Walk Towards Change

Get Inspired: How to Overcome Our Biases? Walk Boldly Toward Them

Walk Towards Change. Our differences are meant to be celebrated. This week, we invite your family to think about the implicit biases we may have towards people with identities that are different from our own and as Verna Myers says, "run towards them!" Check out this TED Talk by Verna Myers, a diversity consultant working to help people recognize and unlearn our biases based on race, gender, sexuality, religion, and more.

As the late Civil Rights Activist John Lewis wrote in his final essay, "When historians pick up their pens to write the story of the 21st century, let them say that it was your generation who laid down the heavy burdens of hate at last and that peace finally triumphed over violence, aggression, and war."

Verna Myer says that we all have prejudices that impact our everyday interactions. She challenges us to look within and change ourselves to breakdown our biases and discover new, authentic connections.

*Content Warning: Discussion of racial violence in first 3 minutes of the talk.

Let’s Talk

After watching Verna's talk, use the questions below to kick-start a great conversation with your family:

• What stood out to you about Verna's talk? Did you discover anything about your own biases?

• Have you ever experienced bias or judgement? How did it make you feel?

• Verna says "walk toward your discomfort." What does she mean by this? Why is this important?

• Bonus! Check out the National Museum of African American History and Culture's resources on bias - their site inspired our video and discussion questions for the week!

Community Connections: Neighborhood Tours

Getting to know our city is a great way to learn new things and challenges our assumptions. Pick a neighborhood you've never been to before and spend a little more time finding hidden gems and supporting local businesses in the community.

Need some guidance along the way? Check out these fun ways to get out of your neighborhood and explore the city:

• Chicago Neighborhood Walking Tours

• My Block My Hood My City Youth-Led Walking Tour

• Little Village Environmental Justice Walking Tour

Exploring new neighborhoods helps us learn about and celebrate the diversity of our city!