Every day brings more media coverage of the multi-layered problems we face surrounding race and gender. This roundtable discussion between 3 leading experts in the field of education focuses on some of these complex issues. There is an overload of negative imagery that pervades media and society, including the Confederate Flag. What messages are our children receiving from the imagery that's around them? How do educators and community leaders reinforce positive self-image in youth to combat the confusion and hurt that these images inevitably cause? Similarly, gender equality is a problem that permeates today's society. What professions are we exposing to today's young girls of color? Are today's media and politics telling girls what body images and what personality types are acceptable? How can educators and leaders of both genders support and nurture them towards professions that are traditionally male? Many parts of the country do not have a history of slavery, yet are currently experiencing overt racial inequalities. How do we approach the general topic of race and racism in environments where it's not comfortably discussed? How do we get past the discomfort of having these necessary conversations? How do we get others to acknowledge their white privilege, and discuss race and racism in an open, inviting dialogue? This roundtable provides open, honest dialogue surrounding these complicated topics, including positive suggestions for educators and leaders to shape the important conversations we need to have.