Racism – Building Bridges Leadership

“There is No Such Thing as a Safe Space”

In the days since the killing of Charlie Kirk (and its widespread viewing on social media) – as well as the clear differences in the messages people took from his words prompting discussions about context and the algorithms we’re all subject to – this seemed like a good week to revisit this Building Bridges LeadershipContinue reading ““There is No Such Thing as a Safe Space””

Stop, Collaborate and Listen

In recognition of the July 4th holiday here in the US, Building Bridges Leadership is taking a few days off, but you may want to read our now-traditional early-July article, How Is Your Team Like a Fireworks Display?, or alternatively revisit the post below, originally posted in early July, 2020, with slight updates below. Re-readingContinue reading “Stop, Collaborate and Listen”

A Surprising – or Obvious? – Verdict About Juries

A diverse 12-person jury sits in the courtroom, hearing testimony

Have you ever served on a jury? If so, what was your experience like? I’ve been called five times in all. In the first few days of 2025, I was called to serve on a grand jury. For a number of reasons I was released from serving, and I was grateful – In Massachusetts, aContinue reading “A Surprising – or Obvious? – Verdict About Juries”

Lessons from the Life of John Lewis

If you’re reaching the end of your school year, or even graduating from a program, congratulations! It is a major achievement, and of course, no one earns a degree alone – your family and friends have every reason to celebrate too! As many of the universities in our area are in the midst of graduationContinue reading “Lessons from the Life of John Lewis”

Speaking For or Speaking Over: Allyship in Action

Illustration of one person speaking into a microphone in front of many others also speaking

Who do you consider to be allies of yours? What makes them an ally? How is that different from being a friend? Do you consider yourself to be an ally of others? Who, and how? On a local level, the term “ally” has taken on almost-singular meaning in the last decade. On the world stageContinue reading “Speaking For or Speaking Over: Allyship in Action”

“Where Are You From, Where Are Your People From?”

When meeting someone for the first time – knowing that you’ll be working with them for a while – what are your go-to opening lines in conversation? Do you ask where they live, what they do for work, how has their day been so far…? I recently learned from some acquaintances who moved from theContinue reading ““Where Are You From, Where Are Your People From?””

Choosing to Stay Confronted in Conversations About Race

How often are you involved in conversations about racism, marginalization, colonialism, and/or other issues related to race? Perhaps these are conversations about systemic issues, or perhaps they reflect personal lived experiences. Often these topics are not an explicit part of the conversation, they are under the surface – not necessarily unacknowledged, but unnamed nonetheless. ExplicitContinue reading “Choosing to Stay Confronted in Conversations About Race”

The Doll Test, and Fault vs. Responsibility

Portrait photos of Black girls playing with light-skinned dolls

Portraits by Fabrice Monteiro Did you play with dolls (or action figures) when you were a child? If so, did you get to choose them, or were they given to you? What skin tone did they have? Did they look like you? Perhaps you’re a parent of a young child now – what skin toneContinue reading “The Doll Test, and Fault vs. Responsibility”

Sitting in the Tension of “Both / And”

On the eve of #Barbenheimer, now might be a good time to revisit the idea of moving away from “either / or” and towards “both / and” in this article originally posted in 2021: “Do you think [politician or leader X] is a racist?” How often have you heard versions of this question in interviews, politicalContinue reading “Sitting in the Tension of “Both / And””

How Are You Benefiting from Masks and Passing Privilege?

“Spider-Verse‘s Gwen Stacy might not be trans, but her story sure is,” one article began. “[T]here is plenty of evidence in Across The Spider-Verse to suggest that the version of Gwen seen in these films is a canonically trans woman,” stated another. Over the course of Pride Month this year, dozens of pieces across media made theContinue reading “How Are You Benefiting from Masks and Passing Privilege?”