"I'm that person you hate." That's what attorney and activist Kofi Montzka says when coworkers start ranting about conservatives—and it stops them in their tracks. After being told she couldn't speak anymore at a mandatory anti-racism training (despite being one of only two Black people in the room), Kofi fought back by organizing a political civility presentation that drew over 350 state employees. Now she's on a mission to prove you can "hold your strong convictions and still come here and be loved and accepted." 

Kofi shares her strategy of tackling the strongest arguments from the other side, why personal stories matter more than she ever wanted to admit, and how simply being present with people who disagree with you—whether in a running group or at school board meetings—creates change that grand speeches never could. Her advice on counting the cost before speaking up, being "faultless in disputes," and the power of getting to know people before revealing your views offers a roadmap for anyone tired of choosing between their principles and their relationships. If we can't figure out civil discourse, Kofi warns, "we're going to be at civil war"—making free speech and diversity of thought not just ideals worth fighting for, but essential survival skills.

Find out more at: https://freeblackthought.com/voices/kofi-montzka