IT'S ABOUT IMPACT

In The Black Mind, conversations aren’t just exchanged—they’re felt. At the end of every round, players give an Impact Card to the person whose words made the deepest impression. But impact isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some responses expand awareness. Others shift how we see the world. And the most powerful ones? They inspire us to act.

Below are the three levels of impact that guide how we recognize and honor the power of each player’s truth:

Awareness Impact

You taught me something I didn’t know.

This kind of impact happens when a response brings clarity or knowledge around a topic—especially one tied to identity, culture, or systems of oppression.

Gains: New insight or context about a lived experience or societal issue

Feels: Curious, affirmed, or mentally expanded

Moved: The listener learns something valuable, even if their personal views remain unchanged

Why it matters: Awareness is the first step toward empathy—and action starts with understanding.

Perspective Impact

You helped me see it differently.

Here, the speaker’s vulnerability or truth challenges the listener’s assumptions and shifts how they view the topic on a deeper level.

Gains: A new lens for understanding someone else’s experience

Feels: Challenged, introspective, or emotionally stirred

Moved: The listener’s worldview begins to shift; empathy deepens

Why it matters: Perspective change is where real connection begins. It invites us to re-examine what we think we know.

Transformational Impact

You moved me to do something about it.

This is the highest level of impact—a response so powerful it stirs action, self-reflection, or personal transformation.

Gains: A sense of urgency or responsibility to engage, speak up, or change behavior

Feels: Inspired, activated, or deeply moved

Moved: The listener makes a choice—to grow, act, or advocate in their own life or community

Why it matters: Transformation doesn’t stop at conversation—it turns truth into movement.