In July, I and a few other ARCC members had the privilege of attending a Minnesota United FC soccer match at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota. I was pleasantly SURPRISED and moved by what I experienced in Allianz Stadium, which was a culture of real and true belonging - AS YOU ARE not how you fit in - that I had not seen or felt in other major sports venues and that has been purposefully cultivated by the Minnesota FC Owners, Coaches, Players and Fans by all of them Standing Up, Speaking Out and Acting with couRage to Create Change.

On October 1, 2023, the Anti-Racism Commitment Coalition, or ARCC, reached a very important milestone, the achievement of our 3rd Anniversary. We have accomplished so much, however, the most significant accomplishment is the development and soon to be launched ARCC Personal Transformation Process, which is the cornerstone of ARCC’s vision and mission of transforming YOU to be Anti-Racist and building YOUR character and confidence to Stand Up, Speak Out and Act with couRage to Create Change and spread Anti-Racism.

Last month, I released our milestone 30th episode, recorded LIVE on-site at the Minnesota State Fair at the first ever Cultural Destinations Booth. I interviewed booth creator Dr. Bruce Corrie, as well as special guests St. Paul Cultural Entrepreneur Kemet Imhotep and long-time ARCC Members Joanell Leggett and Annie Bui to hear their collective views on the importance of the role of Cultural Destinations and ARCC in combating racism and exclusion, and inspiring H.O.P.E. - How Optimistic People Endure.

MCE, a socially conscious musical collective, who are using their talents in the spirit of legendary socially conscious Emcees Chuck D and KRS-One, to educate and uplift their community to believe in and action HOPE. MCE is an inspiration to all who listen to their music and they clearly are another great example H.O.P.E. - How Optimistic People Endure.

Jeremiah Cox is an incredible young man who embodies the ARCC mission of Standing Up, Speaking Out and Taking Action to spread anti-racism. Jeremiah always Acts with Courage to Create Change and demonstrates H.O.P.E. - How Optimistic People Endure.

Last month, I published Episode 7 of Season 3 of the ARCC of Change with Donzel Leggett in which I interviewed physician and healthcare executive, Dr. Tamika Lasege who told her incredibly inspiring story and shared her perspective on racism in healthcare and the resulting long-standing disparities in care and outcomes for people of color, most acutely black people, that even she, a doctor, has personally experienced. 

The CIA event on June 27 provided an opportunity for ARCC community members to share more about their personal anti-racism journeys and a common theme across the shared stories was education and racism in our schools.

Samuel Clemons (Mark Twain) transformed to not only become a world famous author, but more importantly a TRUE ANTI-Racist ALLY committed to being an anti-racist, anti-imperialist, and anti-misogynist. He went from being a Confederate Army volunteer to becoming, in my opinion, one of the most ardent and impactful Anti-Racist change agents of his time. His quote “TRAVEL is FATAL to prejudice” is indicative of his transformative mentality, and reminds us that there is H.O.P.E. (How Optimistic People Endure) that we can create a world free of racism and hate.

The US Justice Department recently released its report on its investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department citing systemic racially biased policing, repeated misconduct, frequent use of unlawful force and mismanagement and lack of discipline and policing itself. A Consent Decree is expected to be mandated, but the bottom line is as community members we all must demand change and reform. Lives depend on it.

CONGRATULATIONS to Sarah Feng, who recently graduated from Breck (MN) High School. In this Blog Post we recognize “Super” Sarah Feng who is another tremendous example and wonderful role model of ARCC’s values of standing up, speaking out and taking action to make positive change happen.

CONGRATULATIONS to Valerie Thene, who recently graduated from Key West (FL) High School. In this Blog Post we recognize the fantastic, or better said, “Vantastic” Valerie, who is a tremendous example and wonderful role model of ARCC’s values of standing up, speaking out and taking action to make positive change happen.

Orieon Thurston is making a difference and TAKING ACTION to make positive change happen by mentoring youth.

The LEGEND, the great Jim Brown sadly passed away today, May 19, 2023.  He was a Goal Model and a friend and one of the greatest examples for me of H.O.P.E. - How Optimistic People Endure. REST IN PEACE MR. JIM BROWN.

In E6S3 of the ARCC of Change with Donzel Leggett, I interviewed the trail blazer and author of the new book, 𝐴𝑟𝑒 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑎 𝑁****𝑟 𝑜𝑟 𝑎 𝐷𝑜𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟, Dr. Otto Stallworth, Jr., MD MBA who rose from the depths of Jim Crow racism to become a Doctor, Entrepreneur and Author, and is a great example of H.O.P.E. - How Optimistic People Endure.

Neal St. Anthony, the legendary Star Tribune columnist, provides a great example of H.O.P.E. - How Optimistic People Endure by using his last article as he retires to not celebrate himself and his great career, but instead others, by providing reasons for Hope for our community.

Three months ago, I was invited to speak at an event for TC BANDD to provide a keynote entitled “The Path to Anti-Racism”. I invited one of our incredible high school volunteers, Adonai Yidnekachew, to co-present with me. Adonai was truly incredible in this presentation and if you want to be INSPIRED, check it out. It is definitely 10 minutes worth your time. You will not be disappointed.

Today I published Episode 5 of Season 3 of the ARCC of Change Podcast entitled, Beyond #BlackLivesMatter: A Discussion with Attorney Braeden Anderson, author of the new book BLACK RESILIENCE: The Blueprint for Black Triumph in the Face of Racism.