When we view the world of creation, we find that all living things may be
classified under two aspects of existence. First, they possess bodies
composed of material substance common to all--whether vegetable, animal or
human. This is their point of agreement or, as it is philosophically
termed, their point of contact. Second, they vary and differ from each
other in degree and function--that is to say, in their respective kingdoms.
This is their point of distinction and differentiation. For instance, the
vegetable and animal are alike in the fact that their bodies are composed
of the same material elements but widely different in their kingdoms and
powers. Man is like the animal in physical structure but otherwise
immeasurably separated and superior.
In the human kingdom itself there are points of contact, properties common
to all mankind; likewise, there are points of distinction which separate
race from race, individual from individual. If the points of contact,
which are the common properties of humanity, overcome the peculiar points
of distinction, unity is assured. On the other hand, if the points of
differentiation overcome the points of agreement, disunion and weakness
result. One of the important questions which affect the unity and the
solidarity of mankind is the fellowship and equality of the white and
colored races. Between these two races certain points of agreement and
points of distinction exist which warrant just and mutual consideration.
The points of contact are many; for in the material or physical plane of
being, both are constituted alike and exist under the same law of growth
and bodily development. Furthermore, both live and move in the plane of
the senses and are endowed with human intelligence. There are many other
mutual qualifications. In this country, the United States of America,
patriotism is common to both races; all have equal rights to citizenship,
speak one language, receive the blessings of the same civilization, and
follow the precepts of the same religion. In fact numerous points of
partnership and agreement exist between the two races; whereas the one
point of distinction is that of color. Shall this, the least of all
distinctions, be allowed to separate you as races and individuals? In
physical bodies, in the law of growth, in sense endowment, intelligence,
patriotism, language, citizenship, civilization and religion you are one
and the same. A single point of distinction exists--that of racial color.
God is not pleased with--neither should any reasonable or intelligent man
be willing to recognize--inequality in the races because of this
distinction.
But there is need of a superior power to overcome human prejudices, a
power which nothing in the world of mankind can withstand and which will
overshadow the effect of all other forces at work in human conditions.
That irresistible power is the love of God. It is my hope and prayer that
it may destroy the prejudice of this one point of distinction between you
and unite you all permanently under its hallowed protection. Baha'u'llah
has proclaimed the oneness of the world of humanity. He has caused various
nations and divergent creeds to unite. He has declared that difference of
race and color is like the variegated beauty of flowers in a garden. If
you enter a garden, you will see yellow, white, blue, red flowers in
profusion and beauty--each radiant within itself and although different
from the others, lending its own charm to them. Racial difference in the
human kingdom is similar. If all the flowers in a garden were of the same
color, the effect would be monotonous and wearying to the eye.
Therefore, Baha'u'llah hath said that the various races of humankind lend
a composite harmony and beauty of color to the whole. Let all associate,
therefore, in this great human garden even as flowers grow and blend
together side by side without discord or disagreement between them.
30 April 1912
Talk at Fourth Annual Conference of the National Association
for the Advancement of Colored People
Handel Hall, Chicago, Illinois