Larry McGhee was born in 1952 in Chicago, Illinois, became a Baha'i as a young man and worked in several fields including academic counselling. He introduced the Baha'i faith to Lurenza when they met. Lurenza Wesley McGhee was born in 1972 in Lake Village, Arkansas, and has worked in behavioral sciences research at Triton College and Loyola University as well as in education administration for the Baha'i community. Today they live in Maywood, near Chicago, and are active in educational and service activities in their community.
1.Unapologetically black
James Brown, Civil Rights, the assassinations of JFK, MLK and RFK, the Black Panthers, were all ingrained in my personality.
2.Education instead of war
We had no role models and I became a high school dropout – but I wanted to avoid Vietnam.
3.Learning then sharing the good news
Black people were the most downtrodden in the world – I was all for anything that encouraged us.
4.Finding a husband and a new religion
This handsome young lad introduced me to the Baha’i faith – I was overjoyed when I became a Baha’i.
5.Home and school – two different worlds
I lived in an African-American community and went to a white school – you lose your sense of identity.
6.Maywood, near Chicago
Four young people recently took their lives in our community – these are spiritual problems that need spiritual solutions.
7.Where are African-Americans going?
The Baha’i writings compare us to the “pupil of the eye” – I find it amazing to share that with young people who are in despair.
8.Racism and how to overcome it
I’ve gone through hardships but I wouldn’t do it any other way – people like to feel that you’re passionate.