Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words from his sermon, “Paul’s Letter to American Christians,” still ring true today. “You must face the tragic fact that when you stand at eleven o’clock on Sunday morning to sing ‘All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name’ and ‘Dear Lord and Father of All Mankind,’ you stand in the most segregated hour of Christian America. They tell me that there is more integration in the entertaining world and other secular agencies than there is in the Christian church. How appalling that is.” This conference took a step toward seeking to bridge this gap.
The forum panelists consisted of professional, influential men and women of the Portland community who are dedicated to breaking down racial barriers in the hope of living the dream of the late Dr. King, who said, “I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” These gifted men and women were selected on the basis of their character and integrity, lived out daily in both their professional and spiritual lives.
The panelists discussed their own personal experiences as African-American men and women and they provided insightful dialogue on current race relations and offer information on the present efforts being made toward racial reconciliation in Portland. This perspective contributed to the school’s desire to reflect the Word of God and impact its community.