This month let’s do more than uplift facts and figures of famous African Americans through the ages. We should also focus on the characteristics and moral traits that were lifted up not just during the Civil Rights Movement, but throughout all of the hardships of the Black community. Watch and listen as Allison and David have this all important dialogue.
First, let’s not conflate the methods embraced by our fallen leader with the message he preached. While the Reverend often spoke passionately about peace, he never focused on peace for the sake of peace. He always focused on peace as the way to equality. His message was to use peaceful resistance in the face of violence to create a stark contrast to the anger, violence, and hate of the white people who were standing the way of equality. He created a polarization of appearance and then asked – “on which side do you want to be? Which is more humane?”
Read MoreIf there are people in your circle who are unvaccinated, if you find yourself frustrated or angry with them, and if you want to engage them at the right time, you may want to practice some self-management strategies that will be of service to you when the time comes for a conversation.
Read MoreWe think that by bringing a greater sense of honesty about each person’s connection to racism and the problematic thinking and behavior it produces, combined with savvy invitation/challenges to others to do the same, each person can play a role in transforming this cynically-created, divisive CRT debate.
Read MoreThe recent controversy about Critical Race Theory (CRT) strikes some people as a manufactured controversy, intentionally created to reverse recent gains in the anti-racism movement; while others see it as a welcomed pushback against arguable excesses by the anti-racism community that have been ignored for too long. Certainly there are good reasons for differences in people’s reactions. On the one hand, the primary initiator behind this anti-CRT movement has been explicit about his efforts as trying to make CRT - a set of concepts taught in law school - into a pernicious term, and then associating all manner of cultural insanities into that brand that has purposely been made toxic. Moreover, conservative-minded community organizers are arming parents – and operatives – with extensive manuals that give them specific strategies that help them create viral moments at local school board meetings.
Read MoreWe are looking for a Business Operations Manager (BOM) to support our rapidly expanding work. The BOM will work virtually managing administrative, financial, and project management tasks. The ideal candidate should be analytical, well organized, tech-savvy, and have an acute attention to detail.
Read MoreLet’s be honest about the past, compassionate to others about the present, and courageous about our future.
Read MoreAs the country marks one year since the murder of George Floyd, few can deny the increased discourse that moment created for the U.S. and for the world on systemic racism. Despite how you may feel about that moment, it has sparked discussion in most of the spaces you occupy. Whether or not you have been motivated by the moment or you read this while in a space of fatigue, there is power in what you say as well as how you say it.
Your story is powerful. Never forget that you are the embodiment of your experiences, knowledge, and legacy. As addressed in our courses, your personal stories have the power to connect on a human level. Very few people want to be preached to, but most are willing to learn more about you.
The work towards social justice is a marathon—a multigenerational one. We need all the help we can get. So, maintaining your mental and physical well-being is critical. There is power in the pause. If you are in the middle of a heated discussion or if you are feeling overall exhaustion, give yourself as well as other allies the space to rejuvenate so that you can bring your best self to this work.
I join you in this journey of being more aware of the marginalized and being more and more inclusive. We all have blind spots created by implicit bias or from just a lack of knowledge. Therefore, we all have the capacity to offend or to “other” someone. When you engage in dialogue compassionately, you must first seek to understand before being understood. Remember A-B-C…Agree Before Challenging.
Feel free to share your dialogue stories below and connect with us if you want a safe space to practice your dialogue skills.
Sending love and hope,
Dr. David Wiley Campt
Dr. David Wiley Campt takes a moment to connect with Braxton Simmons, the Administrative Assistant for The Dialogue Company.
Read MoreAs you know March is Women’s History Month and this is a great opportunity to lift and amplify the dynamic women who have been so influential in shaping my work and The Dialogue Company (TDC).
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