Pastors discuss racial relations in Appomattox following prayer vigil

The atmosphere of the prayer vigil Thursday evening at Bible Baptist Church in Appomattox was one of hope and love, filled with uplifting messages of understanding, compassion and humility without encouraging blame or retaliation. People of both black and white races stood next to one another in peaceful solidarity — some listened intently, and others wiped tears from their eyes.

Morning Star Baptist Church Pastor Tony Cousins recalled his childhood when, being raised on a farm by his grandfather, white and black farmers came to each other’s aid during tobacco season.

“We wasn’t looking at color, wasn’t looking at else but just being there for our brothers and sisters, helping one another out,” he said.

Cousins also reminded everyone that true change comes from within and that God is still in control.

“What’s going on all over our country didn’t catch God by surprise,” he said. “But God said, ‘If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, pray, seek and turn,’ that he would hear and respond. If we want to really make a change, we’ve got to first change our hearts and then change our minds and thinking.”

Following the vigil, Bible Baptist Church Pastor Jonathan Watson, who is white, and Cousins, who is black, discussed racial relations in the Appomattox community.

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