A Theologian Reflects on Race, Policing and Parenthood

Before Rev. Jim Wallis was a New York Times-bestselling author and theologian, before he was named to the White House Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, he was a young student working as a janitor in Detroit.

Wallis has never forgotten a dinner he shared, all those years ago, at the home of an African-American coworker and friend.

[pullquote]Rev. Jim Wallis reflects on youth, activism + learning not everyone approaches policemen for help[/pullquote]

The kind welcome and the hospitality were so familiar, Wallis felt like he could almost have been at the table in his own childhood home—until a comment from his friend’s mother showed the differences in sharp relief.

“I tell my kids: ‘If you’re ever lost, can’t find your way home, and you see a policeman? Duck under a stairwell, wait ’til the policeman passes, then come out and find your way home.'”

This glimpse into the different experiences of black and white Americans stayed with Wallis as he built his career in social justice activism. Listen to his story:

Rev. Wallis recently headlined a panel discussion for The Chicago Community Trust on faith and racial justice in American communities. While in town, he stopped by the StoryCorps booth to record his reflections on a life of service.