Hi! We’re Glenn and Andrea. We’re interracial-dialogue leaders helping people navigate difficult conversations about race and racism. We’re here to give you the tools to help you discuss race in the workplace, at home and with friends. Ask Me Anyt...

An interesting AMA on a serious topic with polarized perspectives.

1. For myself, it would seem that it has become less about equality and more about special treatment which is the opposite of equality. For example: "Support black owned businesses." Why would a consumer consider the owner's race in their decision to buy a product or service? It should be about quality and value. How do you propose we reconcile these things?

2. I would like to hear your take on the "Us vs Them" rhetoric that is constantly fed to our society when we are all in this shit show together.

3. I would also like to hear your opinions on CRT.

1). Our work centers on Equity, which means providing what is needed so everyone can be their best selves and thrive at their highest level..

2). Racial healing requires creating an environment in which all parties are heard and their understanding of racial experiences are believed. This strategy does not create an "Us vs Them" dichotomy but leads to opportunities for greater understanding.

3). Critical Race Theory is a framework that can be used to codify and make sense of patterns in racial experiences across sectors. CRT is also a way in which we can understand race and racism not only as it functions interpersonally; but institutionally, systemically and structurally. - Andrea

Do you subscribe to the theory that racism equals power plus prejudice, and therefore only white people can be racist?

Our belief is that racism is power plus prejudice and authority; therefore anyone of any racial group can perpetuate racism. -Andrea

Do companies just bring you in to use your training as an affirmative defense to any Title VII claims?

Companies bring us in to do systemic work which involves developing personnel in all levels of the organization with respect to racial disparities and inequities. - Andrea

Can you expand on your definition of racism . Define power. What is having power over someone do you mean this in a physical or mental degree ?

We view the concept of racism as systemic, structural and or institutional, therefore the power which we speak of, functions at these levels. -Andrea

How has the dialogue regarding race and racism in the workplace changed since you first started? Is it getting "better" as in, less racism, or does it just shift?

One Important change is with whom, where and how the dialogue is taking place. More people across a variety of races, generations and geographies seem to be engaging in the conversation. Important too, is that conversations are happening both in virtual spaces as well as in-person in the workplace and in our homes. For this we can be excited...this also, however, presents the challenge that we all enhance our racial consciousness and conversation skills in order to invite people to "lean into" dialogue, versus "calling out" and alienating folks. -Glenn

What do you think about the word Latinx, and why?

It is important that the people who are being named "Latinx" be front and center in this Courageous Conversation. As we are invited to participate in defining and redefining the fastest growing racial/ethnic group, let's make sure that we do not perpetuate racism in doing so...-Glenn

Where do you see hope? What recent successes have you seen that give you optimism?

I love this question...I find tremendous HOPE in the fact that we are engaged in this conversation. I see progress towards achieving racial equity, diversity and inclusion occurring across a variety of sectors here in the US and abroad. Mostly, young folks...our youth are showing up and demanding receipts. This is what our Elders and Ancestors have asked of us...it is not our work to end racism; it is our responsibility to create a society where there is greater racial justice and fewer racial disparities. This is what I am experiencing in my life and work. -Glenn

Thank you both for the work you do. I was raised with a somewhat racist father who was raised by very racist parents. In the 80’s when I grew up we were being taught to be colorblind and I didn’t really consider myself racist but have come to learn I was extremely ignorant to the black experience. I find many times I avoid discussions about race with POC because I fear saying something wrong or fear they will think their race is all I see or that I am simply pandering. What is the best way to start a discussion?

