Breaking Down Walls: A Model for Reconciliation in Age of Racial Strife

Initially released on the heels of the LA Riots (1993), this ECPA Gold Medallion Book Award winner strives to be a model for racial reconciliation in difficult racial times. It lives up to that subtitle and then some. The book is a priceless resource and double biography rolled into one. Using the sometimes-explosive experiences of Washington and Kehrein in inner-city Chicago as examples, the reader is introduced to the eight main principles of racial reconciliation and 'Fudge Ripple Sundays.' With forewords by Dr. Billy Graham and Dr. John Perkins and writing from gifted writer/reconcilers Dave and Neta Jackson, the book becomes more than a 'textbook' of reconciliation. It has life and energy even today, and can be used for Christian groups of any racial or cultural mix. Listen. Learn. Love. -- Linda Leigh Hargrove is the author of two works of fiction: The Making of Isaac Hunt (2007) and Loving Cee Cee Johnson (2008). Her writings blend suspense, humor, and faith into compelling stories about race and class in America.

In a society based on principles of equality and justice and freedom, passive acceptance of equality is not enough - rather upholding these principles proactively and passionately is the right thing to do. A passive and "accepting" attitude leads to duplicity of conviction where externally one accepts the notion that all human beings are created equal in order to appease ones conscience yet when it comes to day-to-day life, actions may not reflect those values and at times may sadly be to the contrary. This is like going to church and dwelling in the greatness of God and believing in the right things yet failing to inculcate these same virtues in our daily lives. The path to justice and equality for all must be founded on solid ground such that we must first genuinely open our hearts to all people irrespective of race or ethnicity or gender and love one another without leaving any room for doubt or mistrust based on fear of the unknown or on misinformation. In celebrating our diversity and learning from each other rather than looking with an eye of suspicion will we all flourish in the greatness of life and our wonderful world. This path is a difficult one yet must be confronted directly for there to be peace and harmony amongst all people despite the fact that this may be a very painful process of revisiting old memories for people of color in order to start healing deep wounds suffered over generations. If one truly understands and believes in the dignity of every human life then it will be clear that pitying others in their suffering is in fact insulting and uncalled for - additionally it is inherently contradictory to the concept of equality. Rather love and understanding and walking the path of fixing all that is broken is urgently needed. After understanding and acknowledging all that has gone wrong so far, we must meet each other on common ground and resolve our differences such that the we call all live together in peace and harmony. One must understand what is wrong and correct it but never take sides. That is the true face of justice. Confrontation leaves no room for any permanent and lasting solutions; it only gives a false sense of nurturing wounds, and even that is temporary - just as history teaches us - since nothing essentially changes except in our minds. It is our duty to come together eventually, not just for ourselves but also for the future generations...

The concept of race reconciliation (as opposed to, say, strict diversity training or even just integration) is refreshing and timely. More than that, it's a realistic goal. This book successfully delivers an even-handed, practical approach to perhaps one of the most critical domestic crises in America: racial disconnection. While Washington and Kehrein have presented a brilliant solution to the disengagement presently threatening race relations, their bigger accomplishment here is the way in which they transmit the strategy. It should be acknowledged early on, however, that the Breaking Down Walls approach of racial reconciliation is not the flavor-of-the-week answer to racial separation that clutters up a thousand other books and seminars. Certainly this book may seem groundbreaking amid the swelling amount of How-To-End-Racism plans constantly being pushed, but this stratagem of Washington and Kehrein's is hardly a new concept. To the contrary, their principles are securely rooted in a policy of human interaction that dates back 2000 years to the very personal and very real life of Christ. This book implicitly reaffirms something that I don't hear often enough elsewhere: Christians must be an example to the rest of the world of how people can love across color--and culture--lines.

I have never read a book on race relations that offer practical help like this. The eight principles are both profound and practical for everyday life. It is well written too! Get it read it and apply it.

This needs to be read by anyone who is serious about addressing the racial differences we all face. These men share their personal stories and then the reconciliation principles that have grown out of their experiences. It is down to earth and practical, hard hitting yet enjoyable. A great help without the guilt ladden junk that comes in most racial sensitivity material. Two thumbs up!