Conversations About Race & How You Can Participate

June 11, 2020

Over the last few days, thousands of people have taken to Boston’s streets seeking racial justice and police reform, sparked by the killing of George Floyd. In the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic, the nation is grieving and living through two of the most difficult and heartbreaking events in history.

Hundreds of protesters march up Washington Street past the Old South Meeting House en route to Boston City Hall during the F.T.P. March to Defund Police and Fund Our Communities. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

Across America, discussions about race abound — from public testimonies to reallocate police funds and daily demonstrations despite COVID-19 to difficult conversations with family, friends and co-workers.

We realize you may have questions that remain unanswered or discussions you’re unable to have with loved ones. WBUR journalists are reporting on these stories, gathering facts and talking to experts to help you — our community members — gain insight and hold meaningful conversations on race.

Here’s a list of some recent on-air segments, online posts and visuals that may help:

Here & Now:

Lean into discomfort when talking about race. Host Tonya Mosely explains.

WBUR Newsroom:

Reported by several WBUR journalists and written by Ally Jarmanning, take a deep dive to understand how a day of peaceful protest turned to hours of unrest in Boston.
Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. This WBUR photo essay will stay with you and help inform your point of view.

WBUR Town Hall:

A conversation on the legacy of racism in America, challenges of peacefully protesting—especially during a pandemic—and police reform moderated by senior editor Kimberly Atkins. Watch or read the interview highlights with former Governor of Massachusetts Deval Patrick and other guests.
Coronavirus has stripped bare the racial divide in the health of our nation. People of color are dying at disproportionate and devastating rates due to underlying health conditions. Watch or read Kimberly Atkins’ conversation with U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley and other guests.

Radio Boston:

Where to start complicated conversations, who should be having them and when? Radio Boston producer Paris Alston joins host Tiziana Dearing and guests.

On Point:

How should parents talk with their children about all they're seeing and experiencing right now? Host Meghna Chakrabarti got some good advice. Listen to the show.

Opinion:

When we narrow the conversation in Boston to what the police department hasn't done, we overlook and ignore the police violence that has happened here. Reporter Arielle Gray shares a personal essay.
“Turning away from the pain of this moment is a privilege. Instead, turn your discomfort into action,” says Janna Malamud Smith in her commentary.

Find all of WBUR's coverage of the anti-police brutality protests in America in the wake of the killing of George Floyd here.