People are not black, white, yellow, or red. With the exception of albinos, whom any so-called race can procreate, we are all some shade of brown due to the skin pigment, melanin.

The popular racial terms "black" and "white" are blatant misnomers which are divisive. They have evolved to symbolize the erroneous belief that these two arbitrary groups are natural adversaries or polar opposites. Using the terms "black" and "white" oversimplifies race and is detrimental.

Further, the world cannot be divided truthfully into "whites" and "people of color" because every so-called race has color in varying degrees. This dark-to-light or light-to-dark variance can be explained by natural selection and/or racial interbreeding.

It is important that people of goodwill and clear conscience declare themselves independent of all false-but-prevailing racial thought. Therefore, we offer the following as additional truths worthy of consideration and support.

1. Race is a subjective biological construct which is an inaccurate predictor of capabilities or attitudes.

2. People deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their alleged race.

3. Original intent notwithstanding, any government classifying its citizenry by race perpetuates racism.

4. The "One Drop Rule," which declares everyone with any "black" blood to be a member of the "black" race, is a myth which could be equally misapplied in other racial directions. "One Drop" is false and devoid of merit.

5. Racial pride bestows worth based upon race. Real worth stems from individual achievement, as well as the love of family and friends.

6. Racial loyalties are a threat to human rights. Socially responsible allegiances must transcend racial categories.

7. Based upon existing evidence, it is reasonable to believe each of us is a distant descendant of primitive human beings originally inhabiting Africa. In this sense, we are all Africans.

8. Every "centrism" -- be it Afrocentrism, Eurocentrism, or otherwise -- is counterproductive. We are what we are, due to the interaction of multiple peoples and cultures throughout history.

9. The sins of our ancestors or contemporaries are not our fault, including slavery and other acts of racial bigotry. The only guilt we need feel is for the wrongs we have personally done.

10. It is natural and normal for members of different racial groups to love each other, marry each other and have children. People have done so from the beginning. And the offspring from these unions are neither one race nor the other -- they are multiracial.

11. Parents bear the primary responsibility for breaking the cycle of racism. We should teach our children to judge others by character, not race.

12. Racism exists among all populations. We must challenge racism wherever we find it.

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