Let's get to the root of racial injustice | Megan Ming Francis | TEDxRainier

In this inspiring and powerful talk, Megan Francis traces the root causes of our current racial climate to their core causes, debunking common misconceptions and calling out "fix-all" cures to a complex social problem
Megan Ming Francis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Washington where she specializes in the study of American politics, race, and the development of constitutional law. She is particularly interested in the construction of rights and citizenship, black political activism, and the post-civil war South. Born and raised in Seattle, WA, she was educated at Garfield High School, Rice University in Houston, and Princeton University where she received her M.A. and her Ph.D. in Politics.
In her award winning book, Civil Rights and the Making of the Modern American State, shows that the battle against lynching and mob violence in the first quarter of the 20th century were pivotal to the development of civil rights and the growth of federal court power. She is inspired by people who fight for justice-even when the end appears nowhere in sight.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@ms.deborahlewis4554]

Thank you, Dr. Francis. As as African American woman, I apologize for your experience in the airport, and In August 2020, your message is even more relevant. I continue to grieve.

[@jmstouter6572]

She helps everyone be distracted from the real problem facing all people. And being distracted is a great problem…but after a while it is a decision.

[@francesjecmaloney8977]

For me, this presentation is worth listening to many times. Shabbat shalom.

[@ritacheatham9048]

Beautiful, Strong and Smart Woman!! My daughter is taking political science with a minor in law because she has an intense passion towards racial injustice. So Thankful to God!

[@gilmoremccoy6930]

Thanks for sharing the details. I'm a retired cop and I confronted this type of behavior by colleagues whenever done in my presence😠. Yes, it's real and yes it can be deadly☠️👹!

[@davidcrawford5424]

Thank you stand up to the true

[@judahsoremy9857]

You definitely weren't a cop, you fraud.

[@beauty4u132]

Thank you

[@benverzijlbergen2968]

Thank you for standing up for what is right, sir!

[@ladyblue4180]

Can be deadly? It IS deadly!

[@j.hood1191]

Dear Professor Megan M. Francis, that was a POWERFUL speech!! I can hear the passion in your voice, as I have stories that I could share about being treated unjustly.

[@lesleykramer7207]

@Jason S. Watters I hadn't watched the video, but when I read your comment " I can hear the passion in your voice,", I *knew* it could not have been a white person talking about racism - as they *never* manage to make the emotional connection, as their response is always "theoretical/abstract", or coldly "rational" - *NEVER* emotional. I watched the video, and I was proved correct - yet again.

[@tatyanna601]

Jason S. Watters ✌🏾 For Real❤️

[@bcreel83]

Lesley Kramer and all you would have had to read into the woman’s ending statement was the “I could share about being treated unjustly”. That would have been my biggest confirmer.

[@judahsoremy9857]

Liars tend to overcompensate for lack of factual evidence with dramatization. Case in point.

[@benverzijlbergen2968]

@Dave Custer You are not incorrect 😅

[@shadowdancer1358]

Four years ago this talk is very much alive and visceral today. My sorrow will solve nothing, perhaps my enhanced listening will.

[@meghanwebber4977]

For years, I've sobbed and have been ANGRY. Ive known I wasn't alone, but it was extremely hard to feel that enough people gave a damn to do anything. I've felt so helpless and disheartened for what feels like my entire life... I will say with the current be circumstances, I've never felt this way before and it's my job to make noise. I won't stop. I have friends and family to stand up for. And I without a doubt am NOT ALONE. ✊🏽

[@rolandrayn4869]

So eloquent. She owns what she says. Much respect to this Lady

[@user-gi2kq5iu5l]

Why did the airport woman not complain to the management...the problem is a lot of people are passive. If you see racism happening CALL IT OUT. It is your duty!

[@tinadiggs7456]

True!!! Some People see this hatred and say nothing until it's to late. People are also scared to speak up because they think that they will lose there Jobs. For example myself and other co-workers checks were late, so I spoke up, then we stated receiving our checks on time.

[@franzhaas6889]

@@tinadiggs7456 looks like tsa did their job on this special snow flake.

[@jojocanfly]

Agreed.

[@roxanneandrews4886]

Maybe she did complain to management...

[@nt9389]

It sounds like you are blaming the victims of discrimination for the discrimination that they experienced. What you are saying may have some truth to it but may be an incomplete thought considering fear is a major issue when reporting a crime against a person in a position of authority.

[@Icebergwallst]

I’m stuck at the fact that she said he does this all the time and he’s still working there.

[@judahsoremy9857]

Yeah, I can't get past that either.

[@theoleschoolmama]

Social conditioning that has been allowed to grow unchecked in our country

[@lexijustasiam895]

She needed to file a complaint against his a$$.

