It is almost hard to believe how much the world has changed in the last few weeks — and indeed how the events in Atlanta just last night underscore the need for urgent change. When I wrote to you recently about our decision to refocus OZY's mission and aim squarely at helping create a more inclusive and just world, I honestly did not expect the response we received.
Usually I receive 80 or 100 responses to one of my letters. This time, however, more than 2,000 of you wrote back — and not with short notes, but long, thoughtful and honest ones. Pastors, students, teachers, parents, protesters, police officers and victims of looting all wrote in. A former Klan Grand Dragon wrote in and so too did a scared 80-year-old grandmother. Your letters were all filled with emotion, and each note was so valuable. I promised to read and respond to each, and I am nearly there. But rather than wait until I am completely done, I wanted to share with you 100 of the most interesting ideas on race that I have read so far. I hope you find it valuable too.
Click here to dive in — or get a sneak peek below.
We’ve brought this group together not because we think they have the answer, but because we believe we’ll all learn something when we listen to each other.
I’m sure this curation is imperfect; read on, and please let me know what you think after you read it — if you think we’ve missed an angle, a perspective or a person who deserves to be heard, or if you want to share your own story. You can write to me by responding to this email or sending a note to carlosrwatson@ozy.com. You can also help us as we Reset America by inviting your friends and family to join the conversation using the button at the bottom of this email.
I promise to work with you to bring about positive change — for America and for the world. Thank you for your time. I will be back later this week with some thoughts on what each of us can do this summer and what leading institutions can do to fight and maybe even end racism in our time.
Looking forward.
Best,
OZY co-founder and editor-in-chief
Do you know somebody who will benefit from hearing these voices?
