Joyous Juneteenth (“Freedom Day”) to the Americans out there, particularly my African American friends! On June 19, 1865, the last 250,000 enslaved Americans were liberated in Galveston Bay, Texas. As I reflect on our newest federal holiday (also my birthday), I find myself in awe that two centuries ago, we collectively accepted and practiced slavery, and we overtly dehumanized another race. And today, the idea of enslaving another people is unthinkable (and racism, though still present, is far less acceptable). Things can shift fast. And during the transition from a pro- to post-slavery nation, there was polarization, war, a reshuffling of winners and losers... and tremendous bravery was required to stand up for what’s right. And so I ask today: If we are in a time of transition today, what is the world you hope to see 50 years from now? What are the values that you’re willing to courageously stand up for – in your family life, in the workplace, in civil society – to get there? And at what potential cost? For me, it’s clear that creating a safe, inclusive world where others can be seen beyond labels of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, etc. is one of the great collective shifts that I am committed to. A world where a dehumanized “other” no longer exists as a construct, where we can see ourselves in each other. A world where we reinforce freedom from the outside-in, which makes it easier to express freely from the inside-out. When I get down from the news today, I try to take the long view. I think of the extraordinary tumult, suffering, and loss people experienced in the 1800s as the country wrestled with the question of slavery. And I also imagine the sweet celebration 159 years ago today when freedom was proclaimed. I believe in my heart of hearts, we’ve collectively learned a lot since the 1800s, and so the transition we’re in can be far less violent and far more conscious. For now: Celebrate well, America!
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Helping high-achievers tap into purpose, confidence & focus | Coach, Facilitator & Speaker | Ex-Goldman Sachs | Stanford MBA | Harvard MPA | 25x National Swim Champion | Follow for productivity insights and inspiration
4moBeautifully stated Moshe. Love the question you pose about what is the world you hope to see 50 years from now?