While preparing to launch a crowdfunding campaign inviting people to #JoinTheConversation around race relations, someone asked me: “Why should we believe conversation will make a difference?”
Many people, including the 15-year-old main character of the young adult novel, The Price We Pay by Nikki T. Anthony, have given up hope that conversation can change things. They believe nobody on the other side is willing to listen. They see attempts at conversation as a waste of time.
It’s a valid question. We offer, in response, someone who has already proven that conversation can change things.We invite you to listen to this TedX talk by Daryl Davis. He’s a Black man and a musician who took it upon himself to interview and befriend members of the KKK.
For more than a hundred years following the end of the Civil War, the KKK operated as a white supremacist group determined to stomp out Blacks and keep them down. They were responsible for countless lynchings, home burnings, and other acts of terrorism against the Black community. Davis himself was strongly warned against even attempting to engage in conversation with the KKK.
Change was slow, as it often is, but Daryl’s willingness to engage in respectful conversation with KKK members earned their respect. Eventually, many of them left that organization because of his influence.
We hold no illusions about the difficulties we face in engaging in these conversations. That’s why we’re offering those who contribute to the campaign and #JoinTheConversation access to:
1. Magnetic Thought Leadership Training to equip them to lead these conversations in a way that creates an inviting, respectful space where all voices are recognized and seen as being of equal value.
2. Lessons in how to hold difficult conversations that are productive and meaningful where both sides feel respected and heard, yet challenged and encouraged to find room for compromise.
3. A Study Guide to navigating the challenges of discussing sensitive topics.
4. A community of like-minded individuals who are ready and willing to lend their support and encouragement along the way.
To discover more about Nikki T. Anthony and Path To Publishing's novel approach to changing the way race relationships are discussed, visit our crowdfunding campaign page.
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