None of us could have foreseen the profound impact of that fateful day in May five years ago, when George Floyd's life was tragically cut short. His final breath, taken while a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck, marked a pivotal moment in our collective consciousness. The protest that erupted in response to George Floyd's death was not confined to a single city or country. It was a global outcry, uniting people from all walks of life and from every corner of the world, even amidst the challenges of a Covid lockdown. They were protesting for racial justice. Here in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where Dialogue on Race is located, we all found ourselves catapulted into living up to the name Dialogue on Race. People wanted to talk, but the lockdown had us scrambling for how to make it happen. With her IT skills, Casey Meyer, a volunteer for the organization, expertly turned what had been the in person Dialogues into virtual events. We worked late into the night, to keep up with the surge of registrations coming in from around the country. Multiple series filled as fast as we could register them and find facilitators ready to lead the conversations. Recently voices that had begun to fade are now experiencing a resurgence in distress over the recent suppression of truth, they are once again turning to Dialogue on Race Louisiana. They know it’s a space where they can talk openly and honestly, and leave feeling inspired and validated. On this fifth Anniversary of George Floyd's death, Dialogue wants to share a National Public Radio segment on the former police chief of Minneapolis Medaria Arradondo and what he has to say five years later: www.npr.org/2025/05/21/nx-s1-5396831/george-floyd-five-year-anniversary Dialogue on Race Louisiana offers that same structured, formatted, and facilitated conversation you have come to count on. Let us know when you are ready to talk: dor.la (fb)

It may surprise some to discover just how captivated an audience can be by a speaker who has led a public protest. Yet A.V.. Mitchell clearly captured the attention of those gathered at the Everyday Activist event at The Red Shoes in Baton Rouge two weeks ago, which was also broadcast live on Zoom. He recounted his pivotal role in organizing and leading the inaugural protest march that followed the heartbreaking shooting 2016 of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge. His engaging and approachable demeanor helped the audience to embrace his leadership style and feel the fire of his passion for justice. During the interview Dialogue on Race, Louisiana President and CEO Maxine Crump held the space for Mitchell to relay his process for mobilizing a visibly fired up crowd into a spirited protestor march, chanting for justice. Following the interview the audience gathered in a facilitated dialogue session. The atmosphere buzzed with admiration for A.V after hearing how he maintains focus and composure amid volatility. In conversation with him afterward, they were eager to learn more about his journey and ongoing commitment to activism. A.V. is a true multifaceted talent, with skills in rapping, writing, and public speaking. We invite you to join us for our next Everyday Activist event! The upcoming speaker promises to inspire and amaze. As the momentum builds, you will not be disappointed. Stay tuned, as Dialogue on Race Louisiana and The Red Shoes will soon reveal the third featured speaker, with the date and time to be announced shortly. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of something extraordinary! (fb)