Hate is hate.

My ability to always find common and middle ground with others has been a huge asset to my career. However, one of my most influential mentors taught me that when it comes to moral issues such as hate--regardless of whether it is based on someone's race, religion, sex, or sexual preference--there is no common and middle ground.

Last weekend's events in Charlottesville are a perfect example of hate. It resonated with me at a core level. Simply stated, I wouldn't have achieved the success I have if it were not for the barrier-breaking opportunities white men and women, Jewish men and women, homosexual men and women offered me. It is because of how they opened doors for me that I have committed my life to opening doors for others and standing up for the rights of everyone.

Each one of us will face a time which--regardless of how much you want to--there is no common or middle ground. It is a matter of right and wrong. We are now in one of those times. I'm standing on the side of right.

Summary: Hate is hate.

#WednesdayWisdom

James Dallas is the author of Mastering the Challenges of Leading Change: Inspire the People and Succeed Where Others Fail and an accomplished senior executive. As president of James Dallas & Associates, he consults with and speaks to companies and organizations about managing change. He has been named one of the most powerful black men in corporate America several times in his career by Black Enterprise and Savoy magazines.