As we learned after the nationwide reaction following the murder of George Floyd last year, it often takes a substantial wake up call for people to recognize the experiences of people outside of their communities. It took a deadly pandemic and the circulation of gruesome and disturbing footage to create the uproar that resulted in unprecedented accountability for the police officer who committed murder.
Gabe Nelson’s awakening took place in his own home, after his daughter came back from her liberal college talking about race. This new topic of conversation was out of his comfort zone but admittedly stretched his thinking in a meaningful way.
Join Rev. Dr. TLC and Gabe as they discuss his evolving awareness of race, specifically around the mistreated Native Americans in his state of residence, South Dakota, and the transformational effects of committing to fostering mindful consciousness.
Tune in for this important conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by Clicking Here.
Segment 1
Rev. Dr. TLC begins the show with a spiritual breathing. It’s to remind us that we are greater than life itself. It helps center us for this dynamic conversion on dismantling racism. Rev. Dr. TLC talks about how her guest, Gabe Nelson began to wake up even more around the conversation of race because of a discussion with his teenage daughter. Gabe Nelson is a financial advisor to “solopreneurs” and self-employed individuals. He helps business owners navigate the market and teaches how to budget their business. Gabe is the host of Solopreneur Money Podcast. Rev. Dr. TLC asks Gabe what practices are used to keep himself grounded. Gabe shares his morning routine, starting his day at 5 AM to exercise and meditate. He follows his mediation with a 20-30 minute reading session of various works. Before getting to the office and journaling, Gabe likes to make breakfast for his family to start their morning. He adds that having this daily routine helps clear his head and prepare him for his day.
Before the break, Gabe talks about his awakening. He expresses his ignorance to white privilege until having a profound conversation with his daughter during the light of George Floyd. Gabe admitted that it was a hard pill to take. Hearing from his daughters that he is a privileged man when he perceived himself as a self-made man caused tension. It wasn’t until his children made him aware of the obstacles that were removed from his path by the system.
Segment 2
Coming back from the back, Rev. Dr. TLC and Gabe continue their discussion on white privilege. Gabe gives a personal perspective of his experience growing up in rural America. Rev. Dr. TLC challenges Gabe on his perspective. She pushes for clarification and understanding on the lack of speaking up. Gabe shares insight on being more aware of social injustice as a white person. At first he fails to see how his business can help dismantle racism. He asks Rev. Dr. TLC what he can do as a white man to help change the system. Rev. Dr. TLC suggests talking about race with his colleagues and friends. She also adds to support black owned businesses.
Segment 3
Coming back from the break, Gabe talks about being a supporter for female business owners. He made the connection to being a father of three daughters which can be why the majority of his clients are female contractors. He makes a point to add that he doesn't seek to exclude people of color from his business consciously, rather his clients come to him. Rev. Dr. TLC wanted Gabe to ask himself why that is the case. She adds that people of color put themselves in uncomfortable spaces daily. It can be reading popular novels from western history or even attending schools that are predominately white. She says it is important for non-blacks to put themselves in uncomfortable spaces in order to reach change and understanding.
Segment 4
After the break, Rev. Dr. TLC asks Gabe how he will take this conversation to his friends and colleagues? She acknowledges the sacrifices that are made when topics like this come up. We sacrifice friendships, time, and business in order to engage in this discussion and make the world a better place. Before the end of the segment Gabe shares how he can use his privilege and platform to uplift people of color. He says employing people of color and giving them a voice on his podcasts are just some of the few ways that can make a difference.