
An old Quaker expression says, “We believe that those who are called enemies are, in fact, friends separated by misunderstanding.” Clinton Pettus has lived and worked in settings that were predominantly black and those that were predominantly white. He and his wife, Kathryn, now live in a life-plan community where they are the only people of color. Clinton Pettus is a member of the Baltimore Monthly Meeting of Friends, Stony Run but grew up in the Baptist tradition in the segregated South. His adult life has been devoted to working for education and social justice for people of color.
Drawing on his lived experiences, Clinton explores the intersection of racism, colorism, sexism, and classism as they contribute to oppression and discrimination. Several colleagues will then respond from various perspectives that test the Quaker expression on misunderstandings.