[@KaciSynclaire]

She probably reported, but the report just got put in his file. Idk where y'all are working where reports actually get taken seriously, but I'm jealous..

[@bluntweirdo]

DUDE SAME WHUT

[@garnetlyford113]

I'm in tears because I feel so helpless. Thank you for being you. Thank you for what you do. We share the same ideology, but said differently. Blessings!!

[@oscaraugustosumarcalmet428]

Which one?, a Marxist one?

[@acp865]

@Garnet Lyford Hi, i’m a 58-year-old white man from Texas. I hope it helps to know that there are many white guys like me who are trying to help. Not sure why I’m telling you this, I just don’t want you to feel helpless or alone. ❤️

[@rocedrickheard3689]

My first time watching this story , and it brought tears to my eyes my name is Roderius Heard and I'm proud of you and your understanding of the matter is very valuable.

[@jovanrameau3578]

Her speech had a visceral effect on me, put tears in my eyes. Megan Francis, thank you for exposing the truth.

[@alexpoipoi3981]

I had tears in my eyes to - from laughing.

[@MrTampaMan]

@@alexpoipoi3981 Bigot spotted.

[@perri_6]

@Terrance Williams You ain't never lied.😄 🕵🕵🕵🕵🕵

[@judahsoremy9857]

Yeah, it made me puke. Lying has that affect on me.

[@bobzthecat82]

Go study proper facts and figures rather than doctored ones

[@secondopinion53]

INJUSTICE ANYWHERE IS A THREAT TO JUSTICE EVERYWHERE!! THESE WORDS HOLD SO TRUE BYE DR. KING... THANK YOU SISTER

[@elliottbracken9986]

It is funny how something never change ahhh.... But don't you believe that,

[@yeetman4953]

@@DroidLocks6971 what?

[@tat007]

She isn't your sister, unless of course, you both share the same mother or father.....

[@keishasims3192]

Not only that, but when minorities are against eachother, this makes it easier to attack.

[@secondopinion53]

@@keishasims3192 Real Talk!!

[@sarahdreamsof]

Thank you, Dr. Francis!!! You have sowed seeds that are bearing fruit to this day 🙏

[@HollieWood320]

This video was filmed 4 years ago & this problem is still relevant today in 2020.... we need a Change! We need Peace! We need to treat each other with Love! I truly appreciate this video! Thank you Megan Ming Francis!

[@Decarlo.Monfra]

This video was done in 2016. Now it's 2023, and things have gotten even worse.

[@exxy7440]

Lol thats never gonna happen😂

[@apositivesoulexperienceexp5465]

@exxy7440 why not? It starts with us...Hurt people...hurt people....they lack self love....how can we help this to be a better place?🙏

[@mairaveg]

The comment section has me convinced we are far from destroying racial injustice, this country was built on it and the beneficiaries will never give it up

[@dirtybongwater5751]

Do you ever realize that you're just anti-white or do you continue to blame millions of white people across the globe for your own shortcomings

[@danielmclellan7762]

white fragility in practice

[@johnluca3865]

Daniel McLellan is white fragility an actual new term? I’ve seen a lot of people using it. I mean I know it’s an insult, I’m just not sure if it’s a legit term that widely known

[@johnluca3865]

Maira Ramirez so the opinions and accomplishments of a white man are considered worthless in ur eyes due to their gender and color of their skin? I’ve deeply benefited off the hard work my parents did to give me a good education and a safe house as I’m sure many other people have done too. Does that mean whatever I do doesn’t matter cuz my parents did something that I benefited from?

[@mairaveg]

John Luca that’s not what systematic racism is about...

[@OrioleFan443]

I really liked this lecture. I support the idea of looking at a longstanding problem through its' historical roots, bravo Megan Ming Frances. Your students are lucky to have you!

[@biggmixxo]

They've been looking @ it for 400 yrs. Time 2 solve it!

[@bradhamilton9038]

Yep Oriolefan443...totally misleading and not in accord with the facts and evidence!! Pure puffery like a used car salesman!!

[@izagarrick8835]

@@bradhamilton9038 A very informative and educated lecture ,Bravo Ms Frances.

[@jacquiechandler2031]

So relevant It takes a revolution on the level of collective consciousness seen in our actions to write a new cultural story No one is free until we are all free

[@taeraedongle]

I'm korean, and this speach is my assignment to test. honestly I thought that kind of thing was always born and tired. but it is so interesting issue. she is good speaker too. and then I going to do my study. I don't know that it is right sentence I wrote. I practice English everyday ㅜㅜ I hope my English skill will be better like her.

