
Bishop T.D. Jakes and Opal Tometi on the way out of our American crisis
06/03/20 • 75 min
13 Listeners
On Monday, May 25, George Floyd, a 46-year-old African-American man, accused of using a counterfeit $20 at a deli, was killed in police custody. The next day video captured by bystanders, and spread widely on social media, revealed how brutal and inhumane Floyd’s arrest and last living moments — at the hands of a white cop — really were. Since that video’s release, protesters have taken to the streets in at least 140 cities, demanding justice not only for George Floyd, but also for Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and all black lives. On this episode of Back to Biz with Katie and Boz, Katie Couric and Bozoma Saint John speak with Bishop T.D. Jakes, founder and senior pastor of The Potter’s House, and Black Lives Matter co-founder Opal Tometi about what that justice should look like. They discuss the desperate need to not only stop the harm against black people but also repair centuries of damage and why everyone has to step up and speak up for the benefit of all. “This is not a black people’s problem. This an American crisis,” Bishop T.D. Jakes says. “The choice you really have,” Opal Tometi says, “is to be a part of justice or know that you are impeding justice.”
Click here for a detailed list of anti-racist resources.
Click here for more information or to support Black Lives Matter.
Click here to sign up for Katie Couric’s morning newsletter “Wake-Up Call.”
Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Monday, May 25, George Floyd, a 46-year-old African-American man, accused of using a counterfeit $20 at a deli, was killed in police custody. The next day video captured by bystanders, and spread widely on social media, revealed how brutal and inhumane Floyd’s arrest and last living moments — at the hands of a white cop — really were. Since that video’s release, protesters have taken to the streets in at least 140 cities, demanding justice not only for George Floyd, but also for Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and all black lives. On this episode of Back to Biz with Katie and Boz, Katie Couric and Bozoma Saint John speak with Bishop T.D. Jakes, founder and senior pastor of The Potter’s House, and Black Lives Matter co-founder Opal Tometi about what that justice should look like. They discuss the desperate need to not only stop the harm against black people but also repair centuries of damage and why everyone has to step up and speak up for the benefit of all. “This is not a black people’s problem. This an American crisis,” Bishop T.D. Jakes says. “The choice you really have,” Opal Tometi says, “is to be a part of justice or know that you are impeding justice.”
Click here for a detailed list of anti-racist resources.
Click here for more information or to support Black Lives Matter.
Click here to sign up for Katie Couric’s morning newsletter “Wake-Up Call.”
Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Click here for a detailed list of anti-racist resources.
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Back to Biz with Katie and Boz - Bishop T.D. Jakes and Opal Tometi on the way out of our American crisis
Transcript Summary
In the episode "Bishop T.D. Jakes and Opal Tometi on the way out of our American crisis," Katie Couric and Bozma St. John host a discussion with Bishop T.D. Jakes and Opal Tometi about the current state of systemic racism in America. They highlight the disproportionate incarceration rates for black individuals, the historical fear of law enforcement within the African American community, and the need for non-black individuals to speak up against racism. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed the impact of racism, and the recent rallies and protests provide an opportunity for change and reflection. The episode stresses the importance of building relationships, having tough conversations, and educating oneself to bring about justice. Bishop Jakes advocates for defunding the police and reallocating resources to support communities, while emphasizing the need for professional and well-compensated police officers. The discussion delves into the deep-rooted systemic racism in law enforcement and the criminal justice system, and the obstacles to rectifying these issues. Ultimately, the episode explores the importance of taking action against racism and believing in black voices, and highlights the creation of Black Lives Matter as a movement to combat anti-black racism.
Transcript
Hi everyone. I'm Katie Couric and I'm Bozma st. John and this is Back to Biz with Katie and Bows.
Speaker 1We had a very different episode plan for this week. We're going to talk about the future of education, specifically college education, with the president of Wesleyan where Bows went to college, and the president of uv A where I went to college. But we couldn't stand by and watch what was transpiri
Bishop T.D. Jakes and Opal Tometi on the way out of our American crisis Top Questions Answered
How are black people disproportionately affected by incarceration?
Black people are disproportionately incarcerated compared to their white counterparts.
How does the pandemic highlight racism in society?
The pandemic highlights the ways racism plays out in society.
What is the message behind the Black Lives Matter movement?
Black Lives Matter is both a message of love and a demand for justice.
How can we address injustice and rectify the skills of justice?
There are opportunities for education and engagement in the practice of justice to address injustice and rectify the skills of justice.
How can relationships with people from different racial backgrounds help?
It is important to develop real relationships and friendships with people of different racial backgrounds.
Why should we be mindful of the language used when discussing racism?
Words matter and have power, so it is important to be mindful of the language used when discussing racism.
How can we learn and grow from our mistakes regarding racial injustice?
Making mistakes does not negate one's presence or contribution; it is important to learn and grow.
How can we be proactive in addressing racial inequality?
Breaking the silence and being proactive is vital in addressing racial inequality.
What resources are available for further understanding of anti-racism?
Anti-racist resources are provided for further reading and understanding.
How are black communities affected by historical trauma and violence?
The conversation acknowledges the historical trauma and repeated violence faced by black communities.
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