panelist's betrayal response (initial and pc version)

This is my response to the panelist's article. 

(Please see the "panel speaker actions" blog post for the initial incident.)

The pc version is below the initial version.

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As BLMK event organizers, we are very proud of our Juneteenth event. We worked well as a team and spent the last three months organizing the logistics, marketing, social media and panel details for a successful and educational event. Mental health is so important to the Black community, especially during these difficult times. We sought out Black men’s voices for the panel, specifically because both Black men and Black women’s voices are critical in issues that impact our communities, domestic and abroad. The panelist referenced was the only Black man who agreed to join in the Mental Health panel discussion.

Our panel included two PhD panelists, a single parent raising a child in Korea and a successful writer. The event included a Juneteenth educational video, a panel discussion on the importance of mental health in the Black community, a Juneteenth trivia game and a celebratory dance competition. We provided not only educational information but also a fun learning environment during the two hours this past Sunday. 

We were unaware that the panelist referenced above had written a media article prior to the Juneteenth event, where he distanced himself from participation on the BLMK panel I believe that was to appeal to his base followers. If we had access to the article prior to the panel, the panelist would’ve been automatically removed from the event.

We wish the panelist well in his future goals. His focus on saving and educating North Koreans has helped and improved the lives of many Koreans. Our goal, however, is to improve the lives of Black people.

BLMK looks forward to continuing to provide Korea with educational events about the importance of Black lives, culture and history. 

Be the change you want to see.

THE PC REVISED VERSION

The BLMK Committee is very proud of the outcome of the Juneteenth event on June 13th. We spent the last three months organizing the logistics, marketing, social media, and panel details to bring you a  successful and educational event. Mental health is crucial to the Black community, especially during these difficult times. We sought the voices of black men and women to discuss this impact on our communities, domestic and abroad. 

Our panel included two PhD panelists, a single parent raising a child in Korea, and a successful writer. 

BLMK is open to all opinions and points of view. BLMK does not represent any of the panelists nor speaks on their behalf. For this event, panelists gave their experiences and expertise on mental health. Unfortunately, an article was produced by one of our panelists that shed a negative light on the BLMK mission. In no shape or form do we support these views; the BLMK committee was unaware of its existence. If we had access to the article before the panel, the panelist would've been removed immediately.

 

Nevertheless, we wish this person well in the future.  Our goal is to improve the lives of Black people.

BLMK looks forward to providing Korea with educational events about the importance of Black lives, culture, and history in the future.

 Be the change you want to see.