[@inessa5923]

Good luck! Your English is great :)

"The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed" (Steve Biko).

[@aeolus9981]

too true

[@phreak074]

Indeed. Learned helplessness creates permanent mental submission.

[@MsPeach408]

Yep.

[@MsPeach408]

@@phreak074 Exacto.

[@wendellspivey3747]

That is why you need to know your history. Once you know your history you won't believe the lies. The first stept towards change is awareness.

[@Coolbreez1]

It’s sad and frustrating that this message is still as relevant today in May 2020 4 years later as it was then.

[@karenhorton148]

June 2020 AD George Floyd.

[@stevenhusmann8485]

I think it is more relevant. Explain how that happened.???

[@romelljeremiah]

It’s like she made the vid yesterday 🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️😤😤

[@joanam3070]

You are right, but many activists, artistits and politicians have been warning about this for ages. It seems and I hope that this time is finally being globally listened and understood, that this are not a few bad apples. I feel like it's happening and it is going to happen also with women rights and LGBTQ rights. We will also realize that capitalism it's not a meritocracy as they say because many kids are born to be poor and be exploited as workers and consumers. Inequalities are rising so we better face it, recognize this reality and change the system that is the root of those inequalities. I am optimistic and what we saw in response to Floyd's death it's already a big change. BlackLivesMatter is now on the map like it never was.

[@Steph3laine]

Thats because trump is our president

[@user-nd5en2fn5s]

Omg... I truly understand her🙏🏾 They are intimidated by our heights also. I have witnessed that most tend to use that word “threat” so freely! To hurt blacks. How am I a threat when I have never did anything to you? It just isn’t fair. We all have to work together to make a change🙏🏾

[@wilmer89]

Heights?

[@amenahking7863]

@@wilmer89 Stature

[@shellohween924]

I really admire her speaking style-it’s like spoken word-makes what she is saying even more compelling. Wonderful talk ❤️

[@stevenguyen6616]

Hi Shelley how are you doing?

[@djblakethesnake]

My daughter just finished her first TED talk and I've been browsing a few TED talks.. Thank you ma'am for such a refreshing, informative and powerful conversation

[@GORATPHUQ]

oh cool do you have a link or maybe a name

[@lachrishaparker1488]

See something say something ......we can not be silent of the wrongs of racism! any longer!

[@contactjoy4140]

Why do you claim racism just because a guy in a uniform bullied a traveler? It happens all of the time. That airport person who allegedly told the speaker that "he does it to blacks all the time" was totally out of line to say it and totally out of line for not reporting the bullying to his superior.

[@debbiegardner9723]

We have heard this story a thousand times! It's very sad that so many have the same experienced. The challenge now is for the officer to have a honest dialogue with you and a change of heart so that he can share his testimony. That is a problem being solved one at a time!

[@arielpantoja316]

I LOVE HER! this was such a good speech with so much power

[@merinabilley4438]

She's so well spoken and this really informed me about a very different view on equality. After watching this I really do agree with her that education isn't the main solution since prejudice is so deep rooted. I want to show this video to my parents, maybe it will open their eyes to racism in America.

[@millymartin7191]

"My books and my silence will not save these students. But their activism and their courage in challenging the status quo and this movement just might." Justice for George.

[@stevenhusmann8485]

Then the status quo of what specifically?

[@timffoster]

So far, there doesn't seem to be any progress in that regard. I just read excerpts of the bill that the Dems are hoping to pass: Brace yourself - the cure will be worse than the disease.

[@maryhoell1420]

@@timffoster What is in this bill you're talking about? Thank you

[@semprerei.5308]

Ronnie Sutton you cant musk give out above the maximum penalty I live in the uk and I know that in your country 3rd degree murder will never be given death and to do that your entire constitution would be broken

[@jamiel6005]

Charlie Day We can get justice by fixing the system that allowed him and THOUSANDS of other PoC to be murdered and abused with no repercussions.

[@LilySains]

I hope more people get to see this TEDTalk. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@alwaysjamming]

So true, we can't solve it but embrace it to change it one day at a time

[@TroyResuqw6789]

She is my current political science professor.

[@MB-xh4gf]

Lucky you

[@dirtybongwater5751]

It's amazing how someone can be so book smart in a subject but mentally challenged in everything else

[@MrRobbylad]

@___ ___ fair points but have you considered at the same time she may have actually been the best candidate for that slot and not just a beneficiary of affirmative blaction. It could be either.

[@Catqueen-lk4eq]

luckyyyy

[@newgardner]

Noticing your last name like some of my family members. Do you have ancestry in Alabama?