Thank you for your question. In Courageous Conversation, we develop people to "Speak Your Truth" just as you have with me in this question...you can have less fear about sharing your origin story. This is your experience and shapes your perspective. It is your truth, thus it is not wrong. I ask you to consider not projecting what BIPOC folks might think...rather ask for their truth as a response to what you have shared. Just because that truth might discomfort you, it does not mean that it is not worthwhile for you to hear. -Glenn

from your perspective, when is an “ally” performative vs authentic? (on a business and / or human level)

I would start be saying the word ally in and of itself sets up an uneven relationship to the work of anti--racism "I need you to help me". I prefer to consider someone to be a "co-conspirator", or "accomplice" where you are doing your work, while I am doing my work and together we are working toward racial justice. -Andrea

Can you give an actual definition of racism? I see the part about "power plus prejudice and authority", but that's not a particularly clear definition. If the hiring partner at a law firm believes from personal experience that certain minorities tend to do a good job at the firm, yet avoids using that bias in hiring decisions, s/he'd be racist under your current definition, but that doesn't seem objectionable.

Great question, and, let's break this down a bit. First it is important to use racial language when talking about racism. So please racialize your example; ie, the hiring parter is what race? "Certain Minorities" are what race? - Andrea

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Thank you for your question. In Courageous Conversation training, we like to honor and respect ALL people. Such conversations, now focused on exercising our Protocol, and developing new skills, would not "cause problems" and prompt "fighting", rather it would highlight existing racial Injustices and disparities and foster greater community. -Glenn

yes that's on the brochure I'm sure. The reality is far different.

The Courageous Conversation Protocol speaks to the importance of "Multiple Perspectives" thus, I want to honor YOUR reality. My reality from the past 30 years of practice in the space, aligns with a process of building community across and within racial groups, rather than stimulating and exacerbating existing tensions and disconnect. -Glenn

Hi there, how long have you all been working in this space?

In truth, I have been "working" in the "Race Place" all of my life. Courageous Conversation celebrates 30 years of service to humanity this year! -Glenn

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We view all racial aggressions to be "Macro"...and recommend that they are addressed through dialogue...first ask the aggressor to repeat what was said and determine if, as they listen to themselves, they can detect their own racial transgression...if not, then you repeat it and indicate how what was said has landed on you! -Glenn

When someone says something racist and tries to cover it up with the classic phrase “MY BEST FRIEND IS BLACK or “I HAVE BLACK FRIENDS” - how would you handle that?

The first step would be to repeat back to them what they said; "So what I heard you say was....." Then share with them how what they said impacted you. There is no need to debate, simply the need to let them know what harm was caused and to give them the opportunity to eventually do some repair work. -Andrea

I've noticed a trend, particularly on reddit where a lot of white folks will essentially try to make themselves out to be victims of the racist system that is perpetuated today. They essentially say that every other group is a worse perpetuator of racism than they are.

What are your feelings on this? Does statistical analysis support this?

Also, I notice how a lot of white folks on reddit and the internet in general seem to be experts on racism, but only when trying to chastise or discredit a person of color (usually a black person's) experience with racism. What are your thoughts on that as well? Especially in consideration of how all of these folks always seem to have parents that "taught them to not see race or color"

I appreciate you expressing interest in my feelings regarding your noticing...

My feeling is curiosity...and, to get more "Personal, local and immediate," please share with me, in more specific language, what White people have expressed to and around you, that causes you to position them as "victims of a racist system"? -Glenn

Thank you for opening a dialogue and I apologize for the section of Reddit users that is downvoting you; please ignore them because what you’re doing is super important and your patience is out of this world. ❤️

Something that comes up for me every year at Juneteenth is wanting to acknowledge the immensity of meaning and importance of the day, but not knowing if it’s appropriate to acknowledge or how.

It feels wrong for me, a white person, to be celebratory given the history. But on the other hand, it’s a very significant day worthy of celebration and I feel it’s wrong to let it pass without any acknowledgement.

I’m aware that it’s not my holiday and I’m 1000% cool with that, so if the answer is to kindly be quiet, that is totally fine! I just want to do the right thing and be respectful, in any case. Is Juneteenth something that white allies should acknowledge?

Thanks! ☺️

Juneteenth being elevated to the status of a National observance, gives each of us an opportunity to acknowledge the truths about the enterprise of the period of enslavement. As a white person, you can use the day as an opportunity to engage in conversations both intra-racially and inter-racially. It can be a day of engagement, just like some people use MLK Day as a day of service. -Andrea