school, and dealing with the kids who made fun of my ethnicity.

To stop prejudice and racism, kids can: We can first start by using words that are kind, instead of hurtful ones that others find rude and inappropriate.

What I appreciate most about my cultural background is: I’m beautiful because I’m different.

If I could invent an ice cream flavor to encourage unity: I would name it Colors of the Earth. It would taste colorful, sweet, spicy, tangy, etc.

Leo B.

Age: 10

I live in: North Carolina, U.S.

I want to be: A chef

This career interests me because: I like different kinds of food.

Virtue I admire most: Happiness/joyfulness

A hero or role model: My mom and dad

To stop prejudice and racism, kids can: Include all to play together, ask those who may be saying/doing something unkind to another person to stop . . .

When I feel sad about disunity or injustice, what helps me stay hopeful is: Finding ways to serve my community

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Holy day celebrations, Nineteen Day Feasts**

What I appreciate most about my cultural background is: Lebanese food from my Lebanese background

If I could invent an ice cream flavor to encourage unity, it would be: Friendship Swirl — chocolate chip cookie dough with mango swirled with mint . . . with whipped cream and gummy bears and a cherry on top!!!

Paziano P.

Age: 10

I live in: California, U.S.

I want to be: Writer, a marine biologist, and an astronomer

This career interests me because: I enjoy writing books and stories. Marine life fascinates me, and I love . . . space.

Virtue I admire most: KINDNESS! Because it’s the foundation and the key to peace! I gave a TEDx talk about kindness!*

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Being helpful with my family, Sunday classes, . . . and Virtues Camp.

Places I’d love to visit: Philippines (where Mama was born) and London

A hero or role model: My parents and my brother, Kai

When I was bullied or excluded, I: Handled it by ignoring the bully and talking to my parents for support.

To stop prejudice and racism, kids can: Judge people by their soul, not by their appearance. Actions speak louder than looks!

When I feel sad about disunity or injustice, I: Talk to my family . . . I think about all the happy things on earth.

What I appreciate most about my cultural background is: I looove the food! . . . I like how I’m different from the crowd.

How to be a Radiant Star:

1. If you’re age 7-14, go to www.brilliantstarmagazine.org. From the top menu, choose “Discover.” Then click “Become a Radiant Star or Trailblazer,” and fill out the form. Or e-mail us at brilliant@usbnc.org. Include your name, age, birth date, mailing address, and phone number.

2. When it’s your turn to shine, we’ll send you questions and a form for you and your parents to sign.

3. Answer the questions and send them to us with the signed form, along with at least two good-quality, close-up photographs of your smiling face. Photos should be in sharp focus and show your eyes clearly. Please don’t send color copies, low-resolution digital images, or copyright-protected images (like school portraits).

• Paziano’s TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUlehTS_ezQ
  • Feast is a Bahá’í community gathering with prayers, consultation, and fellowship.

[Page 18]

Salena V.

Age: 11

I live in: California, U.S.

I want to be: Doctor

This career interests me because: I want to help people when they are sick or injured.

Virtue I admire most: Confidence

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Feast and children’s class

Place I’d love to visit: India

To stop prejudice and racism, kids can: Encourage kids and youth to love all, and to make sure they never exclude anybody because of a person’s race or color.

A hero or role model: My parents

All people are one human family means: We are all connected, humanity is one.

When I feel sad about disunity or injustice, I: Personally try to actively work towards improving unity and justice in my area.

If I could invent an ice cream flavor to encourage unity: It would be . . . Creamy Kindness. It would taste like caramel, and after eating it you would feel like being kind to everybody.

Nora L.

Age: 8

I live in: Virginia, U.S.

I want to be: A veterinarian

This career interests me because: I love . . . animals.

Favorite Bahá’í activity: Children’s class, especially arts and crafts

A hero or role model: My family

When I was excluded: I was in a [class] where kids spoke little English. But one boy had learned some English from TV, and we became friends.

It’s important to have friends from different cultures because: It’s one small step toward world unity.

To stop prejudice and racism, kids can: Make friends with kids from other cultures.

When I feel sad about disunity or injustice, what helps me stay hopeful is: Saying prayers

All people are one human family means: Everybody is created from the same God.