[@LoveAndPeaceOccurs]

Bravo! Thank You, Megan Ming Frances, for an important and needed talk ... and you are So right that education, alone, will not fix this problem and that a real understanding of The ROOT of the problem needs to be understood. The Root problem, which is very complex, needs to receive full attention and, necessary action, until it is gone. Love & Peace to All

[@renatab4588]

I'm feeling really emotional and sad, whilst listening to this.... 😳 what a crazy twisted world we live in....

[@artflowacademy]

Megan's humourous, yet serious and unbelievably well- researched talk was inspiring, and so I learned so much

[@brittneyatkinson9]

Well done for sharing this message Megan. I'm glad your voice is being heard on our behalf!

[@streetandfashionphotograph3374]

Such an impressive and encouraging talk. Makes a lot of sense for each of us living in Earth without boundaries. I RESPECT with all my heart from TURKEY !!

[@AnaS-fq7cc]

I loved your speech. You are making a big difference. You touched my heart. God Bless you! Keep doing what you do so well. Kudos!

[@wesleysmith8963]

k

[@miguelmeza1713]

Everyone is in control of something. Sometimes people take away things to teach you something. Jealousy is a way of telling someone you care for them but your not there with it yet.

[@MidwestBrotha]

Solution: 1. DISHONORABLE DISCHARGE From the force. 2. Pension taken away or used as restitution towards victims. 3. Jail time 4. Hire more people of the community vs. Outsiders 5. Psychological Evaluation, before hire and during their term on the force at least 3 times a year.

[@PoetDarkling]

All good ideas, but none will change either the mindset or the foundation of systematic racism.

[@base840]

how about a training that lasts longer than a couple of weeks?

[@busch_ii7450]

@@base840 thats a big point. I was shocked when i heard that it takes 6 month to become a cop in the u.s. it takes 3 years here in germany. Also no single officer patrols. A singlw officer will be way more trigherhappy out of fear. 2 or more officers will feel less threatened and thus will be less harsh and have more confidence.

[@studentprojects7696]

Allen Watkins Only an uncivil war will make a difference.

[@wk2466]

The majority do come from the community however if the community is not applying for the jobs they are going to go outside. I don't see many urban city folk applying to be police officers. A psychological evaluation is required for most Departments during hiring process. could you imagine how much us taxpayers will have to pay for each officer to get it done three times a year, seems a bit excessive.

[@izenguarr5236]

What an amazing and intelligent woman! I wish for her to have a very long and meaningful carreer, where she will be capable of bringing light and understanding to those who have some form of contact with her. Unfortunately, her and others like her are viewed as a major threat to our current system and its design & structure. Once THOSE are removed completely, only then will it be possible to make right all of the sins of the past and on-going presently.

[@007shari007]

Most of these speeches are a few years old. There are so much work to be done by every individual to make any change. Let's start by educating ourselves and understanding our history in United States.

[@amyreynolds1948]

Thank you for this video. I am guilty of telling others the cure to racism is Education. Thank you for opening my eyes to my failure of not seeing the root of the problem.

[@runoz2839]

You are right, if the context is teach truths not whtwashed Angelic narratives... but truths & accurate history of this misbegotten land of that help build & the contributions of all views & narratives...

[@michaelduggan1890]

This lady is amazing . I love listening to her intelligence and thruthfullness

[@YNotBeeAntoine]

"you people" ? So wrong. "he does this all the time" Why isn't he being called out? We need to speak up. Call people out.

[@ucity88]

How much you wanna bet he isn't being called out? I bet he's been reported *repeatedly* and keeps getting away with it under the pretext of "protecting" passengers.

[@ThirdDimensionalBeing]

My guess is that saying anything might fall on deaf ears, and it being allowed to continue, especially if he tries to make his claim that "they had weapons" or something.

[@stevenguyen6616]

Hi 👋 Antoine

[@rogerpbsmusic]

Deep. Solid introspection. Her bro was right 💯

[@jayg4624]

If law enforcement had to pay Blacks $50,000.00 dollars every time they got it wrong, things would change.

[@antoinettewood9898]

Jay G Yes ..... it would come to a screeching halt👍🏽

[@thinkify100]

Jay G That's a fantasy. When law enforcement begins to lose their family members same way their victims did, things would change

[@antoinettewood9898]

thinkify100 I agree, if we had nipped it in the bud with Travon Martin 🤔 Things would be different!!!

[@mildridj3423]

Not if citizens are paying the $50, 000 and not the police paying personally. They don't seem to mind spending other peoples money.

[@ItsNotRealLife]

Jay G Why 50k?

[@moorewhittington1516]

If everyone followed "do unto others as you would be done by", everything would be okay.

[@DarkNJuju]

LOL The people who made that up didnt do that so how can you expect us to do it?

