July 10 - 16, 2020

In honor of Juneteenth 2020, I've committed to educating myself on systemic racism, discrimination, and bias. Every day from June 19, 2020 to June 18, 2021, I will read an article or book chapter, listen to a podcast, watch a movie or documentary, view a webinar, or do something substantive to educate myself in these areas. As part of that commitment, I will post to this blog each Friday with a list of what I've done over the past week as well as any pertinent thoughts or reflections.

Today's post covers the week of July 10-16, 2020.

The Urgency of Intersectionality

WOW. What a powerful TED Talk by Kimberle Crenshaw on how the intersection of race and gender causes unique challenges for Black women. Definitely worth 20 minutes - #sayhername

From Othering to Belonging

This 26-minute episode of the podcast The Science of Happiness features an interview with Professor John Powell about the importance of relationships, empathy, and community in sustaining the push for social justice.

Can the Science of Purpose Help Explain White Supremacy?

Jeremy Adam Smith discusses the role of purpose and how it drives people and organizations to achieve goals. This 5-7 minute article appears in Greater Good Magazine and was written after the 2017 violence in Charlottesville.

History of the Black Experience (July 9)

The second lecture in Dr. Leonard Moore's class at UT-Austin focuses on the post Civil War era of Jim Crow. Dr. Moore covers voter suppression and the enforcement of Jim Crow laws through violence and intimidation. The topic of convict leasing as a replacement for slavery is also discussed. The lecture is about 90 minutes total.

Where Else in This Country do Black Lives Matter More to White People Than a Football Field in the South?

This article was originally published after SEC Media Days in 2016, but it's just as relevant today. Reporter Joseph Goodman writes about the ongoing issues of institutional racism, particularly in Birmingham, Alabama, and how college football should be a catalyst for recognition and discussion of racism. H/T to J.P. Abercrumbie for the recommendation.

A Conversation on Race and Racism in America with Bun B

Dr. Tony Pinn engages Houston icon Bun B in an hour-long discussion on race and culture sponsored by the Baker Institute. They touch on the differences between the Civil Rights Movement and Black Lives Matter and why young people give them hope that the conversations and protests today will lead to more sustained improvements in the future.

How White People Can Advocate for the Black Lives Matter Movement

In this five-minute segment from NPR's Weekend Edition, host Scott Simon interviews Dr. Uzodinma Iweala, CEO of The Africa Center, on how white people can be most effective in supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. Iweala discusses the consistent and determined undermining of Black people in America and how other races can help. H/T to Jeff Raikes for the recommendation.