If I could invent an ice cream flavor to encourage unity, it would be: Chocolate vanilla strawberry mango swirl

Beata R.

Age: 8

I live in: Montana, U.S.

I want to be: I don’t know

Virtue I admire most: Kindness

Favorite Bahá’í activity: Ayyám-i-Há*

Hobbies or sports: Backpacking, hanging out with friends, soccer

Favorite animal or pet: White tigers, clouded leopards, and dogs

Favorite food: Sushi

I like to help people by: Encouraging them and making friends

To stop prejudice and racism, kids can: Stand up for somebody who is being treated wrong

When I feel sad about disunity or injustice, what helps me stay hopeful is: My friends

What I appreciate most about my cultural background is: I think everyone would say — friends and family!

If I could invent an ice cream flavor to encourage unity: I would call it Unity ice cream. It would taste like when you give somebody flowers or candy or a hug and they really appreciate it.

Christopher R.

Age: 9

I live in: Michigan, U.S.

I want to be: Artist

This career interests me because: I love the feeling of creating.

Favorite Bahá’í activity: Children’s classes

A hero or role model: Dad

When I [am] bullied or excluded [for my religion]: I explain how all religions are one. If that does not work, I just walk away.

Virtue I admire most: Truthfulness

When I feel sad about disunity or injustice, I: Pet my dog. Animals always make me feel hopeful.

It’s important to have friends from different cultures because: Learning about other people will someday eliminate prejudice and racism.

What I appreciate most about my cultural background is: I am part Native American and I appreciate communion with nature most.

To stop prejudice and racism, kids can: Try to make friends who look different from ourselves. We are all the same inside.

• Ayyám-i-Há is a festival of hospitality, charity, gift giving, and preparing for the Bahá’í Fast.

[Page 19]

WHAT DO YOU SAY?

"Associate in perfect love and accord and consider humankind as one family..." —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

It’s hard to know what to do when you hear something that sounds like prejudice or racism. It takes courage to speak up about injustice. You may feel uncomfortable. You might wonder if the other person will have an open mind and listen to you or if they’ll get upset. You might feel so angry or hurt that you just want to leave. But if the situation feels safe, stay calm and express your opinion about fairness. If you’re silent, the person may think you agree with them.

When enough people point out racism, in time, attitudes will change. What do you say when someone sounds prejudiced?

I DON’T THINK THEY BELONG HERE. THEY SHOULD GO BACK HOME.

THEY HAVE A RIGHT TO BE HERE, JUST LIKE WE DO. OR WHAT? THEY’RE HUMANS AND THEY COME FROM EARTH, JUST LIKE YOU AND ME!

WRITE WHAT YOU WOULD SAY:

DID YOU HEAR THE JOKE ABOUT IMMIGRANTS FROM...

WAIT, IF YOU’RE GOING TO TELL A JOKE THAT’S RACIST, PLEASE DON’T. OR I DON’T THINK IT’S FUNNY AT ALL TO JOKE ABOUT PEOPLE’S CULTURES.

WRITE WHAT YOU WOULD SAY:

WHY CAN’T THEY JUST SPEAK ENGLISH? THEY LIVE IN THE U.S. SALAM. CHEH-TOWRI? KHUBAM, TOW CHEH-TOWRI?*

IT TAKES COURAGE TO MOVE TO ANOTHER COUNTRY, AND IT TAKES TIME TO LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE. OR I THINK IT’S COOL! THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF LANGUAGES IN THE WORLD. I’D LOVE TO KNOW MORE THAN ONE.

WRITE WHAT YOU WOULD SAY:

• Persian translation: "Hi. How are you?" "I am good. How are you?"

[Page 20]

Maya's Mysteries

"The world of humanity is one race, the surface of the earth one place of residence. . . ." —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

ALL PEOPLE ARE PART OF ONE AMAZING SPECIES.

Kingdom: Animalia Phylum Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Primates Family: Hominidae Genus: Homo Species: Sapiens

Does Race Exist?

In biology, we learned about how scientists classify species. For example, Canis lupis, the wolf, is a different species than Canis latrans, the coyote. Canis lupis familiaris, the domestic dog, is a subspecies of the wolf.

