Get Off the Fence

As part of this week's Open Forum on Anti-Racism, I just listened to a terrific panel moderated by Ben Eubanks and George Rogers, featuring Chaveso Cook, Jared Fitzpatrick, Michelle Franklin, and Steve Paskoff.

One key message emerged: we must face up to this. These five quotes stood out for me.

• "No one becomes 'not racist,' despite a tendency by Americans to identify themselves that way. We can only strive to be 'antiracist' on a daily basis, to continually rededicate ourselves to the lifelong task of overcoming our country’s racist heritage." — Ibram X. Kendi
• "If you're not actively supporting the change, then you're reinforcing the status quo." —Jared Fitzpatrick
• "Do or die. There is no try." — Yoda
• "There is no time left [emphasis added] for any of us to be bystanders." — Chaveso Cook
• "When was the last time you shook someone's hand? When was the last time you left your house without a mask? We can change behaviors very quickly if we decide to." — Steve Paskoff

Discussing race and/or racism is very difficult. The conversations may even challenge the views we have of ourselves, as good and moral people. Nonetheless, we all need to lean in. Now.

The forum continues this week, every day at 3pm Eastern. Sign up at this link.