A Thoughtful Reflection

Over the past couple of days, I chose not to respond immediately to the recent social media post involving former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. I wanted to take time to think, to pray, and to be certain that whatever I said reflected conviction rather than reaction. Some issues deserve that kind of care.

Let me be clear: the imagery that was posted was offensive and, in my view, completely unacceptable. I make no excuse for it, nor do I endorse it. Images that echo a history of demeaning Black Americans carry a weight that cannot be ignored, even when the intent may have been different. That history matters, and sensitivity to it matters.

I do appreciate that the post was taken down and that the President acknowledged it was wrong. I also appreciate that he listened to pastors, ministers, legislators, and voices within the Black American and Black Republican community who expressed concern. Listening and correcting a mistake is important. At the same time, accountability must still exist, because leadership carries responsibility for what is said and shared in its name.

This moment is also a reminder of something deeper about who we are as a nation. America’s strength has always rested on the principle that every person is created equal and deserving of dignity. That principle is not partisan. It is foundational. When imagery or rhetoric undermines that dignity, it weakens our ability to have serious conversations about the issues that matter most to the American people.

Genesis 1:27 reminds us that every person is made in the image of God. Because of that truth, dignity is not optional. It is something we are called to recognize in one another at all times. The United States is unique among nations in that it is built from a diverse tapestry of people and experiences. We are one nation, but we are shaped by different histories, and some images or ideas carry sensitivities that others may not immediately understand. Once those sensitivities are known, however, they must be taken seriously.

I want to be equally clear about something else. This administration has taken steps that many believe have benefited Black Americans, and that should be acknowledged. But progress in one area does not excuse missteps in another. If we are serious about bringing Americans to the table as one family to discuss the challenges facing our country, then we must also be serious about maintaining respect and dignity in how we engage one another.

My hope is that this moment leads not to more division, but to greater awareness and responsibility. Faith teaches us that grace and accountability can exist together. We correct what is wrong, we learn from it, and we move forward together.

The Frederick Douglass Foundation remains committed to advancing freedom through education, thoughtful engagement, and a continued emphasis on the dignity and worth of every American.

Troy Rolling
President & CEO
Frederick Douglass Foundation