But guess what? Humans, Homo sapiens, have no subspecies. Variations in the way people look, such as skin color, are adaptations to where we live. But these differences aren't enough to separate us. Every person on Earth is the same species.

Scientists say that "race" is a social idea. Sadly, it's used as a reason to treat people unfairly due to their ethnic or cultural background. Throughout history, racism has harmed some groups and given privileges to others. It's caused injustice, violence, and war.

I'm going to spread the word that to have peace and justice in the world, we need to listen to science: on Earth, we're one human family, and we need to act like it!

Human Species

Check out my quiz about the human species.

1. Biologically, humanity is one species. TRUE FALSE

2. The idea of race has been used to justify inequality and injustice, such as slavery. TRUE FALSE

3. Modern humans evolved in Africa about 300,000 years ago. TRUE FALSE

4. Melanin, the skin's brown pigment, protects us from damaging ultraviolet rays. So people have darker skin if their ancestors are from tropical areas. TRUE FALSE

5. Even with global migration, people have never been separated long enough to evolve into different subspecies. TRUE FALSE

6. "Race" is an ancient concept, and the word has always been a part of the English language. TRUE FALSE

7. The concept of using race to divide people socially has developed in the last 500 years. TRUE FALSE

8. Humans are the most genetically similar primates. Our DNA is 99.9% alike. TRUE FALSE

9. There are no genes that separate people into one race or another. TRUE FALSE

10. Genes for skin or hair color have no relation to characteristics such as kindness, responsibility, or creativity. TRUE FALSE

11. The continent with the greatest amount of variation in human genes is Australia. TRUE FALSE

12. It's impossible for people to change racist ideas or behavior. TRUE FALSE [Page 21]

Monster Community

“Love and affinity are the fruits of a gentle disposition, a pure nature and praiseworthy character, while discord and isolation are characteristic of the fierce beasts of the wild.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Tall or short, big or little, bald or shaggy—our human family is wonderfully diverse. But it’s scary to realize that some people don’t value our differences. They may act like monsters, attacking those who look, speak, or act differently.

We’re all part of one human race. But society has set up racial divisions based on people’s skin color or ethnicity. When someone gets treated unfairly because of race, that’s racism. It’s a menacing problem that creeps into our lives, even if we try our best to fight it off.

With courage and determination, we can all help battle the demon of racism. It’s important to talk about our differences with love and respect, and speak up when we see injustice. And we can hunt down and tame any monstrous thoughts lurking in our own minds and hearts. If we each do our best, we can create a world that’s fair and friendly for all.

At this ghoulish gathering, match each monster to the treat that can help tame its negative qualities.

• Loving Lemonade 1
• Trusting Tomatoes 2
• Flexible Fudge 3
• Humble Hamburger 4
• Patient Pie 5
• Open-Minded Orange 6
• Encouraging Egg Rolls 7
• Eggs of Equality 8
• Wise Watermelon 9

• Critical Cret
• Arrogant Argo
• Suspicious Sig
• Stubborn Stubzo
• Hagy Hurtful
• Impatient Igo
• Ignorant Iggy
• Pog Prejudice
• Superior Sul

ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 [Page 22]

Tod Ewing

How would you feel if no matter where you went-school, the grocery store, a ball game-nobody was the same race as you? That's what life was like for Tod Ewing until he was 10. Born in Minnesota, U.S., his was the only African American family in their town. They faced so much prejudice that neighbors even tried to stop them from moving into the neighborhood. Tod's parents were Bahá’ís, and in spite of these challenges, they stayed strong, and they inspired Tod to work for racial justice.

Tod earned a degree in criminal justice at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. Later, he and his wife, Alison, moved their family to a more diverse area in South Carolina. In 1987, Tod and two friends launched a diversity training company, which helped organizations build unity among people of different races. Twenty years later, he co-created the Race Story ReWrite Project with Phyllis and Gene Unterschuetz. They empower people to form strong interracial relationships. Tod and Alison now live in Washington, D.C.