[@maudedikobe2864]

I teach African Diaspora Studies in Botswana and my students and I are grappling with these complex problems and wondering how long will it take for blacks to be treated as equals in the U.S. George Floyd's death has opened up debates beyond the US. Amazing talk.

[@oliverphippen1957]

they will never be treated as equal because they can not even take care of them selves ???

[@christianlamb]

Important message!! Hopefully we all hear this message during this important time in 2020. Gotta stand up for what is right and stand against oppression, violence and old thinking.

[@spidermonkey8430]

I'm an Indian American and my family has never been discriminated against. We live in a posh suburb in NJ.

[@benverzijlbergen2968]

Yes, Christian, I agree! But we also need to guard ourselves against being swept away by a powerfull narative and make sure we have all the info before making a move. Some of the new thinking can be pretty harmful too if not checked.

[@christianlamb]

@@benverzijlbergen2968 I've been seeing this extreme race narrative being pushed by others. Thanks for pointing this out. Getting more difficult to understand what is real and what is fabricated. What is right and just doesn't change though 👍

[@benverzijlbergen2968]

@@christianlamb You are correct, sir! The path to fewer people suffering is pretty much always the best way to go!

[@SRWill64]

That may be true for many people but I have never felt threatened by someone else for the color of their skin. The only time I feel threatened is when someone, regardless of skin color, acts in a threatening matter. I don't even understand why this is an issue for others to not see the person as a threat, but the behavior. It seems to me that we need to educate our young people that all people are just people. There is only one race...the HUMAN race. And the education has to start at home where my mother started teaching us. We learn what we are taught from a young age. Fear, hate, and prejudice are taught. We learn it from our parents. That's the real root cause.

[@clarkrobinson7314]

My brother is a retired Police Officer… so I got this following information from the horses mouth… Police Departments favor potential candidates who have a “criminal mentality”, those with criminal mentalities are “1st choice” when recruiting new candidates. So basically what this means is that we have nothing more than potential “gang members” as a Police Force. I suspect that the same is true for government workers and politicians as well.

[@GreenOrchid9]

How does ALL of this expensive expansion of diversity training add value to community protection??😲🌋🍽

[@MG-iy1oh]

That is so true!

[@poetessaamiinah8273]

That was a phenomenal speech, and I am grateful I stumbled upon it!!

[@Night60700]

She didn't say anything.

[@eddiemarchman6623]

I'm glad I stumbled across this too 👌

[@Night60700]

@Patty Hillman YOU HAVEN'T SAID ANYTHING EITHER!!!

[@sandramartinez585]

you like this speech because you and her hate whites so you like anything anti white

[@jamiel6005]

sandra martinez Literally what made you think this was anti-white? PoC just want to live without constant fear of assault or murder by the people supposed to protect them, which is the statistical reality of African-Americans. How is that anti-white?

[@heatherlehmann7019]

You are a gifted speaker! Thank you.

[@thomaskane5977]

I agree . I was just thinking how nervous I would be . It's like watching a movie just hanging on too her words. She got a gift

[@outlsd1590]

Antagonizing people, then saying their aggressive.. smh

[@Night60700]

I'm going to brake my hand punching you in the face and then have you arrested for assaulting my fist with your face. That's about as sound as her logic.

[@Night60700]

@@HomeEduSchool her logic is that you're either her ally or her enemy. No middle ground at all.

[@lotsofsparks32]

No 10 blacks that beat up 1 lonely white guy makes them aggressive I am sick of them trying to justify it

[@Cagon415]

@@lotsofsparks32 so every white person is a suicidal mass murderer? Because that's the logic you're using here.

[@carltrotter7622]

I'm sorry. You're*

[@ivysflow]

It would help if law enforcement officers had to do a year of service in the communities they are to serve in, before they are allowed to enter law enforcement school it would help them see people different from them as people. Send them to serve to high schools to tutor or to coach to teach to learn with. Let it be a lengthy service such as AmeeiCorps. In AmeriCorps they have requirements of 1700 hour within a year. That ends up being 8 to 9 hours a day for 10 to 11 months. It would help them to not be afraid, to see we are not all one type, that we like them are humans. I believe it should be a requirement.

[@KoolKinchishKat]

Personally, I think the police should just be abolished but a reform like this would also really help - especially if the community then gets to vote on whether each person actually gets their gun and badge

[@Moonage4]

I think she and Larry Elders should sit down and have a conversation together that would be really great and facinating to watch.

[@xraydavidhr]

Or Coleman Hughes?

