I hope this letter finds you well...

The Reverend Dr. Clanton C.W. Dawson, Jr., (1954-2024) trained as both philosopher and theologian, spent a lifetime asking both enduring and urgent human questions: What does it mean to be human? How do we live well with one another? And what do we really mean when we speak of race and color? Drawing from traditions such as classical philosophy, Christian theology, African American thought, and existential reflection, his work bridges the worlds of ideas and lived experience. He spoke and wrote about ethics, race, religion, and moral responsibility, engaging audiences in classrooms, churches, public forums, and academic conferences across the country. He returned repeatedly to the themes of hope, dignity, and moral courage, even in moments of social crisis and democratic despair. This book, based on a series of articles first appearing in the Columbia Missourian, continues that lifelong conversation, inviting readers not simply to think differently, but to see themselves-and one another-with greater clarity, honesty, and hope. Read more