Q: What is your favorite childhood memory? A: We used to have this golden retriever. It was a beautiful dog, and we lived out in the country. And this dog would just run off ... Sometimes at night, my dad and myself and my brother and sister would go lay on this hill, and my dad... would whistle. And we would... look all over the place and wonder where Duchess would come running from... [She] was such a fun-loving dog ...

Q: How would you define racism? A: Disliking somebody, prejudging somebody because of their color, and then having the power to make their life very difficult.

Left: Tod was about nine when he was in fourth grade in Minnesota. Right: At about age 17, Tod attended a Bahá’í conference with his mom, Mildred.

Q: What was the most challenging experience for you when you were a kid, and how did you handle it? A: We were the only black family for 15 miles in any direction... It was traumatic... to not feel emotionally safe anywhere... What helped me cope... [was being] able to find a few friends.

Q: What virtues are important in the work you do? A: Being just and fair-minded... Being open enough and humble enough to listen... Courage to speak your mind and tell the truth...

Portrait by Sara Moore [Page 23]

Questions and Answers with an Inspirational Bahá’í

Q: When kids face prejudice against their race or religion and they're feeling hurt, what should they do?

A: They should discuss it with their parents... If they are hurt because of something somebody says to them... they could... forgive the person... [Or] you may want to help them under-stand [how] they hurt you. But if it hurts so much, you may not be able to do that. You may need to go home or have a friend that you talk to until you can calm down and some of the pain goes away...

That's where... courage come[s] in, or... humility... As children who are Bahá’ís or believe in oneness, [you'll understand that] those people are your family... You want to help [them] understand, so they don't do it to other people... Try not to see that person as your enemy... [they] learned to be prejudiced from somebody ... Hopefully you can help them unlearn that...

Left: Tod, his wife, Alison, and their daughters, Talia (middle) and Angela, in 1983. Talia passed away at age 19. In St. Cloud, Minnesota, the Talia Ewing Youth Service Award is given in her honor each year by the NAACP, an equal rights group. Right: Tod and his business partners, Phyllis and Gene Unterschuetz, lead a Race Story ReWrite workshop at a Bahá’í summer school in Florida, U.S., in 2017.

Q: What feeds racism in society?

A: People need to feel like they are better than other people... Racism is fueled by materialism... People wanted status and power, and that's why slavery developed, and race became an excuse later on... Now, because there's so many stereotypes about people... and there's so many fears that have been created around people of color... that fuels it, too.

Q: What are some things that kids can do every day to help stop racism?

A: Everybody can pray... that there will be racial healing, and... [that] they have opportunities to do something about racial injustice... Go out of your way to talk to people that are different from you... Get to know them and understand them and understand their life, what you have in common, what's different... Read stories about people who are of other races... read about how racial prejudice works...

Q: What is important for kids to know about racism in the U.S.?

A: If it isn't happening to you, [that] doesn't mean it's not happening... And it's important to know that people have worked for many, many years to eliminate racial prejudice, [but] it's still here. And that each of us has a responsibility to address it and to help move things forward...

Q: If you had one wish for Brilliant Star's readers, what would it be?

A: [It] would be that everybody sees... that they have a role to play in eliminating racial prejudice and creating racial unity and justice... and that they would... be very intentional about deciding what... they want to do about it. [Page 24]

SHINING LAMP

A Bahá’í who served humanity with radiance Dr. Magdalene Carney (1929-1991) By Gail Radley

As snow swirled around her while she sat atop her horse, Magdalene "Mag" Carney watched her father wrap her legs and feet in burlap. He said this would keep her from getting frostbite as she went to school from their farm in Tennessee, U.S. Mag, age nine, wasn't about to let a blizzard keep her from school. She shook the horse's reins, and off she went.

Mag's grandfather was born a slave, unable to get an education. Her mother and father had little schooling, but they worked hard and raised their eight children in the Baptist faith. Mag, the oldest, born in 1929, believed wholeheartedly in God, but had questions. Why should there be two churches for blacks and two for whites in their little community if there was only one God? No one seemed able to answer.

Devoted Search

Knowing that with an education, she could help her family out of poverty, Mag graduated from college and taught in elementary and high schools in Nashville. One day in church, she seemed to hear a voice telling her that there was more to religion than what she had learned so far.

