Andrew Young, a renowned civil rights leader, has worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., served as the mayor of Atlanta and been an ambassador to the United Nations in his long career. He also has another important relationship that he documents in a new book: a relationship with his godson Kabir Sehgal, who is 50 years younger and works on Wall Street.
Young and Sehgal have had an ongoing dialogue about life, politics, and intergenerational issues. Although they say they don't always agree, Sehgal says his life has been shaped by his godfather's influence in major ways.
The two also debate about the current state of politics and economics in the U.S. As an investment banker, Sehgal sees the fallout from the economic crisis where it all began, while Young is in touch with people on "Main Street" who are suffering as a result. Even though both men have different philosophies about how to combat poverty and pull the world out of the economic doldrums, both respect each other's opinions and learn from one another.
Quotes
"The challenge of our generation, whether it's young lawyers, young investment bankers, is to make capitalism work for people not just around the corner, but for people all around the world." - Kabir Sehgal
"Your children are not your children. They come through you, but not from you. You can give them your love, but not your thoughts, for they come from a land that you cannot enter, not even in your wildest dreams." - Andrew Young
"It's really a great cross-generational, intergenerational conversation. We don't always agree." - Kabir Sehgal
Warm Up Questions
1 What does the term "intergenerational" mean?
2. Do you ever talk to anyone older than you about your problems? If so, who?
3. How might someone 50 years older than you see the world differently?
Discussion Questions
1. Why do you think the relationship between Sehgal and Young is unique? What does it bring to the table that other relationships might not?
2. What do you think Young means when he says that young people shouldn't always listen to their parents? What is your relationship with your parents like? Do you always listen to their advice? Why or why not?
3. Young says the solution to global poverty begins on Wall Street, and Sehgal says financial literacy is the best way to lift people out of poverty. What do you think?
Additional Resources
Powerful Photos Tell Story of Civil Rights Movement
