What you can do about racism
Originally appeared online in the teen series: Q&A - September 16, 2020
As a Black man living in Oslo, Norway, Christian Kongolo has frequently dealt with being “different.” But it wasn’t until recently, he admitted, that he began to see the importance of addressing issues like racism in a way that brings broader and more lasting change. He talked with the Sentinel’s Jenny Sawyer about how he’s been thinking, praying, and talking with the people in his life about racism.
Christian, tell us about where you were on some of these race-related issues even six months ago.
As just one example, I’d heard people talk about wanting more representation of Black people in movies. I didn’t see the need for it, to be honest. Growing up as a Christian Scientist, I’ve always been more likely to focus on things other than people’s appearance or skin color, because I learned in Christian Science Sunday School that our identity—our spiritual identity as God, good, created it—goes beyond these physical characteristics. That’s not to say diversity doesn’t matter; it does. It just wasn’t something I thought about all that much.
Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.
