The Black struggle for justice in the face of white supremacy has been a long-standing struggle for the acknowledgment of, and respect for, Black people's dignity as fully human beings made in the image of God. This book presents a theological exposition of human dignity, its defacement, the toxic ideology of racial superiority that erects such harsh impediments to racial reconciliation, and the conditions necessary before a new beginning for race relations might take shape.

What does it mean to have human dignity? What does it feel like, how does it shape one's self-perception, and how does it impact the lives of Black people when their dignity is not acknowledged and their humanity is denied? Mitchell's theological analysis of human dignity and defacement reveals the true nature of white supremacy from the perspective of those who must navigate the systems, structures, and institutions that operate in our highly racialized society.

In the face of such obstacles, Mitchell critiques the notion of ""reconciliation,"" arguing that we cannot restore what has never existed. Rather, she offers the concept of a ""new beginning,"" cautioning that such a step will only become possible once a different paradigm for relating across racial boundaries is in place. Throughout, Mitchell weaves personal experience with incisive theological analysis for a fresh--and challenging--take on America's original sin.