To downplay, deny, or hide atrocities that were done to people because of their color, is to devalue all who look like them. To be unwilling to openly tell and expose the full truth about the people who suffered race-based cruelty and abuse in American history, is to deny that their descendants are of equal human worth to any other Americans.

A fuller, more accurate story of our history matters. Healing only comes from truth. Even Jesus said: “The truth will set you free.”

When we value people, their history matters to us. I value the history of black people (and other minorities) in America. Here’s why.

Bias blots our perception
With toxic deception
Until we no longer see
Reality.