Let's Focus on Unity: Lessons from Morgan Freeman

We’re a few weeks away from February, which, since 1976, is known as Black History Month. In the now-iconic 60 Minutes interview with Mike Wallace, Morgan Freeman made a profound statement: “I don’t want a Black History Month.” He continued with another profound statement: “Black history is American history.” It was a moment that urged Americans to reflect on the ways we divide ourselves—often unintentionally. Why did Freeman point this out? Because he believes as I believe: that upon which we focus we get more of. Rather than focus on that which divides us, wouldn’t it be better if we focused on unity instead?

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Freeman’s perspective resonates deeply because it challenges a narrative that focuses on compartmentalizing history rather than integrating it. "You're going to relegate my history to a month?" Freeman asked. His sentiment underscores a broader issue: the more we isolate aspects of our shared human experience, the harder it becomes to appreciate the collective story that binds us together.

I’ll say it again: that upon which we focus, we get more of, and based on multiple interviews, Freeman believes the same. He doesn’t want a Black History Month because as long as we focus on that which divides us, we get more division.

As I often ask, we don’t debate over eye color or hair color, so why do we differentiate people based on skin color? And if someone is born of one black parent and one white parent, is that child black or white? And what if one great-grandparent is black, and three are white? What then? And what if the "black" grandparent was born of a mixed-race union? Who draws these lines? To Freeman and many others such as myself, these divisions only serve to divide, not unite us.

This isn’t just about history, though. Freeman shared his views on wage disparity when asked about it by then CNN host Don Lemon. Freeman rejected the notion that race is a definitive barrier to success. “You’re going to blame your inability to get ahead on that?” he said, emphasizing personal accountability over victimhood. Freeman’s message is clear: while systemic issues may exist, focusing solely on what divides us often becomes an excuse that prevents progress.

The societal obsession with diversity—a word derived from “division”—is a case in point. “Strength Through Diversity” is a phrase often used to promote inclusivity, but a closer look reveals its limitations. Division, by definition, implies separation. The focus should instead be on valuing the unique contributions of every individual. A better mantra might be, “Strength Through Valuing Differences.” This framing shifts the emphasis from separation to integration, celebrating the distinct qualities each person brings to the table.

This perspective aligns with Freeman’s broader philosophy that we should prioritize what unites us over what divides us. He has repeatedly pointed out that reducing people to labels—whether by race, gender, or other markers—detracts from their individuality. When Wallace asked Freeman how to stop racism, Freeman said, “Stop talking about it. I’m going to stop calling you a white man, and I’m going to ask you to stop calling me a black man.” Freeman’s call to action is deceptively simple yet profoundly challenging: see people as people first.

There’s wisdom in this approach. Focusing on commonalities doesn’t mean ignoring differences; it means recognizing that our shared humanity outweighs them. As Archbishop Desmond Tutu once said, “My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.” This sentiment echoes Freeman’s belief that unity, not division, should guide our actions and policies.

Imagine if we applied this principle to the workplace, education, and politics. Instead of implementing programs that highlight differences, we could foster environments where diverse perspectives are valued and integrated into a cohesive whole. For example, rather than celebrating isolated heritage months, we could weave the contributions of all groups into the fabric of our daily narratives and curricula. This approach doesn’t erase individuality; it amplifies it within a unified context.

The question we must ask ourselves is this: are we creating systems that encourage connection, or are we perpetuating divisions under the guise of diversity? As Freeman’s words remind us, unity doesn’t come from compartmentalizing people into categories. It comes from acknowledging that, despite our differences, we all belong to the same story.

In shifting our focus from division to unity, we honor the essence of what it means to be human. We embrace the idea that our strength lies not in isolated identities but in the richness of our shared experience. I agree with Freeman. It’s time we stop talking about what separates us and start celebrating that which brings us together.

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Daniel Bobinski, Th.D., is an international bestselling author (Creating Passion-Driven Teams), a certified behavioral analyst, and for 35 years he’s been a corporate trainer and executive coach. He also serves as Executive Trainer for the Shofar Global Network, which advocates for business leaders to let God guide their businesses, thus directing people’s attention to the Author and Finisher of our faith. After all, even if we become wealthy, what does it matter if souls are still going to Hell?