This past weekend many of us stood appalled by the incident that occurred in McKinney, Texas. I was angry and sad every time the video appeared on my Facebook timeline and various media outlets. I’m not going to go into details about the specifics of the video. Moreover, I would like for society to admit that racial tension is at an alarming rate right now.
On Tuesday morning I attended a networking event held by a new organization that I believed it would be a good outlet as I am new to podcasting. The main reason I decided to attend was based on the guest speaker Jared Easley, co-founder of the Podcast Movement Conference. Come to find out he was video conferenced in which led to a bit of disappointment. Nonetheless, I want to make the best of a situation. It was small crowd of 10-15 Caucasian Baby Boomers. Trust me I’ve been here before…no worries.
I introduce myself to two ladies Jane and Rose* (Jane I met previously, but did not mention) in the front. Rose took a liking to me and we began to bond as she called herself the ‘Networking Queen.’ I informed her about my podcast based on networking for young professionals when Jane blurted out, “How do you make money?” WOW! The raging voice in my head screams RUDE! There’s no other way to phrase the question. I answer politely stating “I have a handful of clients managing their social media and I speak professionally.” I continue my conversation with the uber funny ‘Networking Queen.’
The crowd begins to settle down, as Jared is about to start his presentation. He held a great presentation and I took it upon myself to ask the following question: “What is the best way to obtain a interview from a speaker during a conference?” My question was answered with great feedback. Some of the answers include:
- Reach out to the person first.
- No, doesn’t mean no. It’s a maybe or not right now.
- Perhaps it will better for them to set up an interview when they have something to promote.
- Follow up at a later date.
Those are all reasonable answers; yet, Jane chimed in stating “don’t harass them, they might call the cops.” There was a light laugh followed by a few others. Pause. Yes, PAUSE! My thoughts immediately went to the McKinney incident, I found myself once again angry and hurt. I wanted to cry. I wanted to leave. What do I say? “Excuse me, that statement is uncalled for. Can you please apologize?”
I was tuned out for the last few minutes of the event. There were a few thoughts that raced through my head. Perhaps, I’m being too sensitive. If there were no McKinney video this past weekend would I have laughed with them? I don’t know. Afterwards, I reached out to a friend to make some sense of the situation. Unfortunately, she is going through a similar situation. As a senior manager at top tier accounting firm, she’s the only black person in their meetings.
Two different people in two different environments; yet, sensitive to the racial tension that is plaguing the nation. I believe when events such as McKinney, Ferguson, Eric Garner and other incidents heightens the awareness of African-Americans as we step into various environments. Subconsciously we know what it is when we step out the house, but to be reminded with words or actions from Caucasians continues to lessen our vantage point regardless of our education, profession and service to our communities. Is racial tension high? Absolutely. Am I overly sensitive? Absolutely. Can there be common ground? I pray so. After all self-awareness is about having a clear perception of who you are as an individual with the understanding of people. As we continue to learn ourselves let’s take a moment to learn each other and our communities.
Personal Connection, Influential Network
*Names have been changed
