A new version of the Bahá’í Reference Library is now available. This ‘old version’ of the Bahá’í Reference Library will be replaced at a later date.
The new version of the Bahá’i Reference Library can be accessed here »
RACE UNITY, ASSURANCE OF WORLD PEACE |
Today I am most happy, for I see here a gathering of the
servants of God. I see the white and colored people together.
In the estimation of God there is no distinction of color; all are one
in the color and beauty of servitude to him. Color is not important;
the heart is all-important. It matters not what the exterior may
be if the heart be pure and white within. God does not behold
differences of hue and complexion; He looks at the hearts. He
whose morals and virtues are praiseworthy is preferred in the
268
presence of God; he who is devoted to the Kingdom is most beloved.
In the realm of genesis and creation the question of color is of
least importance.
|
The mineral kingdom abounds with many-colored substances
and compositions but we find no strife among them on that account.
In the kingdom of the plant and vegetable, distinct and
variegated hues exist but the fruit and flowers are not in conflict for
that reason. Nay, rather, the very fact that there is difference and
variety lends a charm to the garden. If all were of the same color
the effect would be monotonous and depressing. When you enter a
rose-garden the wealth of color and variety of floral forms spread
before you a picture of wonder and beauty. The world of humanity
is like a garden and the various races are the flowers which
constitute its adornment and decoration. In the animal kingdom
also we find variety of color. See how the doves differ in beauty
yet they live together in perfect peace, and love each other. They
do not make difference of color a cause of discord and strife. They
view each other as the same species and kind. They know they
are one in kind. Often a white dove soars aloft with a black one.
Throughout the animal kingdom we do not find the creatures
separated because of color. They recognize unity of species and
oneness of kind. If we do not find color distinction drawn in a
kingdom of lower intelligence and reason, how can it be justified
among human beings, especially when we know that all have come
from the same source and belong to the same household? In origin
and intention of creation mankind is one. Distinctions of race and
color have arisen afterward.
|
Therefore today I am exceedingly glad that both white and colored
people have gathered here and I hope the time will come
when they shall live together in the utmost peace, unity and friendship.
I wish to say one thing of importance to both in order that
the white race may be just and kind to the colored and that the
colored race may in turn be grateful and appreciative toward the
white. The great proclamation of liberty and emancipation from
slavery was made upon this continent. A long bloody war was
fought by white men for the sake of colored people. These white
men forfeited their possessions and sacrificed their lives by thousands
269
in order that colored men might be freed from bondage. The
colored population of the United States of America are possibly not
fully informed of the wide-reaching effect of this freedom and
emancipation upon their colored brethren in Asia and Africa
where even more terrible conditions of slavery existed. Influenced
and impelled by the example of the United States, the European
powers proclaimed universal liberty to the colored race and slavery
ceased to exist. This effort and accomplishment by the white
nations should never be lost sight of. Both races should rejoice in
gratitude, for the institution of liberty and equality here became
the cause of liberating your fellow-beings elsewhere. The colored
people of this country are especially fortunate, for, praise be to
God! conditions here are so much higher than in the East and comparatively
few differences exist in the possibility of equal attainments
with the white race. May both develop toward the highest
degree of equality and altruism. May you be drawn together in
friendship and may extraordinary development make brotherhood
a reality and truth. I pray in your behalf that there shall be no
name other than that of humanity among you. For instance we
say “a flock of doves,” without mention or distinction as to white
or black; we apply the name “horse,” “deer,” “gazelle” to other
creatures, referring to species and not to their variance in color.
It is my hope that through love and fellowship we may advance to
such a degree of mutual recognition and estimate, that the oneness
of the human world may be realized in each and all present in this
meeting.
|
Therefore strive earnestly and put forth your greatest endeavor
toward the accomplishment of this fellowship and the cementing
of this bond of brotherhood between you. Such an attainment is
not possible without will and effort on the part of each; from one,
expressions of gratitude and appreciation; from the other kindliness
and recognition of equality. Each one should endeavor to develop
and assist the other toward mutual advancement. This is possible
only by conjoining of effort and inclination. Love and unity will
be fostered between you, thereby bringing about the oneness of
mankind. For the accomplishment of unity between the colored
and whites will be an assurance of the world’s peace. Then racial
270
prejudice, national prejudice, limited patriotism and religious bias
will pass away and remain no longer. I am pleased to see you at
this gathering, white and dark, and I praise God that I have had
this opportunity of seeing you loving each other, for this is the
means of the glory of humanity. This is the means of the good-pleasure
of God and of eternal bliss in His kingdom. Therefore I
pray in your behalf that you may attain to the fullest degree of
love and that the day may come when all differences between you
may disappear.
|