Apathy Is Not an Option

I chose this title because so many conversations I’ve had about the new year share a common thread: fear. Hearing these concerns, I started to wonder—if we keep fueling this collective fear, where will it take us?  

My research revealed a recurring answer: apathy. Studies show that collective fear, over time, leads to emotional fatigue. When we’re overwhelmed by the scale of our challenges, we eventually shut down.  

This is understandable. We can’t be blamed for our feelings—we all want a good life. But we must ask ourselves: what happens if fear continues to drive us toward indifference?  

For Dialogue on Race Louisiana, apathy simply isn’t an option.  

This July 4th, 2026—the United States’ 250th year—racism remains a systemic issue woven into our nation’s fabric since its founding. Amid today’s concerns, many wonder if we can ever truly end it. It’s normal to feel worried, but when we’re trapped in fear and apathy, it’s impossible to see a way forward. 

I’ve felt hopeless in myself. After a week of hearing people’s fears, I felt their weight. But my work with Dialogue on Race reminds me why we do this. The need is real, and the work is deeply meaningful, not just for me, but for the many people who say to us at DORLA, "Thank you for what you do; we need this."  

The first Dialogue on Race Series of 2026 proved this again. By providing a supportive space where participants could be open and honest, we saw the overwhelm begin to lift. As one participant, Celeste, shared: "It was a truly educational and enlightening discussion."  

We can’t let apathy win. We must keep talking, listening, and acting. It’s time for something bigger than fear! 

Dialogue on Race’s motto is Talk is Action. The right kind of talk includes listening and leads to beneficial and meaningful actions. Register now and experience it for yourself. The first two people who register for a Dialogue on Race Series will receive a scratch pad with the message on the cover, “Apathy is not an option.”