I’m typically drawn to loud, charismatic speakers. They tell big, interesting stories and seamlessly mix in humor and anticipation. Cleo Wade is not that type of speaker.

As parents, we know our kitchen table is the best classroom. The opportunity to inspire change for the future lies in the conversations we share together. Ideally, the tone of what I discuss with my children, even something like race, should be loving, truthful, and eye-opening. And because I don’t know everything I want to know about ending racism, I asked for help.

There’s no way around it – this sucks. You deserve your cap and gown and all the pomp and circumstance. You earned it!