The phrase "context is king" applies not only to biblical interpretation but also to race relations in the United States. It is impossible to understand present racial tensions without comprehending the history of racial conflict in this country.

This workshop explores how a greater awareness of historical realities helps Christians unpack and respond to racially-charged incidents today. We will take a brief survey of U.S. racial history with stops in the Colonial Period, the Antebellum Period, the Jim Crow era and the Civil Rights era.

We will end with an analysis of current events from Ferguson to Confederate flag controversy. Through deeper understanding of U.S. history, Christians will be better equipped to love their neighbors across racial and ethnic lines.