Black Son, White Mom

What my son becoming a man taught me about racism.

I think about those instances when racism snuck into Malakai’s life—the side glances, unfair assumptions and uncomfortable questions. I think about how the actions of others affected him. Most of all, I think about my reaction to those instances and how that was perceived by him. The moments I went along to get along. 

Neil Davison has crashed cars, plummeted off cliffs and been engulfed in flames. He has fought superheroes, monsters and mutants. He’s died a thousand deaths in countless movies and TV shows. “I rely on my faith, but I don’t throw myself into things, thinking, God’s got me,” he says. “Being a good stunt performer is about intelligent courage—I don’t feel like I take foolish or irresponsible risks. But I still find strength in knowing that God is there for me and cares about me.”

Commissioners Deborah and Wayne Bungay have been Salvation Army officers for 37 years, spending more than 12 years in international service. Today, they serve as territorial president of women’s ministries and territorial commander in the Zimbabwe and Botswana Territory. We spoke with Commissioner Deborah Bungay about adapting to new cultures, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and their vision for the territory.

The South America East Territory, in partnership with the Canada and Bermuda Territory and others,  is offering a new after-school program, Curious and Brave. The program offers well-rounded, holistic educational support that provides basic needs for students and families and, as the name suggests, encourages them to be curious, to think critically and to bravely communicate and defend their feelings, emotions and ideas within a safe space.