November 27 - December 3, 2020

On June 19, 2020, I made a commitment to educate myself on the lingering effects of racism, discrimination, and bias in America. Every day through 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 November 27 - December 3, 2020.

 

Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man, Ep. 1 

I'm rolling back to the summer's first episode of Emmanuel Acho's Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man. In episode 1, Acho details his reasons for starting the series and answers a number of FAQs he gets from white people. In talking about white privilege, Acho says, "It's not saying your life hasn't been hard, it's saying your skin color hasn't contributed to your life being hard." Acho's call for white people to educate themselves on racism is a major reason I started this blog.

TED Legacy Project: Congressman John Lewis in Conversation With Bryan Stevenson

In this 23 minute TED video, civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson interviews the great John Lewis about his upbringing in rural Alabama and philosophy regarding non-violence. Lewis also talks about his relationships with Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King, E.D. Nixon, and others, and the inspiration he drew from them to begin his career in politics.

For Black Tour Guides in Savannah, the Historical is Personal

Ariel Felton writes this article for the Washington Post in which the tourism industry in Savannah, Georgia is explored for its connections to the history of slavery. While many people take guided tours of the city hoping for the full historical experience, others want the history of slavery left out. “This is my history, my story,” local historian Amir Jamal Touré said. “When you hear someone get your history, your culture, wrong, it’ll make you realize you cannot let somebody else tell your stories.”

Systemic Racism 101: Dear America, I Can't Believe What You Say Because I See What You Do

This article in the Milwaukee Independent examines the history of institutionally-embedded racism in the U.S.  The author discusses disparities in the criminal justice system, loans and home ownership, the G.I. Bill, and the accumulation of wealth. H/T to Stacy Mosely for the recommendation.

What if I Say the Wrong Thing on Race?

Michelle Silverthorn blogs about the question she typically receives first as a speaker on diversity topics. Her advice to those who ask? Stop focusing on making yourself feel comfortable talking about race. You probably will say the wrong thing at some point - learn from it, make amends, and move on. "Then do the hard work of using your power and privilege to build proper reporting mechanisms for racism, along with a community of trust centered on inquiry, vulnerability, and humility, rather than ignorance, action, and deflection."

 

A New Day For Queer People in The South 

Giulia Heyward writes this piece for The Atlantic on the expiration of a ban in North Carolina on passing laws aimed at protecting rights for the LGBTQ community. Heyward covers the 2016 fight over H.B. 2, otherwise known as the bathroom bill, what has transpired in the interim, and what may be on the horizon.

 

Six Phrases to Avoid Using in Conversations About Race 

Sheena Foster talks to Minda Harts, author of The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table, about how to have conversations regarding race without offending someone. Harts cites six common phrases to be avoided while also offering alternative language. The key to having productive conversations begins with self-awareness, humility, and the willingness to make amends when you've said something wrong.