Macon Magazine

34 | MACON MAGAZINE DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017 Meagan Evans of The 11th Hour. The first step in addressing this problem, according to Wilder: just talk. Talk to people of different races, religions and sexual orientations. Not a confrontation, not an argument, not an interview – a conversation, a respectful back-and-forth during which you take the time to really listen and consider other perspectives – and expect the same to be done in return. That kind of openness, though intimidating at first, eventually creates camaraderie and trust – excellent foundations upon which to build our city's future. "Without addressing these issues head-on with conversation, there is no way to effect change," Wilder said. "We do tend to talk about some of this stuff, but it's usually in our own friend groups, and we're talking with people we already know who are generally going to be similar to us. And that breeds so many misunderstandings. We assume too much – and without clarity, your assumptions become your reality, especially when it comes to race." When Wilder talks about her husband of just over a year, The Rev. Tony Lowden of Lundy Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, she lights up – it's a cliché, yes, but it's also true, and it's heartening to witness. The love and respect she has for him are palpable, and the story of how they met is full of sweet, serendipitous coincidences – "Arts! The arts brought us together!" she said, then goes on to recount a series of chance meetings that eventually began to seem more like fate. Civic engagement and social justice issues are deeply important for Lowden, too, and, like his wife, he puts his time and effort into working to effect real change. He's the statewide

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