#RIA: Racism in America

While coronavirus rightly captured our attention for the bulk of spring, the wrongs of American racism rise in the heat of summer 2020.

Political pundits, columnists and professional organizations and eagerly weigh in. Yet I wonder how the conversation would change if the world was open and most pundits and columnists were departing for vacation.

One thing’s for sure. You can’t escape the in-you-face marches or the bended knee on George Floyd’s neck—reminiscent of a modern day lynching.

Murders by police are more common in the African-American community; the unfortunate statistics are brutal and now available from a wide range of sources.

People are paying attention, but for how long? It’s up to all of us to keep pressure on elected officials, the judicial system and corporate America.

As a writer - educator - entrepreneur, I’ve heard 40+ years of statements and professional communicators and media channels rising up in support. But will they still be around to do the hard work once the cameras are gone?

What am I going to do in this season of change? 

I will …

1. Launch Life Skills Journey, a series of workshops to help young people and families navigate the 3Es - education, employment and entrepreneurship.

2. Continue to share substantive info among my circles of influence (colleagues, corporate executives, college students, youth, community leaders, educators, etc.)

3. Be even more vocal in the right spaces; speak truth to power and maintain silence among insincere audiences. We must understand who our true allies are; aka: when people show you who they are, believe them (everyone is not your friend).

I’ve learned all conversations are not productive. That said, during this season of support (60+) I recommit to lend my time, talent and voice to significant causes that empower my community (translation: people of color, and others). It's the only way. Stop thinking the government or your employer will save you, because they won't. 

Young or old, work to be resourceful and develop multiple revenue streams. Yes, even during a pandemic and civil strife.

What’s your plan?

Let’s turn #RIA (Racism in America) into a real #SAVEYOURCOMMUNITY movement before it’s too late. Hoping for change won’t make it happen. Step forward and continue to make action happen--long after the June marches.