[@ao4138]

Or Thomas Sowell

[@h88r95]

Or Uncle Ruckus

[@overdose2k546]

Or the Officer Tatum

[@karisbellisario619]

Indeed. She makes a few sweeping statements that do not line up with the data. Would love to see she and Larry Elder talk.

[@being.kimrose]

June 2020. Still relevant!

[@hollynonya6991]

Why has nothing changed then? Maybe her root cause is false

[@angelvu]

Holly Moody because authorities are taking little action. to be honest I don’t think they even care.

[@Toobadsososad]

It's chilling how relevant this still is 4 years later.

[@theotherview1716]

but it's really not.

[@kiki23]

SHOOKETH! Thank you so much for this Prof Francis, great food for thought!

[@DonnaR1969]

Racism starts within families and homes of the close minded people. The children of theses families learn racism from their parents and grandparents. To reverse racism, it has to start within these families and homes.

[@o_deabanana4355]

YES

[@Soulpowerflowyoga]

Donna P3214 Actually racism is deeply entrenched in the society and every single person born into it bears it and must engage in deep antirecist work to eradicate it. It’s in all of us.

[@essenenaziriteyirmeyahu851]

Megan Francis, you touched me😘😘😘

[@itouchtheskyslowlifeitaly]

You're an amazing, young and full of life teacher. Thank you so much for talking about racism stories. Lovely watching and listening to you here on the top of the mountain of Italy.

[@brucebenham2306]

Wow, very powerful and enlightening!!!

[@ericktippett4158]

That book learning will not stop bullets goes without saying. In 1972 I was accosted by a white off duty drunk police detective while on my way to a Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chorus rehearsal! Filling in empty spaces in one's own mind and taking control of one's own communities, teaching one's own children the ways of self empowerment will. Otherwise explaining all this to white people some of whom are concerned, some of whom are perplexed, and some of whom who could care less will do nothing to change any of this! Erick Dean Tippett Retired Musician/Teacher Chicago, Illinois

[@biggmixxo]

Thank u fam.

[@stanleyprice2351]

For more than 259 years this conversation has been happening. Great scholars throughout the years have lectured in America’s higher learning Centers. Men and women have taken there bite of the proverbial apple to add to the countless rationalities of why, and the clock tics. Tic Tock, Tic Tock.

[@nmagain24]

Not even that will help.

[@judahsoremy9857]

And yet you don't. There's no choir to preach to here. Keep moving.

[@atlantavideoproducer]

if you're familiar with the blue eye brown eyes study which reverses racism that was instituted in a classroom and had dramatic impacts on all the students most who went on to be Champions Against Racism, perhaps it's time for experiential formulation and not just education. racism is embedded in the very fabric of the capitalistic nature and cannot be easily removed without allowing those laws such as reciprocity to inculcate the inhabitants of this genocidal nation. understanding that capitalism which is the economic catalyst is the root cause of racism because back in the early 1400s the nine European nations set out to bill the Western world with the energies of the blacks. therefore only a reversal will impact empathy on the pervading and prevailing participants of racism.

[@mikeyj.3605]

This woman is very well spoken. It's like music to my ears.

[@karinamkrtchian7828]

Wow. It's like she stepped into a time machine 4 years ago. So necessary to be heard today!!

[@bryanlangston2919]

She didn’t step into a time machine. She is speaking about systematic oppression that began 400 years ago. Your response further validates that most people don’t understand how and why we got here.

[@karinamkrtchian7828]

My apologies for my poor wording. In no way did I mean that this narrative is more relevant now than it was 4 years ago. I was just admiring the accuracy of her message. I have a lot to learn and know that I will approach these lessons with the utmost care and respect. Thanks for calling me out. Sending love and support your way.

[@davidbowman10yearsago39]

Bryan Langston ~ How and why did we get here?

[@hollynonya6991]

Her root cause premise is false therefore making her whole argument false

[@hollynonya6991]

@@bryanlangston2919 explain systemic racism to me , it's so vague

[@hydraelectricblue]

Seen a lot of boring TED talks , but she brought emotion and truth to this so I'm still watching it.

[@carmenl9682]

Such a great talk.

[@elizabethgrossman8289]

This woman is a great lecturer. I am a teacher and the thought of anyone pushing my kids around because of their race makes me sick.

[@garrettlemaire8666]

She has a very beautiful voice. I feel like I understand the entire movement in a brand new light because of this incredible human being, & I want to be a better friend to my minority friends because of this. Thank you!

[@SpectrumOfChange]

Agreed 100%. Following up, 1 year later. Have you been able to find actions to take in this regard?

[@Sorenzo]

"You people always lie," says the MAN claiming that a little woman with a piece of plastic is dangerous.

