Contemplating Conversations on Money, Race, and Class
Feb 23 2016
By John Bloom
The high-profile presence of wealth inequality and racial tension in the media, mind, and moral compass have made conversations on the interplay of money, race and class ever more important. These conversations are complicated and emotion-fraught, but also potentially transformative. They take courage and time to convene, and an even deeper personal commitment to allow them to be recorded.
The transcript of the fifth and most recent Conversations on Money, Race, and Class (2012) is now available: http://goo.gl/1ftoUp.
Each participant’s willingness to share his or her biography, to speak openly on topics rarely talked about is a demonstration of leadership. Speaking across race, class, gender, and religion, they perform a deed of service for those who might wonder if there is a way toward a more conflict-free society. The reader will discover in the transcript that the pathway was and is not an easy one. It required the establishment of a facilitated sanctuary, which was a work of art unto itself. What emerged through the experience of the day is an extraordinary sense of self-knowledge and transparent vulnerability.
Individuality and identity are alive with meaning, and we are gifted insights into personal and systemic perspectives. This transcript, along with the four previous ones, offers a glimpse into a social future in which every voice is valued, and every human being matters.
Purpose
The first of the Money, Race, and Class Conversations was held in 2006. The need for this conversation became painfully evident during a gathering focused on transforming money. The participants of that convening included philanthropists, social justice activists, wealth advisors, and others involved in the non-profit and foundation worlds; everyone attending brought an interest in reimagining their relationship with money. And yet, tender topics such as class, race, gender, and religion–all central to the dialogue–couldn’t and wouldn’t be addressed. From interest, confusion and pain, a few of us committed to having real and difficult conversations about the interplay of money and identity.
Once begun, we felt the potential and need for others to join. We extended the invitation, and expanded the session into a full day event. The purpose all along focused on bringing meaning to these cross-identity conversations in a way that is of service to others—to open hearts and minds in a way that cultivates a just society.
While I sensed the need for these conversations and found the funding, they would not have happened without the colleagueship—and I would say mentorship—of Pilar Gonzales. Pilar, along with CJ Callen, shared the initiating experience that helped with identifying invitees and planning the future conversations.
But to really understand Pilar’s contribution to the Money, Race and Class Conversations, one has to read about her incredible journey of growth and self-discovery.
View all Money, Race and Class Conversations >
John Bloom is vice president of organizational culture at RSF Social Finance.
