My walk across America proves we're not nearly as divided as DC claims

Pastor Corey Brooks documents unity across racial and political lines during his ongoing Walk Across America, revealing how faith heals division in local communities.

Pastor Corey Brooks, known as the "Rooftop Pastor," is the founder and Senior Pastor of New Beginnings Church of Chicago and the CEO of Project H.O.O.D. (Helping Others Obtain Destiny), the church's local mission. He gained national attention for his 94-day and 343-day rooftop vigils to transform the notorious "O-Block," once known as Chicago's most dangerous block, into #OpportunityBlock. Learn more at ProjectHOOD.org.

A retired teacher shared how she tutors kids after school for free — she considers her pension a blessing and sees this as her way to give back. I was talking with a man whose truck had broken down when a mechanic stopped and offered to fix the stranger’s truck. I even spoke with a teen pushing his lawnmower down the street to mow a senior citizen’s lawn for free. All of these conversations did wonders for my soul.

They also led me to realize that America isn’t as divided as the headlines scream. What unites us isn’t manufactured in Washington, D.C. or amplified on screens. It’s forged in the quiet acres of faith, family and neighborly love. In fact, I would argue that those in the spotlight treat one another more harshly than the people on the streets.