comcast corporation, who include brett perkins, johnny got it, child, charisse lily, karen buckles, one of chair, craig, and mike rhodes. thank you for your help. all these people work under the excellent direction and thoughtful direction of the executive vice president of comcast, david cohen, who i'd like to call to the podium. [applause] >> so, thanks very much, charlie, and good morning, everyone. it's great to be here. and i know i speak for everyone at comcast and nbc universal, charlie, in saying how much we appreciate the partnership with the aspen institute to once again present this look at the state of race in america. and it's energizing to see the quality of the panelists in the scope of today's agenda. i think it's clear that we are going to have a day reach in ideas and opinions. maybe even more important than the ideas. i'm also personally delighted that this symposium appears to becoming an annual event, because this is a discussion that america needs to have more than once. and i think it's impossible for us to ask for better timing than right now. in the middle of what is already sh