Why We Need Cross-Generational Dialogue to Advance Racial Justice
On the latest episode of Gen 2 Gen, host Phil leveled a sobering realization – that his millennial generation abandoned the vigorous civil rights activism of youth movements in decades prior. And while passions again burn hot in groups like Black Lives Matter emerging today, a critical gap still exists.
As guest Karen Tooley Curry – a community leader from the Gen X generation – explained, trauma shaped different generations’ approaches to fighting oppression. But she worries her generation also let progress slip through inaction.
Ultimately, this intergenerational discussion highlighted why we need to bridge understanding between ages and heal open wounds to productively grapple with systemic racism persisting in society.
The Gen 2 Gen team explored complex topics like...
- Why marginalized communities feel statements of colorblindness erase identity rather than show solidarity
- How spirituality intersects with finding purpose and truth across generations
- Whether America owes reparations for slavery and centuries of institutionalized mistreatment
While perspectives spanned generations, the conversation represented a meaningful step towards mutual empathy. As Phil reflected during their dialogue:
“It’s going to take some time for the older millennials and the Gen. Xers... to [accept new ideas]
The path forward lies in cross-generational cooperation, not blame or dismissal of different vantage points because our shared future depends on it.
What role should older generations play in supporting youth activists today? How can we build bridges across age and trauma to advance today’s racial justice movement?
Hashtags: #BridgeTheDivide #GenerationalWisdom #CivilRights #RacialTrauma #Podcast