Mag searched for three years. In 1962, a Bahá’í professor named Dr. Sarah Pereira gave Mag a pamphlet about the Faith. Mag was working in the civil rights movement and had longed for a religion that supported racial equality. "By the time I finished reading," Mag wrote, "I believed in the new system: the Bahá’í Faith. Unimaginable joy flooded my heart!"

She carried the Bahá’í teachings of unity and justice with her when she moved to Mississippi in 1968. She helped share the Faith with thousands throughout the South. In those days, most black and white students went to separate schools. Some people were so angry that they reacted violently to efforts to end this unfair policy. The next year, Mag, now head of a Canton, Mississippi, high school English department, guided the school system peacefully through bringing black and white students together.

Prejudice—judging people without knowing them—arose from false beliefs, Mag thought. Hearts and minds needed education. Mag taught for years in elementary and high schools. She wrote articles and inspired students to aim high, just as she did. With her doctorate degree in education, which she earned in 1977, she became Dr. Carney and trained future teachers.

Global Service

Mag served on the National Spiritual Assembly, the body guiding the Bahá’ís of the United States, from 1970 to 1983. In 1983, she was appointed a Counselor in the International Teaching Centre and moved to Haifa, Israel, the Bahá’í World Centre. From there, she helped educate Bahá’ís worldwide to build stronger communities. She visited Bahá’ís in Africa, Europe, and other areas.

Mag left this world in 1991 at the young age of 61, while still serving in Haifa. The Universal House of Justice, the international Bahá’í governing body, praised her for nearly three decades of "UNBROKEN SERVICE," her commitment to education, and her "SELFLESS SPIRIT." [Page 25]

PRIVILEGE: An Unfair Game

Have you ever tried to use a can opener with your left hand? Probably not-if you're right-handed. Most tools are made for right-handed people. Since they rarely have to use their non-dominant hand, right-handed people have some advantages over lefties. That type of advantage is known as privilege. We can have privilege based on race, gender, religion, education, wealth, physical ability, or other factors. People in the majority, or in groups that hold the most power (such as white, wealthy males in the U.S.), have the clearest privilege. But privilege isn't always obvious to those who have it. If you're right-handed, you may never have noticed that a can opener was made for you. Racial privilege can be even harder to see. Listen to other people's experiences and keep an open mind when advantages are pointed out. Then try to use any privilege you have to create more justice in our world.

Try these games to see how privilege can change things.

PAPER TOSS PRIVILEGE

4-16 players

To play: Players line up in rows and try to toss crumpled pieces of paper into a recycling bin. One row starts six feet from the bin, and other rows are farther away. Each time a kid makes a basket, they take a step closer. The first one to reach the bin wins.

ALPHABET ADVANTAGE

2+ players

To play: Players run a race, and everyone starts from the same line. Runners whose first names start with the letters A through L get a three-second head start.

BIRTHDAY BENEFIT

4+ players

To play: Split into pairs and give each pair a water balloon. Kids who have birthdays in July through December have to try to catch their balloon with one hand behind their backs.

SIBLING SUPERIORITY

3+ players

To play: Give each person a piece of paper and tell them to make a star out of it. Only those who have older siblings get to use scissors. [Page 26]

A Memorable Meal with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

"We must lay aside all prejudice—whether it be religious, racial, political or patriotic; we must become the cause of the unification of the human race."

When ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke these words in New Jersey, U.S., in 1912, the concept of unity among all races was new. Racial segregation was common. In the South, it was legal to separate schools, buses, parks, and other facilities based on race.

During a nine-month tour of the U.S. and Canada, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave public talks to thousands of people. He shared the Bahá’í teachings about the oneness of humanity and urged his audiences to establish true unity.

At his talk to over one thousand people at Howard University in Washington, D.C., ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said, "I am very happy that white and black have gathered together in this meeting. I hope this coming together and harmony reaches such a degree that no distinctions shall remain between them, and they shall be together in the utmost harmony and love."

One Bahá’í in the audience that day was Louis Gregory, an African American lawyer who was a leader in efforts to build race unity. Louis said the "spiritual atmosphere" during the talk "raised His hearers to a pitch of joyous enthusiasm." The audience applauded repeatedly as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke, and long afterward.

