It Takes Courage John Byrd and Colleen McNally

Roy continues his interview with John and Colleen by describing his college experiences and his path in the corporate world and aerospace industry. The experiences of workplace hostility include intelligence tests, education proof, and unequal compensation structures that were applied based upon race. Roy attributes his philosophy of excellence, preparation, integrity and focusing on relationships as the foundation for his ability to make a difference.

Roy Dawson, our friend and leader in our community, shares some of his early life experiences that led him to a people focused career and lifetime of service to the community. From lessons learned in contributing to the family income by working in the fields to basketball shoes to Los Angeles City Hall, Roy describes learning how communities work. As "a child of the neighborhood," in Texarkana, Texas, Roy traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, to work in the onion, carrot, and watermelon f...

John Byrd and Ryan Green continue their ongoing conversation about systemic racism and allow us to listen in. As a detective and as a prosecutor in one of largest counties in the country, John and Ryan have been engaged in dialogue, training and deliberate work to improve understanding and responses in our criminal justice system. Exploring the importance of full disclosure, the power of sharing oral histories and addressing racism in all forms: silent, systemic, systematic, cultu...

John and Colleen discuss the first year's journey of It Takes Courage. We have shared laughter, tears, realizations, inspiration and the determination to be better and to do more. Uncovering the underlying causes of our discontent is key to attaining the peace and safety that we all long for.

Dr. Carlian Dawson describes the impact of trauma and how it affects our ability to self regulate and process information. Her experience as a principal and educator led her to study trauma and to educate others on the harm that is being caused by the deluge of trauma and the overload of stress. Racism has shown itself to be an ever present trauma that settles like dust every time we clean it up. While we continue to fight, we need to make sure we utilize the protective fact...

John and Colleen interview attorney Kiilu Davis, a valued contributor to our It Takes Courage conversations. Kiilu is a highly respected family law attorney who has also been an athlete, a landscaper, a golfer and a force for good in pushing forward the conversation about how we can achieve a just and fair society. Kiilu reflects on the weight and the difficulty of fighting a battle that feels like it will never end and will never be won. And why we can't let that stop us.&n...