In the midst of the 21st century, we need to reconstruct our systems and repair fractured social relationships.
OUR FOUNDING STORY
For me and many others, the pandemic, civil unrest, and the divisive political environment have revealed the vulnerability of democracy to fear, irrationality, and demagoguery. In particular, George Floyd’s horrifying death drove me to think beyond my current career path and find one in which I can better respond to and make sense of our collective mess. To address these issues, I founded Conversations by Courage.
Our survival is interdependent upon our ability to reconcile conflicts, reimagine leadership and leverage the assets of everyone to implement a vision of what it means to live in our differences and still prosper.
Today’s crises call for individuals, organizations, companies, and governments to be partners in drafting and sustaining a 21st century social contract. Be a partner in writing our future, together.
Join us!
Mathew Holloway
Founder
MATHEW B. HOLLOWAY II
FOUNDER
MISSISSIPPPI HOMEGROWN Storyteller
Mathew Barry Holloway II is the legacy of Como, Mississippi. As a native of the Mississippi Delta, he comes from storytellers and folklorists. His passion for storytelling, cultural and community development, and civic engagement began when he served as a teen volunteer for his local library. During this time, he conducted award-winning oral histories on the Mississippi hill country blues music, and the Freedom summer of 1964, including winning the John Cotton Dana Library Public Relation Award. He has worked on various storytelling project documenting the stories of everyday people struggling to find meaning in a changing social world.
Mathew holds a B.A. in Sociology from Loyola University New Orleans and an M.S. in Conflict Resolution from the University of San Diego. Additionally, he possesses a Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice Facilitation and Leadership, a Graduate Certificate in Trauma Awareness and Resilience, both from the University of San Diego, and a Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
In addition to his academic achievements, Mathew has received professional training from reputable institutions. He completed training programs with the Obama Foundation in community leadership, Alluvial Collective in racial reconciliation, and the Asset-based Community Development Institute in community development. These experiences have enriched his expertise in community engagement, restorative justice, and effective community development practices.
Leading the Way: Social Innovator, Connector, and Collaborator
With over a decade of dedicated experience in community development, equity, and innovation, Mathew's core belief that guides social change begins with the power of connection – bridging sectors, communities, and ideas. In the midst of today's social conflict, he firmly believes in the imperative to reimagine and collaboratively build institutions that can reunite a divided nation.
As a scholar-practitioner, Mathew's expertise centers on navigating the intricate dynamics of social pain, care, and conflict within the realm of U.S. public affairs. This focus is particularly relevant as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026. He delves into subjects such as social isolation, grief, societal fragmentation, cultural conflicts, and the pervasive sense of hopelessness that characterizes contemporary American life. His graduate studies provided him with profound insights into the factors that either strengthen or erode social trust and cohesion during challenging times.
Over the course of his rewarding 10-year career, Mathew has consistently designed, developed, and evaluated diverse social innovations across rural, urban, and international settings. His work has consistently contributed to community well-being and positive change. From spearheading literacy education in rural Mississippi to expanding youth development in New Orleans and fostering intercultural awareness in Panamá, his efforts have forged strong partnerships with nonprofits, government officials, and civic leaders. This has resulted in impactful programs such as community college-corporate apprenticeships and building trades apprenticeships in Chicago, all aimed at promoting economic mobility and addressing historical racial disparities.