For Fostering Crucial Discussions on Race, Richie Butler Is My Texan of the Year

In many ways, thoughtful discourse on race relations has been hijacked. Loud voices on television and social media drown actual discussion. Shootings of minorities by police divide people further. People try to avoid talking about race altogether out of anger, fear, sadness, frustration or hopelessness. Silence perpetuates the paralysis.But Richie Butler believes that what unites us is greater than what divides us. He does not believe in social paralysis.A year ago the pastor of St. Paul United Methodist Church located in the Dallas Arts District established a movement called Year of Unity. In response to the killing of five police officers in Downtown Dallas, and building on prior work, Butler created events to foster discussions about race. For bringing us together, for helping us heal, for breaking our silence, I nominate the Butler as Texan of the Year.  Continue reading...