[@10--50]

Jeeze who wears a two finger ring. you can't use two of your fingers, sounds pretty much like a defensive weapon

[@nriamond8010]

Yeah, because as we all know, EVERY piece of fashion for women is totally functional. High Heels, stilettos, clutch bags, pencil skirts ... who would ever want to wear that? (for the record, I don't. I own a two finger ring, though ;) )

[@bcreel83]

Emil Sørensen don’t know if the analogy fits. But I get the point...?

[@bcreel83]

Sandra Clark yes it is. Almost unbelievable...

[@pandabear9823]

@@10--50 be careful, your ignorance is showing

[@sualkxela]

This is remarkable. So grateful for this talk as something helpful to share with those I care about. Thank you, Professor Francis!

[@nancywhite1114]

Going to include this talk in my Public Speaking course curriculum. The blend of narrative, passion, truth and vision should inspire all students who want a greater voice.

[@kelseyissastar]

I like how her voice shakes with emotion.

[@SilverFang95]

Please stop spreading lies.

[@kelseyissastar]

It takes so much courage to speak ones truth.

[@essmith467]

TRUTH MUST MATTER! July 3, 2020

[@kathieb2354]

It's heartbreaking how she speaks of the "current racial crisis" and this is over 4 years old.... Well who am I kidding this crisis has been going on for centuries...

[@randyorne2302]

Never gonna end only gonna decrease

[@jameshockenhull3226]

@@randyorne2302 I don’t believe it’s not going to get better -indigochxld

[@bertramdavis7120]

We are a race that is in pain! We have put band-aid on our issues and refused to address the internal conflict within. That handicap us in all Avenues of our lives. It is my hope and my prayers that we as Race will rise above all that we have been through. I do believe we are strong.

[@jessiekames8564]

The problem is we are not in our home land ,we are in our enemy land because I ancestors ,disobeys the most high ,my doing what we the children's of our fathers from the house of judah the hebrews peoples. You me will never be accepted in this world if sin against the most high. Wake up people you ate sleeping. This not our home once your learn the truth .go to the biblical scriptures ,deuteronomy chapter 28 an read the whole chapter .wake up people u need to seek who the creator is an stop trying to be like the world system We are the children of the biblical most high .so listen to the word of the most high. Don't listen to this knowledge of this world what help us as a nation of people of colors

[@jessiekames8564]

Wake up now ,stop begging this system to be accepted. Just seek the truth concerning the most high our elohim our father who in the heavens. For every thing is are .so stop trying to be like the world system.because it going g to fall an if you believe in it you going to be destroyed right alone with it .so started looking an seeking him ,because your life is in danger with out him .what is it for a person to gain the favor of the whole world an lay down an lose his soul for ever.because they love the world an the things in the world more them the value of the creator. Seek an you shall fine knock an the door of truth will open to you an to anyone who believes in the truth for it is life in the truth which is his word ,for he said I am that bread of life that came from the heavens to seek out an sabe the lost sheeps of Israel. Shalom

[@aminaisrael7657]

@@jessiekames8564FACTS!!! All praises to The Most High!!!

[@KarlaRussellConflictB4Peace]

Excellent and touching amongst powerlessness emotions toward ungodly racism in america

[@TheUnitedprincess]

Powerful message 🙌🏾

[@roxanneandrews4886]

I agree we MUST remain diligent and act against inequality, especially toward Blacks. All Americans must ban together for equality. It's simple if we all stand together.

[@carolsparkman2346]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful and powerful talk keep up the great work God Bless you!

[@SikkiSweets]

Thank you!

[@crimsonlove11]

Powerful and moving talk! Still so relevant today, and I share this with all my friends who ask WHY action and speaking out is so important.

[@HotGACPA]

How did I miss this thought provoking Talk. This was one of the best talks ever.

[@playdoug12]

Wow I didn't realize this video was released 4 years ago until it was over😮 I thought this was made recently as a sort of response to all the protests! Still so relevant✊🏿

[@robinolson5026]

Thank you Megan.

[@chubbyjubjub3593]

I love that she spent a full minute talking about her dog, just to say: Any fix that doesn't solve the root of the problem, is not a fix.

[@user-gt7wu2jh1l]

Passive-aggressive comment, lol

[@MLinaresSR47]

Very insightful and with the level of passion in addressing, a better approach -on how to better address and understand our current race relations. It’s much more to do with a reorientation and perhaps a misdiagnosis that needs updated.

