Allison Pieroni’s Post

It was my hunger to understand the origins and possibility of my experience as a Black woman in America that pushed me to more deeply explore the legacy of #RadicalMLK. Like many of you, I went to schools and listened to programs about his “dream” of racial equality. But, as I studied the arc of his activism, I discovered a more reflective MLK, a man who had become deeply depressed as he came to understand the true nature of racism and caste in America. Towards the end of his life, Dr. King came to understand a few things: 1. The visual presence of people of different racial backgrounds is not a signal of equality. 2. There is no “moral imperative” alone that can end racism when so many continue to reap the economic and political benefits of a flawed system. 3. True liberation can only be realized when people from all backgrounds understand the degree to which they are victims of a system built on a foundation of oppression. 4. America owes a huge debt to the descendants of chattel slaves in America. 5. Power over will never be as fruitful as power with.

In a society that often glorifies self-reliance, it's crucial to recognize the undeniable truth that, whether we want to believe it or not, we rely on one another. Our intertwined human existence thrives on the array of connections we create, weaving together unique strengths and perspectives to form a vibrant tapestry. This interconnectedness extends far beyond our personal connections, highlighting the importance of cooperation in our shared journey. Thriving Together: Embracing the Inevitable Dance of Interconnected Lives

NEW TODAY: Kelli and C. J. Stewart discuss the mission of L.E.A.D. and what it's been like to empower others. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gibicAZH

The last two sentences of this article resonated with me the most: "Neither a divisive, identitarian worldview nor a baby-out-with-the-bathwater nihilism will do. Today, let’s strive to clasp hands and walk together down a peaceful road to reconciliation." We can't continue to use divisive tactics to advocate and drive DEI programs. We need to take a more truly inclusive approach that identifies ways that all of us can benefit from these programs. #betterbizculture

HOW CAN WE CALL OURSELVES WHOLE: WHEN WE ALLOW, PUT UP WITH & JUST TALK ABOUT INJUSTICE & ALLOW IT TO CONTINUE OVER OUR COFFEE, TEA & WINE? HOW CAN WE CALL OURSELVES WHOLE: WHEN WE HATE THOSE WHO ARE DIFFERENT BECAUSE OF CLASS, RACIAL, SOCIAL & EDUCATIONAL DIFFERENCES & MORE AS WE SHAKE OUR HEADS, IGNORE & BACKBITE THOSE WE DEEM AS UNDESERVING OF OUR ATTENTION? HOW CAN WE CALL OURSELVES WHOLE: WHEN WE SPEAK AGAINST THOSE WHO ARE DOGGING OTHERS TILL THEY GIVE US MONIES & NOTIRIETY THEN ...THEY NOT SO BAD. HOW CAN WE CALL OURSELVES WHOLE? WHEN WE ALLOW OTHERS TO DO TO OTHERS THINGS THAT WE WOULD NEVER ALLOW DONE TO US & OURS. How Can WE CALL Ourselves WHOLE?

We all can use more strategies and tips for changing the course of a conversation - or turning a debate into a discussion.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." For our society to thrive we, as individuals, can make the powerful choose to model the way of light and love spoken by Dr. King. When we choose belonging we've rendered rejection powerless in our lives. There is no need to stand on our proverbial soap boxes and scream you're wrong, when we model purity of heart and genuinely value for our fellow man. Being a light always dispels the darkness. Living the law of love will silence hatred. When we celebrate others prejudice will not find a home in us. Being what we desire to see in the world influences others who are tired of conforming to a narrative that divides rather than unites. Truly, there is a company of value-generating culture champions arising touching lives, healing hearts, and building bridges of relationships. Check out Dr. Melodye Hilton's book: Unmasking Prejudice: Silencing the Internal Voice of Bigotry (paperback, audio, and digital copies available) #validation #celebration #love #honor #selfleadership #leadership #higherthinking #HigherLivingLeadership #UnmaskingPrejudice #StopDevaluation #societyandculture #emotionalintelligence #motivation #influence https://lnkd.in/eCszrCKw

When we open our #hearts and #minds to learn from one another, we enrich our own lives and foster #understanding. Let's celebrate the #uniqueness in each individual and build a more inclusive and #harmonious society #together. 🌍❤️ #communication #relationships #christianleadership #craig #leadershiptraining

Sometimes, we get too focused on looking at the differences we each have. It is important to shift our minds from focusing on differences to recognizing shared humanity. More in the comment section. ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ #LifeClarityJourney #MountainMetaphors #ConnectOverSeparate #KindnessRipples #PerspectiveShifts

The root of all inequality is the process of othering – and its solution is the practice of belonging We crave connection and community, yet calls for division based on religion, race, ethnicity, caste, and sexuality are pervasive. Diversity initiatives fail, and activists narrowly focus on conflicting communities. "Belonging without Othering" by john a powell and Stephen Menendian offers a new approach, encouraging us to turn towards each other in radical ways. https://lnkd.in/gNuahwR8 Now Available: https://lnkd.in/gub6rKj9