#004: Race Dynamics and New Identities)

Mar 5

Taylor Mack, better known as Tmack, is a former D-1 football player and current tech salesman and entrepreneur based out of Boston. Taylor is one of Drew’s oldest friends, going back over 20 years to when he first arrived at Lovett, their primary and secondary school (lower/middle/high-school).

Taylor shares with us his story of being black while attending a mostly white private school during the formative years of his life. During his Lovett days, Taylor was most well-known for his outgoing (and goofy) personality as well as his athletic talent.

These days, Taylor maintains his goofy side while also pairing it with his more sophisticated side that is able to think and articulate through some of our biggest, modern cultural challenges. Tmack shows us both sides in this episode while providing us all with deeply meaningful and important concepts to contemplate.

Conversation Highlights Include:

The black perspective on race dynamics at a mostly white private school
How people of color are forced to think about their skin color
Why monolithic thinking is a fundamental problem
The importance of effective communication
The value of empathy and learning how to cultivate it
Letting go of old dreams and embracing a new identity
Contemplating purpose in life
Learning to be more present

Additional notes and links:

1. Black at Lovett (IG: @blackatlovett)

A movement that started in 2020 around the pandemic and George Floyd murder time led by African American students that attended The Lovett School (in Atlanta, GA USA) where many were sharing about challenges they experienced being a person of color. All in hopes of inspiring change.

2. Open Monday's Golf (IG: @openmondays)

"We are a philanthropic golf apparel brand
donating all profits to charity. Our mission is to help make golf more inclusive and diverse."

www.openmondaysgolf.com

3. Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?: And Other Conversations About Race by Beverly Daniel Tatum

link to book on Amazon:

4. You can find Taylor on IG at @Taylormack29_