CC_GF

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

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

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

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

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