On the surface, the demands for retribution for Governor Northam and Ms. Cooper may sound like racial justice, but in truth, they thwart the forgiveness that offers both substantive and strategic advantages.

If racists are willing to admit their wrong and do the work, the community is made stronger by their literal or symbolic return. Punishment may feel cathartic to those harmed by a wrong action, but it may not achieve real justice. The moral intent of restoration is to create a flourishing community that acknowledges the wrong done, holds wrongdoers accountable and invites them back into the community from which their offense estranged them. Thus, Black activists may gain an ally in the effort to combat racism. If white people forgiven their errors are welcomed back, the burden on Black people is by that measure lessened.

Archbishop Tutu was keen on white and Black folk getting along as justly and truthfully as possible. Contemporary movements are understandably eager to expose and confront the ugly truth of racism, whether it is the lie that critical race theory is being taught in elementary schools or the myth that Confederate monuments are more about Southern honor than Black contempt.