[@quincybirwood2629]

A lot was said but the answer was given in the review of her experience at the airport. She knew more about the law than the TSA agent and he knew that he would be in a world of hurt if he pursued the injustice any further. When the lady tapped her on the shoulder and said it had happened before proves there is corruption in the system and most are aware of it. For the injustice to stop it IS about education but it is also about economics. When the people learn the legal process to sue and win Federal (not State or Local) lawsuits against these rogue cops and take money from the municipalities that allow these atrocities to happen, the harassment, the rights violations, the killings will stop. As long as the families of the those killed simply march in the street and wait on the police to declare themselves guilty in an investigation of themselves nothing is going to change. When the budgets of the municipalities are running at huge deficits because of payouts on wrongful deaths, the people will make sure their representatives feet are held to the fire. That's when the cops will be start to be held accountable. That's when prosecutors will start inditing and convicting the cops that have not lived up to their oaths of office. When private people all the way up to through the top elected officials see a lot of green flowing out of the coffers to the victims of government agents, only then will things change.

[@jackfrost6902]

Quincy Birwood Everybody is targeted if they are not a police officer, not just blacks.

[@quincybirwood2629]

We agree on that point Jack. Please note there is no mention of race or color in my comment. The "We" I'm talking about is we the people. ...I did mention green. My bad.

[@weareallbornmad410]

Boy, are you naive. People quitely marched in Fergusson. You know what police did? They set tanks on them. Payouts for wrongful deaths? *Goerge Zimmerman* wasn't found guilty, and you think policemen are? Why don't you look up the official police responses to litterally any case of police brutality involving a minority person? That includes deaths of children, and times when evidence gets mysteriously lost, and times when there is a recording and you can see zero threat being posed to the police.

[@Night60700]

@@weareallbornmad410 Tanks? Show me a M1A2 Abrams pointing a 120mm smooth bore CANNON at protesters. Go ahead, I'll wait.

[@qflexmoves]

Quincy Birwood agreed. I believe that one of the main reasons the Civil Rights was so effective is because it disrupted the economics of the oppressor. To plead to the heart of anyone only works if they’re led by their hearts in the first place.

[@salomemamasakhlisi1464]

The thing is, I get what she’s saying about a strong campaign to pressure systematic change but in the early 20th century maybe it was more obvious what kind of change was needed compared to now. Abolishment of segregation, lynching, etc. was an obvious target of these campaigns back then but at the moment, as an active participant of the current blacklivesmatter movement myself, I can tell you, most of us are screaming for justice, peace and change but we’re not really sure what that actually looks like. So I think at the end of the day, education is a really high priority to fight systemic racism because you’ll actually have the competency and expertise to know how to fight it and what needs to be done.

[@devinkipp4344]

This is a fair point. I'd like to say that as far as police brutality there is a few obvious ways to help fix this issue, simple accountability would help a lot. As far as how to "fix" systematic racism I agree education is the only way.

[@chris8456]

Umm...WOW just humbled the entire room. ✊🏿

[@shangosankofa9560]

I am a conscientious objector, I believe that humans should not own weapons of mass destruction such as handguns and assault rifles. Yet, I can NEVER be seen as “unarmed” because it’s the color of my skin that is the weapon!

[@jordanabeaulieu2530]

Shango Sankofa. Beautifully said and so true, you can hear the pain in her voice as she tells the story of her brother's encounter with those cops ❤️

[@lesliemarshall8652]

It's not just what we are but WHO we are. The chosen of the Most High God .

[@000amp1]

Shango Sankofa, In my opinion, you could not be more correct!!!!! Thank you for your mind and your words.

[@perri_6]

Right on! ✊🏾

[@elainesmith7512]

@TRUTH FTW Yes, says a creature who is a member (assumption) of a race which owns enough weaponry to DESTROY civilization as we know it, AND who have fomented more world wars in the last two centuries than any other culture. Yeah, "predisposition for violence". Okay, IF you think so.

[@adambrent4076]

This brought tears in my both eyes. I sincerely love and appreciate you! You are a everyday people... with a mastermind. I pray your life is as full as your wisdom and knowledge. Your fast friend... Adam Brent

[@Sam-hh9ui]

Professor your explanation and stories really touched me and I agree with everything you expressed on this. Good Job!

[@ft304]

I find this to be an interesting topic. Does anyone else here make assumptions of people they initially meet based almost solely on their appearance (i.e.: clothing, hair, car they drive, shoes they wear...and yes, the color of their skin)? I believe that these assumptions are also supported by our life experiences, media, Hollywood and other factors - these to me are the root cases of racial injustice.

[@gogoalla]

Thank you so much for this lecture!

[@michaelb1862]

Thank you Megan,Break the damn thing down sister!!!!powerful

[@jayattipoe6597]

Is she your sister Sir, or are you siblings of sorts?

[@norxgirl1]

This needs to go viral.....sharing to FB and friends!!!!

[@simplefaithforall3174]

WORD!