234: Black Lives Matter. Listening, Learning, Growing, Acting.

We have hit a boiling point of rage and heartbreak. What we witnessed through George Floyd's murder was evil incarnate, not to mention the countless others who have come before him, and the massively dysfunctional systems in America that perpetuate injustice, racism, and senseless violence.

But pointing fingers at bigger systems also misses and important point: we — I — must start within.

I want to start this post and episode by thanking two people who kicked off the latest round of deep inquiry around anti-racism for me: Michael Bungay Stanier in his MBS.works newsletter, who shared a link to Rachel Rodger’s Instagram Live video from May 30 on “the good white liberal response.” (If you catch this in time, she has a Town Hall called Reimagining Small Business on Wednesday 6/10 from 6-8pm ET.)

I met Rachel many years ago, and have followed her work for many years—particularly at her new platform and podcast Hello Seven. It shouldn’t have taken until now, but seeing and hearing her pain, passion, and determination woke me up and stopped me in my tracks anew. It inspired me to dig deeper, to dive into social media in a way that I usually don’t. To listen more deeply.

Staying “out of it” is no longer an option (it’s a privilege), and I thank Rachel for calling me and others in to revisit many of the topics in today’s episode that, though I dipped in and out of over the years, I haven’t been focusing on nearly enough. Especially now, when our collective voices are needed more than ever.

If you are one of the many activists already working in this space, THANK YOU. ❤️ 🎙 To further #amplifymelanatedvoices, I invite you to submit voice recordings to air on the Pivot Podcast via SpeakPipe, or for longer messages, send your recording link to hello@pivotmethod.com. 

Let me briefly say, while in deep listening and learning mode: *I* must do better as a podcaster, listener, coach, friend, community member, and leader to continue building anti-racism skills and taking meaningful action. 

In the meantime, I am absorbing as much as I can to do my part, and am deeply grateful for all who are helping raise awareness and our collective consciousness. Please bear with me and others as we catch-up to making sense of the biggest, most inclusive picture. I recognize that even this podcast and post is sensitive and imperfect in ways I don't yet see or understand, and I welcome your feedback.

Black Lives Matter.

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