Powell: A Voice from the Center Archives

Powell: A Voice from the Center

John Powell

Powell: Voices raised in hope

When I began writing this column in 2012, I quoted a Mennonite agency staff member who said we were “M in the fire!” — meaning

John Powell

August 24, 2020

Powell: Rocks in your bed

We have been awakened to injustice among communities of color. The effect of Covid-19 cases and the brutal deaths of African Americans at the hands

John Powell

July 13, 2020

Powell: Kids don’t start racist

While shopping last year, a white child about 4 years old pointed at me and asked his mother, “Is that a n---er?” The mother took

John Powell

June 1, 2020

Powell: This year, a silent revolution

I marvel at the revolutionary and transforming work of Jesus. He was passionate, direct and God-directed. Religious and secular power brokers considered him a threat

John Powell

January 27, 2020

Powell: Where’s the joy in tense times?

An acquaintance said to me, “Another year is almost over. Christmas will soon be here. I can’t get into the spirit with all the divisiveness

John Powell

December 9, 2019

Powell: Poverty, pollution: a toxic mix

Media and public opinion have made us aware of the environmental racism in Flint, Mich. Under the management of the state, the drinking water source

John Powell

October 28, 2019

Powell: The battle is not won

The white-supremacy attacks in Dayton, Ohio, and El Paso, Texas, have communities on edge. We wonder where the next attacks will happen. Is our community

John Powell

September 16, 2019

Powell: Our common destiny

“Change Gonna Come” was one of the staple songs during the Civil Rights era. Immigrants who came to America found the change they were looking

John Powell

August 5, 2019

Powell: Slavery to freedom

Independence Day, July 4, will be celebrated soon. There’ll be parades lined with politicians seeking your support. Families will gather to watch fireworks. The U.S

John Powell

June 24, 2019

Powell: More than caretakers

Some people think global warming is a hoax. Scientific evidence shows it is real. A November report by scientists from 13 federal agencies concluded we

John Powell

May 13, 2019

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