San Antonio in Black, White and Brown: A Jewel in Our Community
San Antonio, we have a hidden jewel in our midst. It is a unique organization called San Antonio in Black, White and Brown (SABWB). It is a 501c3, nonprofit organization that was born 10 years ago out of concern that seeds of unnecessary division were being sown in our city, and that everyone in San Antonio deserved better.
Bishop Charles Flowers knew that if there was going to be any hope for our community to move forward and achieve a goal of concern for all by all, that people had to be invited to “come together.”
He did this with two aims in mind: build trusting relationships, collaborate on identifying enduring principles that have over time been trustworthy guides in building happy, healthy, safe places where thriving for everyone was paramount. Using this as the “perfect template,” he reached out to leaders of all races and leaders from every area of our city. Leaders – black, white, and brown – began meeting.
These leaders were drawn from government, education, business, sports, entertainment, and ministry. “Knowing one another” is foundational to building a bridge of trust. Over this bridge, those who got involved worked to identify solid principles that they would focus on in their respective areas of the city. These are principles that had proven over time an ability to have positive impacts. The goal was to move away from destruction and division and to build a city where everyone would experience a shared environment that supported the ability of each to thrive.
How do they do this? They have two annual events that have been powerful to experience. First is the January Freedom Walk. This is scheduled during the weekend when the life and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr is recognized.
The second is an Annual Leadership Conference in May. This year it will be May 19th-20th . At this conference, leaders share about their experience of implementing these principles, thereby helping and motivating participants to grow in their own leadership skills. Their thesis is that we ALL can be leaders in some way.
They also sponsor weekly meetings. This is where a lot of the day-to-day growth happens. SABWB meets daily with leaders from the different sectors of our city: Monday with government officials; Tuesday with leaders in education, etc. And on Friday, they gather to focus on prayer for all the identified concerns and goals.
SABWB also has an “Action Arm” called The People’s Movement. This group of citizens has signed up to be informed about and to help with any grass roots action that might be needed to address any concerns that arise.
For example, an immediate concern is an item that may very well end up on the San Antonio’s municipal ballot in May May Ballot, the so-called the Justice Policy. This subgroup will be alerted and mobilized.
Bottom line, this group cares about us and San Antonio. It is their home and it is our home. They are committed to working for the good of us all. Having them in our midst is a blessing.
If you are inspired by what they are about, please go to their website. Or, go to their Facebook page and sign up to support them and to help however you can.