Teaching Race Unity by Example

‘Abdu’l-Bahá often spoke of racial harmony and the unity of humankind.

In a talk at Howard University in Washington, DC, He said:

Today I am most happy, for I see here a gathering of the servants of God. I see white and black sitting together. There are no whites and blacks before God. All colors are one, and that is the color of servitude to God. Scent and color are not important. The heart is important. If the heart is pure, white or black or any color makes no difference. God does not look at colors; He looks at the hearts. He whose heart is pure is better. He whose character is better is more pleasing. He who turns more to the Abhá Kingdom is more advanced.

The Promulgation of Universal Peace, Talk at Howard University, Washington, D.C.

He did not just teach these principles with words, He also taught by powerful example, even if breaking the social conventions of the time. Although Washington was a racially and socially mixed Bahá’í community, it still was influenced by deep-rooted practices of racial segregation which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá challenged by example.

Louis Gregory, a prominent African American Bahá’í of the time, visited with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá when he spoke at Howard University. After the talk, as luncheon was announced, Louis Gregory attempted to leave the house unobtrusively, according to the social protocol of the time. After everyone was seated,‘Abdu’l-Bahá stood up and was very insistent that Mr. Gregory be found. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá rearranged the place setting and gave him the seat of honor at His right, and stated He was most pleased to have Louis Gregory there. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá then continued in a most natural way and proceeded to talk on the oneness of humankind.  (source ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Their Midst by Earl Redman)

How do you think the community at the time learned from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá? Do you have any other favorite anecdotes of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá teaching by example? Let us know in the comments!