"The Soul of America: Striving for Unity, Justice, and Hope”

Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois, one of the most significant thinkers, economists, and historians in American history, was the first Black American to earn a doctorate from Harvard. In his groundbreaking book, The Souls of Black Folk, he delivers a profound critique and visionary perspective on the future of Black life in America, as well as the broader human race in the twentieth century. He writes, “It is, then, the strife of all honorable men of the twentieth century to see that in the future competition of races the survival of the fittest shall mean the triumph of the good, the beautiful, and the true; that we may be able to preserve for future civilization all that is really fine and noble and strong, and not continue to put a premium on greed and imprudence and cruelty” (The Souls of Black Folk, 1903, p. 118).

Understanding America

America has always intrigued me. I frequently reflect on my place in this country, its founding ideals, and the question, "What would the founders think about America today?" When starting something new, there’s always a vision for what it could become, but the reality often diverges from those expectations. Would the founders have anticipated the Civil War, women’s suffrage, public education, career politicians, or the many wars? What would they think of a Black president serving two terms?

America often reveals a contradictory stance on human dignity, both socially and politically. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal," yet Public Enemy critiques this claim, shouting, "Picture us coolin’ out on the Fourth of July, and if you heard we were celebrating that’s a world-wide lie" (Louder Than a Bomb, 1988). This nation, which declared the equality of all men, simultaneously supported systems of enslavement, disenfranchisement, and legalized dehumanization. America remains a paradox—a place where liberty was proclaimed, yet slavery was practiced; where freedom was declared, yet support for newly freed individuals was scarce.

What does America mean to me? It is a land of powerful movements, grounded in its ideals of equality, that have propelled advances in voting rights, education, housing, and technology. Yet it is also a nation of contradictions—a home striving for life and happiness while Black babies face disproportionate abortion rates and many families languish in poverty. America is a house filled with opportunities but plagued by disparities.

The People of America

“I am the poor white, fooled and pushed apart,
I am the Negro bearing slavery’s scars.
I am the red man driven from the land,
I am the immigrant clutching the hope I seek--
And finding only the same old stupid plan.  
Of dog eat dog, of mighty crush the weak.”
—Langston Hughes

America is a mosaic of diverse people, bound together by shared struggles and aspirations. Langston Hughes captures this reality, depicting a population united by suffering yet driven by hope. Different groups have faced varying degrees of adversity, often inflicted by their own government. Still, the collective dream of opportunity binds Americans together.

Over generations, America’s people have made remarkable progress. I celebrate the contributions of individuals from all backgrounds who have shaped this nation. Yet, Hughes’s words remind us that many remain scarred and marginalized, clinging to the hope of a better future. Du Bois and Hughes both call us to embrace what is good, beautiful, and true, encouraging us to advance socially and politically while rejecting practices that diminish human dignity.

Recognizing Human Worth

I believe that every individual is created in the image and likeness of God. This belief in the *imago Dei* affirms that all humans—regardless of status—possess intrinsic dignity and worth. No system or ideology can erase this inherent value, even though history is filled with attempts to do so.

For over 17 years, the City of Hope Outreach (CoHO) has worked to embody this belief through social and political engagement. Socially, we strive to affirm the worth of every person we encounter, fostering collaboration over colonialism and partnership over paternalism. Politically, we aim to highlight the positive contributions of the poor to society. Martha Nussbaum emphasizes the role of politicians in either creating barriers or dismantling them, and we seek to advocate for policies that promote justice and equality.

How are you engaging in this American landscape? While polarization and tribalism increase, it is vital to resist these forces. Social media amplifies arguments, and public discourse often fosters division. But what does America mean to you? How can you contribute to its ideals?

Du Bois challenges us to pursue what is good, beautiful, and true. Nussbaum calls for dismantling barriers that perpetuate inequality. Both provide a framework for meaningful engagement.

The Path Forward

Today would be ninety-six years old. Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. offers guidance for moving forward. Interestingly, Du Bois passed away on August 27, 1963, just one day before King delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. In *Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?*, King warns that America faces a choice between building a community united by shared humanity or succumbing to chaos driven by division.

First, we must learn to live as a healthy family within this shared house called America. A healthy family embraces diversity, celebrates victories, mourns losses, and supports all members. We have a collective responsibility to steward this nation for future generations.

Second, we must take actions that uplift individuals and society. Poverty remains a glaring issue, and as King stated, “If democracy is to have breadth of meaning, it is necessary to adjust this inequity.” Creating new opportunities for the disadvantaged is essential. We must shine as sources of hope in the lives of others.

Finally, we must practice compassion in our interactions. While we cannot control someone’s identity, we can control our perceptions and actions. Dr. King reminds us, “There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.” Compassion enables us to bridge divides and recognize our shared humanity.

​Let us move forward with a fervent commitment to love, justice, and community, striving to create a nation that aligns with its highest ideals.