Bob James, a licensed psychologist with a PhD from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, was born in 1949 in Nashville, TN. In addition to his psychology practice, Bob also provides diversity training to business, universities and other organizations. His work is informed by his training and his participation in the service and community-building activities of the Baha'i community. Bob's uncle was the first Baha'i of the family. He embraced the Baha'i teachings in 1934, after meeting the celebrated Baha'i teacher Louis Gregory, and more than 40 other relatives later also joined the Baha'i community.
1.Dreams of the future, flashes of the past
My great-grandfather was born into slavery – and the slave owner was his father.
2.Losing then finding his religion
I noticed within the Baha'i community there were African-Americans, whites, Filipinos and others all working together.
3.Experiencing racism for the first time
Some white students told my white roommate to never be seen around African-Americans – or they’d harm him.
4."I don't have a racist bone in my body"
If you don’t smoke but you go where everybody is smoking, that stench will be in your hair and your clothes and on your skin.
5.The rewards of an inter-racial marriage
It may have been easier to marry someone of our own ethnicity. But this is one of the best ways to break down barriers.
6.Offering an African-American spirit to the Baha'i faith
We would sing for hours and then deepen ourselves on our responsibilities as Baha’is.