Attitude Transformation

Dr. Alan Bean (front) with members of the faith community.

Back in 1999 DR. ALAN BEAN, a white former minister, noticed that 47 people, 39 of them black, were rounded up and charged in the infamous TULIA DRUG STING, based on false information that was provided by an undercover informant. He was inspired to form the FRIENDS OF JUSTICE, composed of family members of those arrested and other interested individuals. Because of the work of Friends Of Justice, the TULIA CORROBORATION BILL was passed. It raised the standards for evidence presented by undercover informants and was responsible for the release of many innocent individuals.

While working with Friends Of Justice, Dr. Bean became aware of the role of the faith community in building community change, utilizing and embracing God's compassion for people of all types. That idea led to the development of THE COMMON PEACE COMMUNITY.



Dr. Bean explains how he developed the concept behind this new campaign, "I have gradually become convinced that sweeping systemic change depends on the moral transformation of a significant segment of the middle class white populations - the folks who decide elections and shape public policy (at least in our region [small communities in Texas]). Our program encompasses a new moral vision that challenges decades of careful indoctrination. Gradually, participants are moved beyond the set of moral, racial, and sociological assumptions that have kept our culture divided along racial, economic, and ideological lines. This can't happen by disparaging the familiar, trusted moral narratives that provide a moral foundation for millions of Americans; only by re-imagining and re-teaching the life-affirming aspects of these traditional narratives can real change come.

Originally, The Common Peace Community began as a study initiative which would put white, middle class people into direct contact with a racially diverse group of homeless individuals in their community. The objective was for participants to be able to note systemic origins of poverty, racism, and injustice. Then the findings would lead to more programs with similar church groups throughout the South. Southern church communities would then become more vocal beacons of change in their communities.

The start is with a seed of contact with community members who are different from the white middle class. The objective is transformation of attitudes, recognition that problems exist, and being able to vocalize and speak up for the change that is needed. It's an ambitious program, but like anything else, it begins small, it starts locally.

The book Dr. Bean wrote about the Tulia Drug Sting.

Thanks to this article from Pollination Project: https://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/alan-bean-common-peace-community/, and the above links.

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