Our Only Productive Path Forward

Like many of you, my heart breaks over the events during recent days.

It breaks not because any of this is new – but rather because it is not.

The conditions that led to the senseless killing of George Floyd – and to the events that have followed – have existed in our country for centuries.

They are being brought to a head now because of a lack of empathy, a lack of leadership, and a lack of trust.

There is only one productive path forward.

It doesn’t involve shows of force and threats. 

It doesn’t involve blaming outside actors. 

It doesn’t involve saying it’s just a few bad apples.

It involves doing much more than simply saying you understand the anger and frustration that are leading people to take to the streets.

Anyone with a shred of compassion or empathy can see that the system is unfair and that there is a long history of unequal treatment of the black community and people of color in our nation.

Recognizing that is a step -- but that, alone, is not enough.

So what is the path?

It starts with a real and clear commitment to address the fact that our structures must be reformed.

It requires a real commitment that involves those who are not part of the current power structure as equal voices in the solution.

This commitment cannot just involve elected officials, police chiefs, and unions. They must instead truly partner with the communities they serve to build new approaches and a shared sense of accountability.

This commitment recognizes there is no perfect solution -- but there is a better and more equitable path forward than the one we've been on for centuries.

Anything short of this will lead to more pain -- both right now and in the future.

So far, we have not seen anyone with an appropriate platform make this case. 

It’s not too late. But it requires a humble and long-term commitment.

This isn't just about making sure this latest example of murderers with badges get justice. That's a start. But it's not nearly enough.

This also isn't about returning back to normal. 

Normal does not work. 

It's why we find ourselves here.

It's about making real steps to ensure that we are all treated equally -- not just in theory, but in our workplaces, in our schools, and on our streets.

As communicators, we hold a unique responsibility to honestly assess our own biases and blind spots to assure the words we use and the stories we tell reflect the diversity and varying perspective of our audiences. 

And if your role is to help leaders in your organization communicate, help them understand that words are not enough if they want to help blaze a productive path forward. 

They must do more than talk. They must also listen and be open to true partnership and collaboration.

Without that, this will not end. Not today. Not ever.