June 26 - July 2, 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 June 26-July 2, 2020.

Who People Believe Rules in Heaven Influences Their Beliefs About Who Rules on Earth

This short article summarizes a paper in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Stanford researchers found perceptions of God as a white man lead to preferences for white males in leadership positions. One of my favorite authors, Daniel Pink, posted a link to the article on Twitter.

How Could a Slaverholder Write, "All Men Are Created Equal"?

In this 20-minute YouTube video, Walter Isaacson interviews Jon Meacham and Annette Gordon-Reed on the complexities of Thomas Jefferson as founding father and slave owner.

Black Executives Are Sharing Their Experiences of Racism, Many for the First Time

Rice alumnus and trustee emeritus Bob Clarke sent me this article from the Wall Street Journal on how the recent public violence against unarmed Black men and women has caused Black executives to speak out and share their experiences and details of their lives, and why they feel it's important to do so now.

The Founding Contradiction

Another podcast from Hidden Brain, and another interview with Harvard Law professor and historian Annette Gordon-Reed. This 45-minute episode details the contradictions of the country's founders and delves into the contradictions of politicians and citizens today.

The Intersection of Race, Student-Athletes, and College Athletics in America

ESPN's Maria Taylor moderates a panel featuring Auburn AD Allen Green, Michigan AD Warde Manuel, and Wyoming Sr. Associate AD China Jude. They share their experiences and hopes for the future in this 75-minute video.

Policing Black Bodies (Chapter 1)

Policing Black Bodies (Chapter 2)

This book was recommended by Rice alums Michelle Fokam and Tim Harrison. The first few chapters dive into the system of racism in this country, from slavery to mass incarceration, and the difficulty white people my feel in helping bring down a system that benefits them.