Following the talk, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had a chance to put his words into practice. He invited Louis to meet with him at the home of a Bahá’í named Ali-Kuli Khan and his family. Khan, as he was known, a diplomat representing Persia (now Iran), had planned a special luncheon in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s honor. About 19 guests were invited, and some were leaders in Washington, D.C., society or politics.

After the meeting with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Louis, who had not been invited to the luncheon, waited for a chance to slip out quietly. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá led the way to the dining room. According to tradition, the seats at the table were carefully arranged based on each person's position in society.

Louis and Louisa Gregory married in 1912, when interracial marriage was uncommon.

But when everyone was seated, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá suddenly stood up and looked around. He said to Khan, "Where is Mr. Gregory? Bring Mr. Gregory!"

Khan immediately went to find Louis and brought him in. Meanwhile, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá rearranged the place settings that had been so formally laid out. He put Louis in the place of honor at his right. Louis was the only African American person there. By welcoming him warmly and giving him a prominent seat, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá demonstrated that people of all races should be treated equally. He said he was happy to have Louis there, and during lunch, he spoke about the oneness of humanity.

Louis later wrote that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá "made everyone feel perfectly at ease by his genial humor, wisdom and outpouring of love..." He also said that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s heart seemed to be "a mysterious and boundless treasury of love." [Page 27]

The Hair We Wear

Long or short, curly or straight, hair is part of our cultural traditions. In some cultures, people grow their hair long, cover their hair, or shave it off completely. Learning how others maintain and style their hair can help us appreciate our diversity. But hair is sometimes a focus of discrimination. In the past, boarding schools forced American Indian kids to cut their hair, going against important spiritual traditions. Some schools and businesses today even prohibit hairstyles that are traditional or popular in African American communities.

Our hairstyles are more than just a fashion statement. For many cultures, they have specific meaning. Also, different kinds of hair require different care. Rules that don't take that into consideration are unfair. When we honor and celebrate the hair we wear, we can break down walls of prejudice and see the unique beauty in our human family.

At a multicultural fair, these kids are sharing their cultural hair traditions. Read the clues, then match each kid with their country.

FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS, WE SOMETIMES WEAR HAIR ORNAMENTS CALLED KANZASHI. I LIKE CHERRY BLOSSOMS, WHICH BLOOM IN MY COUNTRY.

IN MY COUNTRY NEAR PERU, TSACHILA BOYS AND MEN USE ACHIOTE SEEDS FOR BRIGHT RED HAIR SHAPED LIKE A SEED POD-A SYMBOL OF LIFE.

IN PARTS OF MY AFRICAN NATION, WE WEAR ANCIENT PATTERNED HAIRSTYLES. WE BOND AND SHARE STORIES WHILE BRAIDING EACH OTHER'S HAIR.

FOR NATIVE NORTH AMERICAN PEOPLE, LONG HAIR CONNECTS US TO NATURE AND SYMBOLIZES KNOWLEDGE. TRADITIONALLY, WE ONLY CUT HAIR WHEN WE'RE MOURNING.

ON SPECIAL DAYS, MIAO GIRLS AND WOMEN WEAR HEADDRESSES WITH OUR ANCESTORS' HAIR WRAPPED AROUND AN ANIMAL HORN. I'M FROM THE WORLD'S MOST POPULATED NATION.

WITH JEWISH LAW, ORTHODOX BOYS AND MEN OFTEN GROW LONG HAIR BETWEEN OUR EAR AND TEMPLE. MY HOMELAND IS SACRED TO JEWS, CHRISTIANS, MUSLIMS, AND BAHÁ’ÍS.

MANY MUSLIM GIRLS AND WOMEN AROUND THE WORLD SHOW MODESTY BY COVERING OUR HAIR WITH A SCARF. I LIVE NEAR INDIA. [Page 28]

COSMO’S CORNER

Look for clues throughout the magazine.

WHAT’S YOUR WISH FOR OUR PLANET?

TO HAVE UNITY AND PEAS ON EARTH!

