Eric Dozier was born in Bakewell, TN, during the final stages of the Civil Rights Movement in 1969, and grew up as the son of two pastors and the grandson of a deacon. He was serving as a Baptist minister and music director at his church in Durham, North Carolina, when he became a Baha'i more than 25 years ago. Eric now works as a cultural activist, anti-racism educator and blues preacher in the United States and around the world.
1.A family of preachers and singers
The black church was a phenomenal spiritual education.
2.Learning from teaching about race
Kids of color get suspended 5-6 times as often as white kids for the same infraction.
3.Accepting that racism is a system
Less than 10% of people on the planet control about 80% of the world’s wealth – and the majority are of European descent.
4.Hold on, just a little while longer
I began to understand the oneness of religion after an old Czech woman told me she knew my grandmother in her heart.
5.From Christian to Baha’i – via Christ
In the Bible we’re told to watch and pray, that Christ will come again like a thief in the night.
6.Learning to pray in a diverse community
Worship is an intimate act – you’re opening your heart to encounter the divine in the presence of others.
7.Filling institutions with the spirit of oneness
The Baha’i teachings say it’s mandatory for our spirits and hearts to eradicate racism.
8.A fountain of light
Baha’u’llah says people of African descent are the “pupil of the eye” – it has caused me to reflect on my role in this world.
9.Taking the medicine
If we had prejudice before, we’re going to have it as Baha’is. The difference is we’ve agreed to work it out.