Segregation in America Growing up in "black world" Van Gilmer: It was scary to participate in the Civil Rights Movement because we had no clue what would happen. I was arrested many times.
Arts and Social Change The Black Church: a spiritual and musical legacy Van Gilmer: The minister talked about us being one family, and about loving one another. And that stayed with me.
Bahai Religion Meeting white Americans and Baha'is – for the first time Van Gilmer: I was scared to death because my first Baha'i meeting was in a white community.
Racial Unity White people were suddenly in my life Van Gilmer: I mean you hear the n-word now. But that was a regular word growing up.
Arts and Social Change Introducing gospel music to the Baha'i community Van Gilmer: Singing the gospel music brought to many of us, who are African-Americans, the reality of the Baha’i Faith. We knew it included everybody.
Racism in America How to talk about race in America Van Gilmer: There were five of us, Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Baha’i, who walked through a museum to see the history of slaves in America.
Racism in America The only way to eliminate racism Van Gilmer: My granddaughter went outside and saw a white noose hanging from a tree in her yard.
