Detroit – State Representative Josh Schriver of Oxford, Michigan, demonstrates to us all the need for the study of Black history and other diverse cultures in the most culturally diverse nation of the world. Unfortunately, his voice can be heard in too many state legislative assemblies across the nation. As a so called Christian, I am sure

Representative Schriver knows the scripture found in Matthew 15:18, “the things that come out the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.

”In observing Black history, which is really American history celebrated all year round, I am reminded of the words of Dr.

Martin Luther King, Jr., “there is little hope for us until we become tough-minded enough to break loose from the shackles of prejudice, half-truths, and downright ignorance.”

In a nation too often divided by lies, a distortion of history, misinformation, and disinformation, our leadership must call us to do better. It must not make us bitter. The only replacement that needs to be made among us is to replace fear with hope, hate with just a little love, and despair with inspiration. There has never been an attempt by Black folks to replace white folks. The call has always been to include us. Do not exclude us on the basis of our color.

This divisive and pernicious rhetoric is the same type used by Adolf Hitler in Nazi Germany.

Hitler called the Jews, “destroyers of culture, a parasite within the nation, and a menace.

” It gave a warped credence and an illegitimate license to those who would use intimidation and violence to attack a certain population. The number of shootings around the nation, and the open-ended resentment of persons fleeing to America for freedom and democracy should inform us. This is the kind of national canvas such corrupt political paint brushing seeks to exhibit.

Racism for many and white supremacism for others has become so natural and so freely expressed, folks do it without even thinking about it. It’s almost like Nike says, “Just do it.” Even though that’s not what they mean.

Nike has also said following the death of George Floyd, “For once, don’t do it. Don’t pretend there is not a problem in America. Don’t turn your back on racism. Don’t accept innocent lives being taken from us. Don’t make any more excuses. Don’t think this doesn’t affect you. Don’t sit back and be silent. Don’t think you can’t be part of the change. Let’s all be part of the change.”

We in the Detroit Branch NAACP say to Representative Schriver, “Stop. Just don’t do it. ” If you really want to address the immigration issue, demand that your Republican colleagues in the U.S. House and Senate support and pass a bipartisan bill, now in the House to deal with this issue. Let’s replace the misguided allegiance to those ranting individuals who seek to divide our nation with the hope and unity found in the majority of Americans who seek to unite our country. Let’s replace the evil song of the sirens “You will not replace us” with the sweet melodic sound of the hymn by John Fawcett, “Blest be the tie that bind our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.” Now that is what we call A GREAT REPLACEMENT!