When I post on social media, it is always done without thinking much. Which is something, admittedly, I am working on. Part of my being authentic, is being in the moment and saying what I feel. All with good intent. But what I don’t take into account enough, is the impact of my words and platform. And that as quickly as they can be used for good, they can equally be taken and used to inflict harm. In 2021, I publicly invited Tiffany Warren to sit down and speak with me about a decision she made with ADCOLOR Conference and Awards. A decision I didn’t agree with and was, with good intention, critical of. I did this in a public post that looking back, was reckless. While she’s done incredible things with her organization to uplift our community, my words inspired people to use it as an opportunity to tear her and her work down. I often preach about uplifting our community and coming together to align. This was the opposite of that, and looking back, I’m embarrassed for my actions, and the actions they sparked. Tiffany, as public as I was with my criticism, I want to be equally as public with my apology. The work that you have done in this space was deserving of a 1:1 conversation that, in my haste, I made into a town square debate. I apologize to you and all affiliated with ADCOLOR Conference and Awards that took offense. I also want to extend an apology to the Black community within our industry. Please use this as a learning moment that as seasons change, so do behaviors and perspectives. She may not see this post, because she rightfully blocked me lol. But my sincere hope is that she and her community know that I truly do care and want to build more bridges in the future. Together. There is too much division among those who all want to same thing as-is. We all have the same goals. We all want our community to thrive. So let’s all do a better job at working together…starting with ourselves.
Peter Ukhurebor
1mo
I share your sentiments and see the division getting wider. We all saw it at Cannes this year. We keep hating on each other and I have called for everyone to come together yet people see difference. Until we are able to acknowledge that we cannot do this alone then we can start growing. I am ready to apologize to anyone who has felt offended by me or hurt, but true forgiveness and change comes when we are all on the same page and ready to make that change as one people. Not as African Americans or Africans but as one Black creative community, until we learn to do this we will keep going around in Circles and try to recreate what is already existing rather than joining forces to pull more together.
derek walker
1mo
I respect you apologizing. I honor your decision and action. I am however concerned about this mentality that we cannot disagree publicly. Public discourse has to be on the table. It simply has to be. Backroom meetings and conversations reek of everything we despise in other groups. Now, before anyone comes for me - I stand firmly in Black history: W.E.B. Dubois and Booker T. Washington disagree publicly. Nikki Giovanni came for Jame Baldwin publicly. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X disagree publicly. And Black people not only survived these moments, but grew because of these public discourses. I am disagreeing with you to an extent right now, but it is not ugly or personal. Working together means more than getting along or being on the same page, and what is this "page" we are suppose to be on? Change comes when we challenge each other privately and publicly to be better. I firmly believe we as a people are stronger, more resilient and tough enough to survive public discourse, and if we aren't and lord help us all. Good on you for apologizing because this troubled your soul. Please don't let this thinking temper or mute you publicly - that is the behavior of the weak and frightened. Love derek.
Walter T Geer III -This is beautiful. Your Strength, courage and wisdom is on display.. Some of us have awaited the apologies from people we will never get and indeed blocking is a digital means of offsetting energy we don’t want. The beautiful thing is that you have declared a shift in that energy. Whenever we realize that there is enough for everybody and seek understanding we are higher in our humanity which God knows cannot wait. This looks and sounds like growth and that is a beautiful thing especially as all people fall short. Wishing peace to all hearts in one accord here. Namaste
"A house divided against itself cannot stand." - from the greatest change agent in history, Jesus the Christ. It takes a big person to extend an apology - and a big one to accept it. The two of you have done great things separately. I'm eager to see what you do when working together.
Lola Bakare
1mo
I respect this a ton Walter T Geer III! Personally, I think the idea of “public loyalty” holds us back from productive discourse at scale, but mending relationships is always a good look!
Fenton Joseph
1mo
They say you can’t trust someone who can’t apologize when they’re wrong, because that person has no integrity. You sir are full of integrity and that is why so many others here on LinkedIn and other platforms… have not blocked you yet lol. Keep going bro. We know your heart. We trust you. Lead on.
To apologize is not weak. It’s actually shows humility, leadership and is a sign of strength. I’m hoping that you and Tiffany will be able to repair the relationship; however, if that’s not possible at this time, know that you extended an olive branch. Thank you for reflecting and sharing.
Charlyn Okigbo
1mo
Wow wow wow! I commend your decision to issue a public apology…it exemplifies true leadership, takes COURAGE and integrity, and shows a commitment to transparency and accountability [qualities that are so needed in this age, in this industry!]. You are setting a powerful example for others to follow! Good on ya, Walter ❤️
Jay Schweid
1mo
As always, spoke like a true leader (and Mensch). Thank you for this Walter T Geer III and for leading by example. You're already great, but you are getting better every day, week, month, year and reflecting - without beating yourself up, is part of that process and journey. Keep up the great work my friend!
Enable purpose & clear inner BS for leaders to solve our world's big problems... while living true to themselves. The crazier the mission, the better 🚀 | I write about working in purpose, freedom, and joy.
1moPraise can be given where praise is due, but when people hide in the shadows and behind facades of change... that actually do cause harm bc it takes resources away from those who are doing the HARD work of sustainable change while honoring those corporations who are perpetuating the harm with virtue signals in the form of gold star corporate sponsorships... accountability is a reasonable ask. 2021 was a critical time and after years of MANY people asking for accountability and transparency and ADCOLOR Conference and Awards not giving it, your ask was a welcome breath of honest air. It's honorable to own our actions and Walter, it seems like you now see another course of action could've been more effective and aligned to what you preach/believe. I understand your point is not about public or private discourse, but rather how public discourse is handled and owning the responsibility of having a platform so, if you see it differently now, it's great of you to share that. But to this observer, your invitation to Tiffany was of the same ilk as Gary Vee's. Do you feel an apology is needed there even though people tried to tear him down, in general, but certainly at that time for not delivering on his Black executive hire promise?