The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism

Content Warning: This section discusses racism, sexual violence, racial violence, and the history of enslavement.

The book’s Foreword, written by American rapper, singer, and songwriter Lecrae, begins with Lecrae recalling the controversy regarding one of his Twitter posts on Independence Day. Lecrae posted a picture of African Americans picking cotton and received negative comments from users who questioned his patriotism and criticized his choice to refer to racial issues. Lecrae’s intention was to show the reality of the country’s historical past instead of celebrating a “simplistic” and “incomplete narrative” (9).

Through his work as a hip-hop artist with an audience of white evangelicals, Lecrae understands the ongoing “tension” between Black and white Americans, particularly around the history of the evangelical church. He praises Jemar Tisby for his historical survey that demonstrates the complicity of the white American church to racism. He notes that the book challenges readers to examine the history of the church and acknowledge its “shameful aspects.” Tisby’s careful research of stories, records, and interviews helps promote understanding of how racism within the church still impacts neighborhoods, schools, and politics.

Lecrae emphasizes that Tisby also provides action steps toward justice and reconciliation in the church, communities, and the country as a whole.