Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Clemons.
Hi Josh, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ll never forget sitting beside the swimming pool with 50 black high school students in 2016. This was the moment that I saw the Philando Castile murder for the first time. It wasn’t the first time that I had seen blatant racism, nor would it be the last. But for some reason, it hit different. It marked me in a way that was undeniable. “It could be one of them,” I thought to myself. “It will be one of them if some doesn’t do something!” Those words came home to roost later that year. The seed of OneRace Movement would be planted and my world would soon take a new direction.
Being black in America means that we deal with race and racism everyday. EVERYDAY! This isn’t new. However this journey that would take would unearth the deapth of depravity that exists. Racism really is America original sin. Moreover, the entity that was supposed to be part of the solution, faithfully showing the way, was complicit and champion of evil. The American Church has stood o the sidelines while it should have been pounding the proverbial table in utter rage at the evil that was taking place against black image bearers. For this, we must lament and repent.
What I would soon come to understand is that I was being invited to be a part the solution, building bridges of hope and trust that could stand up to the weight of racial truth of America and the Church. Since this time, I’ve come to believe that the American Church repent of the sin of complicity and must lead where it has historically lagged. That we must take up the prophetic call to love neighbor and to do justice…In other words, I believe that the Church must emerge as the answer to the radicalized society we exist in. I believe that we are the hope of the world if we will faithfully love, dignify, and advocate for the ethnic and racial others.
Since this time, We have gathered 153,000 people in live events, worked 1,000 pastors and leaders across the nation, and have mobilized believers into the work of justice. We are merely five years old, and we are just getting started.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s like pushing a boulder uphill, only to get uphill and realize there are many, many more hills to climb. Race and racism is loaded with landmines and opposition one simply can’t adequately describe. It’s tedious because of how entrenched racism is and how shameful many feel when it is discussed. It’s an evil that is 500 years in the making. I have found that facing the reality of our complete and collective history is often more than many can bear, more than then they desire to grasp. Regardless, it is true, our past is present with us. Our past, our history, informs every aspect of life in the present. The tension and pain wrought by racism is undeniable when we examine our current state through the lens of history. This in and of itself is difficult.
We’ve been impressed with OneRace Movement, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
About OneRace Movement
Mission
“Teaching cities to love across color, class, and culture.”
What is OneRace Movement?
OneRace is a Gospel centered reconciliation movement that exists to displace historic racism through prayer, relationship, equipping, mercy, & justice.
Our Impact
150,000 people gathered in live events
Hosted 75+ prayer gatherings
Hosted 3 Conferences, including the 400 conference to commemorate the 400th year since the inception of slavery in the US.
Catalytic Events
August 25, 2018 – OneRace Stone Mountain: 25,000+ believers & 500 Pastors
August 25, 2019 – Day of Remembrance: 100,000+ believers & over 100 churches represented
June 19, 2020 – March On Atlanta: over 13,000+ believers and 700 Pastors/Churches
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Know. Own. Change. Journeying Toward God’s Heart for Reconciliation – Book – Josh Clemons and Hazen Stevens Race and Redemption – Podcast – Brooke Hempell and Susan Robinson
Church Politics – Podcast – Justin Giboney
Color of Compromise – Book – Jemar Tisby
Pricing:
- We are a non profit – donations Are welcomed
Contact Info:
- Email: Admin@oneracemovement.com
- Website: oneracemovement.com
- Instagram: @OneRaceMovement
- Facebook: @OneRaceMovement
- Twitter: @OneRaceMovement
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZmDNVQPUmwL5uUEOpZM6Sg
Image Credits
Phil Stevens
