Practical Justice

One of the most despicable seasons in United States history was an outbreak of race-based violence that took place in the late 1940's, when several blacks were lynched, beaten, and police brutality was directed at African Americans. African American soldiers proved their worth and exhibited extreme valor in battle, but were reminded that, whatever freedom they had enjoyed overseas, they were back home now, and the old racial codes applied.

An infamous case, the February 1946 beating and blinding of Sergeant Isaac Woodard Jr., a twenty-seven-year-old Army veteran recently discharged from duty in the Pacific, was a flint that sparked interest in systemic injustices. Sergeant Woodard, in uniform, was on board a Greyhound bus in South Carolina, heading north to his home in New York, when he got into a dispute with the bus driver. The result was an atrocity that made headlines around the nation. The driver stopped in Batesburg, SC, contacted the local police chief, Lynwood Shull, and claimed that Woodard was drunk and disorderly.

The sergeant was taken off the bus, clubbed repeatedly in the face, and hauled in to jail, where he was jabbed in the eyes with the end of a billy club. By morning, Sergeant Woodward was permanently blind. At trial, the actions of the police were upheld and Sergeant Woodward was fined.

People have a long memory. When we are injured or abused, it is difficult to forget past hurts and injustices. Forgiveness is the path to peace. In the template for profitable prayer, Jesus taught, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:12-14)

Two or more generations have been born since the infamous days of blatant, systemic injustice was the norm. But, the scars of brutality remain. Solutions to inequities are impossible, but indifference is never acceptable. The people of God ought to be the most sensitive to injustice in every form, and eager to heal wounds. Tom Brokaw’s “Greatest Generation,” men and women like Sergeant Woodward, are daily passing away by the thousands. One of the tributes we may pay those who are passing away is to acknowledge how brutal we can be and determine to never stoop to that sort of misbehavior again.