ACROSS

3. Sheep’s wool is colored by _______ (p. 7)

5. It takes _______ to speak up about injustice. (p. 19)

7. Like the flowers in a garden, _______ makes our world beautiful and interesting. (p. 6)

8. Picture our human _______ as a garden of flowers in every color. (p. 10)

9. Anya and Paziano both appreciate being _______. (p. 17)

12. Mag Carney trained future ____________. (p. 24)

13. Try to use any privilege you have to create more _________ in our world. (p. 25)

14. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá put Louis in the place of _________. (p. 26)

15. _________ Tree National Park is named for a rare, tree-like succulent. (p. 11)

DOWN

1. A medicine wheel is a ____ American Indian symbol. (p. 8)

2. See each person as a ________ individual. (p. 13)

4. Develop real _________ with people from different races and cultures. (p. 12)

5. When enough people point out racism, in time, attitudes will ________. (p. 19)

6. Tod says that everyone has a _______ to play in eliminating racial prejudice and creating racial unity and justice. (p. 23)

10. About 98% of Antarctica is made of _________. (p. 11)

11. Andrea says, throughout history, progress towards racial unity has often been through _________. (p. 3)

14. For many cultures, styles of this have specific meaning. (p. 27)

FROM OUR MAILBOX

[Brilliant Star] makes me feel happy inside, and it makes me want to be a Bahá’í when I grow up. [If I could choose a theme] I would choose world unity, because there is too much prejudice in the world and we are very afraid of immigrants in our country.

—Layli G., age 10, Massachusetts, U.S.

ANSWERS

KEY: T=Top, C=Center, B=Bottom, L=Left, R=Right

Page 7: Collaborative Collin at TL, Open-Minded Orphus and Kind Katie at TC, Ichabod Integrity at CL, Trustworthy Toto at C, Creative Clyde, Mindful Myrtle, and Thoughtful Thera at CR, Listening Laverne at BC

Page 10: Basket and gloves at TC, pruners and shovel at CL, cart at C, watering can at CR, hoe at BL, trowel at BC, rake at BR

Page 11: California, Desert Iguana

Page 13: 1) kindness, 2) listen, 3) culture, 4) communication, 5) welcome, 6) Look, 7) speak, 8) friends, 9) aware

Page 20: 1) True, 2) True, 3) True, 4) True, 5) True, 6) False: “Race” appeared in English in the 1500s. 7) True, 8) True, 9) True, 10) True, 11) False: Africa has the greatest human variation. 12) False: Education and empathy can help people overcome racism.

Page 21: Clockwise from TL: Arrogant Argo = 4, Suspicious Sig = 2, Hagy Hurtful = 1, Impatient Igo = 5, Ignorant Iggy = 9, Pog Prejudice = 6, Superior Sul = 8, Stubborn Stubzo = 3, Critical Cret = 7

Page 27: 1) Japan, 2) Ecuador, 3) Ethiopia, 4) U.S., 5) China, 6) Israel, 7) Pakistan [Page 29]

aMAZEing ADVENTURE

"The surface of the earth is one home; humanity is one family and household." —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Hey, Earthlings! Zeke here, with my pet, Rhombus, from Planet Zilizag. We have a blast zipping through your solar system on our mission to find peaceful planets. Everyone we've met on Earth wants to live in peace. Most people love and respect their fellow humans, even if they're from different parts of the planet. But we've seen injustice and violence, too. Prejudice is like a terrible illness that can infect anyone—and you may not even realize it.

zilizag

Some people don't have any friends from a different race or ethnic group. Building those friendships can help end prejudice forever!

When you've been around the universe like we have, it's easy to see that all Earthlings are part of one family. If you don't see diverse folks in your neighborhood, find them—and reach out with love. We created peace on Zilizag, and we know you can do it on Earth, too!

FIND OUR PATH THROUGH EARTH'S SOLAR SYSTEM, BETWEEN THE ASTEROIDS AND OTHER OBJECTS, THEN ZOOM TO ZILIZAG!

START

END [Page 30]“So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.” —Bahá’u’lláh

One Earth, One Family

Brilliant Star Power of Unity • VOL. 49 NO. 1

AN AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES

www.brilliantstarmagazine.org