Confronting Racism in Our Hearts and in Our Nation
By Lauren Smith (COL'18)
Prior to the Dahlgren Dialogue event, I had only stepped foot into Dahlgren Chapel once before on Easter Sunday. For me, the sacred space was the physical manifestation of Georgetown’s Catholic identity standing at the heart of the university in both the literal and metaphorical sense. With this expectation in mind, I found myself initially shocked and then incredibly engaged as I witnessed the Dahlgren Dialogue on "Confronting Racism in our Hearts and in our Nation." The chapel was transformed into a truly inspiring space.
The eclectic expert panel included Christian author and political activist Rev. Jim Wallis, Archbishop of Atlanta Wilton Gregory, Georgetown associate professor of history and African-American studies Dr. Marcia Chatelain, and the guest of honor, civil rights legend Congressman John Lewis. Many insightful remarks were made and challenging questions asked throughout the duration of the night; however, for me two main points stood out. The first point came from Rev. Wallis when he referenced the state of politics today, noting that “What’s at stake [right now] is the soul of a nation.” In all my years at Georgetown, between taking numerous classes that addressed race and racism, my attendance at all sorts of events pertaining to race, and even in my role as president of Georgetown’s Black Student Alliance, I had never before been in a space that so concretely labeled racism as a sin that the church had a moral imperative to combat and eradicate. The second most poignant moment came when Congressman Lewis said in reference to racial justice and the fight for equality, “The church should be a headlight not a taillight.” I internalized this comment as speaking towards the long history, particularly of the Black Church, in being the epicenter of much of the action and galvanizing during the classical Civil Rights Movement. So much from the viewing of the battered remains of Emmett Till, to Dr. King’s final speech, took place in the house of the Lord. For me, this charge given by Representative Lewis was to push any complacent Christians who might be present to really reflect on and think about the work the church should be doing to address the root causes of racism.
After the dialogues I had the privilege of joining other student leaders and the congressman’s constituents for a small reception to greet Rep. Lewis. In short, I was absolutely starstruck. Here was a man I had only read about in courses and caught online clips of him holding firm on the House floor. The interaction was truly everything I had hoped it would be and more. Congressman Lewis was so incredibly warm, and he took the time to genuinely chat with us about our hometowns, studies, and career interests. I learned that one of my civil rights heroes had a wonderful sense of humor and an inescapable aura of wisdom that left us hanging on his every word. At one point we all gathered around as he pointed out a picture from a march where he was on the front lines. In the photo simply a young man around our age demanding and fighting for many of the rights we take for granted today. If anything, the experience from the dialogue to interacting with the congressman only reignited my belief that the arc of the moral universe doesn’t just bend towards justice, but must be actively pushed there.
Lauren Smith (COL'18) is a senior in the College.