The Story of Black Lives Matter & More w/ NYT editor Veronica Chambers

Stepping Into Truth: Conversations on Social Justice and How We Get Free

Veronica Chambers

For a lot of people Black Lives Matter became part of their lives in a concrete way in the wake of the murder of George Floyd but the story of the organization starts years earlier. In her book, with its gorgeous photographs, NYT editor Veronica Chambers takes us on not only the journey of BLM but also looks to the past and the future to see where we came from and where we might go.

In this conversation Veronica and I talk about both the struggle and about how we all get free. Looking at leaders who work outside of the spotlight and what they have to teach us we get a broader picture of how we might do our individual activism.

From Ferguson to the climate conference in Glasgow we look at the intersections and how we can use them to increase our impact.

I loved this conversation because it reminded me of the power of collective action which, I think, we sometimes underestimate. It reminded me of how many remarkable people, that includes you, are out in the world doing their part. We are not alone in doing this work, no matter how isolating it can sometimes feel.

Have a listen and take inspiration from Veronica's words and her perspective. Take inspiration from the stories she shares and let's keep doing the work.

About Veronica:

Veronica Chambers is an award winning author and the lead editor of Narrative Projects, a team dedicated to telling multi-platform stories at the New York Times. Based in London, her most recent book is Call and Response: The Story of Black Lives Matter. She has taught writing at several colleges and universities, including Bowdoin in Maine, Bard College at Simon's Rock, Massachusetts, and the Stanford School of Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences. Born in Panama and raised in Brooklyn, she writes often about her Afro Latina heritage.

For a written transcript of this conversation click here.

Action Steps:

• 1) Take a look at the NY Times series: Black History Continued
  This series looks at pivotal moments and transformative figures in Black history.
• 2) Girls Write Now:
  Helping girls and young women find their voice through the tool of story.
• 3) Youth Communication:
  Two youth run publications, one focusing on economic, gender, and racial diversity. The other written by kids in the foster care system.

Connect with Veronica:

nytimes.com/pasttense
Twitter
Instagram

Credits:

Harmonica music courtesy of a friend
Production support provided by the National Liberty Museum