Key Takeaways: Race and Anti-Racism

Our distinguished panel provided a number of insights about race, anti-racism, and the work necessary to achieve diversity, equity and inclusion in the 21st century. We wanted to unpack some of what we learned from the forum on race and anti-racism that was held on July 29th, 2020.

1. We sometimes simplify racism to a false dichotomy of good people are not racist and bad people are racist.

   When we look at racism, we have to look at the difference between intent and impact. Not having intent does not mean that that is does not have a destructive impact.

2. There is often a failure to recognize and value different perspectives that should be respected

   This is at the heart of racism. It is easy to recognize overt forms of racism and denounce them. It is more difficult to confront our own behaviors and to consider the lens of people who are different from us and to respect their perspective.

3. Mindfulness on an everyday level

   James Baldwin wrote that “The great force of history comes from the fact that we carry it within us, are unconsciously controlled by it in many ways, it's literally present in all that we do. It could scarcely be otherwise, since it's to history that we owe our frame of references and identities.” Our mindfulness on an individual level with regards to race and racism can ultimately shape the future and ultimately undo racism.

4. Racism is a problem that requires deep and vast knowledge of systems.

We would love to hear from you what you found interesting in our conversation? Was there a particular part of the discussion, a quote from one of our panelists, or an element of race and anti-racism that you would like to highlight? Feel free to comment and ask questions.

The Issue: Humankind

The following is a text from our speech dated July 4th, 2018 in Concord, Massachusetts:

“An astute close friend of mine read the first draft of this very speech and provided a strong, but necessary, critique. He noted my speech didn’t reflect my opinions and thoughts - which he and I have discussed time and time again.

Typically, I would rebut such an intense criticism, but I found myself vehemently agreeing - my first draft was admittedly inauthentic. My initial reflection on the issue had a heavy hand in two spheres. The first sphere is the past. While a keen understanding of history is important, it is applying the lessons of the past to the present and future that adds immeasurable value to our lives and world. The second sphere of focus in my initial draft was...you - the audience. I carefully considered what each of you would think about me and my thoughts and tried to craft something that everyone would agree to and enjoy on this lovely (hot) 4th of July. However, I stand here knowing I should truthfully explain the issue and the solution.

The beauty is that both are encapsulated in a single word: humankind. On the issue - all of us and this nation were born out of inequality. Abigail Adams’ letter to her beloved husband John touches on this issue. She writes, “I have sometimes been ready to think that the passion for Liberty cannot be Equally Strong in the Breast’s if those who have been accustomed to deprive their fellow Creatures of theirs.” Reflecting on her thoughts, it is easy to see evidence of creatures suppressing their fellow creatures everywhere - but nowhere more than among man. We still suffer from this deeply rooted issue today in all the divisive issues - race, gender, religion, income, and environment just to name a few. And we all take sides - sometimes externally, but always internally.

So, the question becomes - why haven’t we exposed the root of the issue 400 years later? It must lie at the heart of the equal imperfection in all of us. Nevertheless, hope...optimism...lies in our restlessness to perfect and become perfect. Our ability to disrupt the status quo - our current organizations, media, and governments in the interest of honesty and transparency. No matter how bad things get, how dire the circumstances, what makes us great, what gives us real hope, is that there will always be someone to stand up for what is right, honest, and true. There will always be a faction of unwavering support for true freedom and justice for all. In that irrefutable fact, irrefutable because we have seen it time and time again in our history, we find a real reason to hope.

Sure, sometimes we take two steps back, especially when we are on unsure footing. Nevertheless, as I said, history provides time and time again that we, the human race, are resilient. In crisis, we always find a way to break barriers and take many right steps forward. Therefore, on this issue of optimism in humankind, I am optimistic. I hope you are too.”