We asked our faculty and students in our doctoral program what they read and do to stay grounded in the work of racial justice amidst the uncertainty and disruption of our current times. Here’s what they said:
Tamara Bauer M.S., instructor
This spring and summer, as I found my mind and heart spinning from the hurt and pain of racial injustice, I jumped back into a learning mode. Listening to podcasts, reading multiple news sources, and engaging with authors who talk about and unpack race and racism. I revisited Robin DiAngelo’s book, White Fragility. Reading this text again, I found myself hearing her messages in new ways. She writes to a white audience – why is it so hard for white people to talk about racism? And more so, how can white people be part of the progress towards racial equality?
As I read and hear things that remind me of the ways I want to engage in creating more equitable environments for all races, in ideas that push me outside of my comfort zone, and that remind me of the kind of person I want to be daily, I make notes in the app on my phone. I revisit these notes often, and add new ideas, to take that learning into action.
Here are my notes from the last few months:
- Sit with and in discomfort. When faced with something that feels hard, start by asking myself, “What would this mean for me if it were true?” – Dr. Brené Brown
- The heartbeat of racism is denial. – Dr. Ibram X. Kenedi. When I find myself or others defensive, how can I remain open to sitting with the discomfort?
- Focus on what you want to do…not the fear associated with it. We must be able to hold multiple and conflictual truths. Right isn’t easy very often. – Dr. Brené Brown
Trisha Gott Ph.D., assistant professor, associate director
In reading for the first time, I’m Still Here…Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown, I reflected on justice in a new way. Channing Brown writes, “Our only chance at dismantling racial injustice is being more curious about its origins than we are worried about our comfort.” How can I practice staying curious – worrying less about comfort and getting wildly curious about change? New stories and different voices can reshape perspective and rebuild world views.
Returning to the familiar, I revisited Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire. Freire writes, “There’s no such thing as neutral education. Education either functions as an instrument to bring about conformity or freedom.” Freire calls on us all to make our classrooms spaces of co-creation – to stay engaged and involved in work toward justice.
To stay grounded I stay connected. I reach out to others and I check in on how they are doing. Small acts make an impact always – my goal is to care through connecting.
Roberta Maldanado Franzen M.S., program director, Cargill Fellows, and Leadership Communication doctoral candidate
My favorite podcast is Latina to Latina. It is a conversation led by Alicia Menendez, and she invites guest speakers to discuss pertinent issues that are relatable. The podcast is short and empowering for women, especially Latinas. Last week’s topic was “Why Dr. Julie Ramos Insists You Take Care of Your Heart,” and it served as a reminder to take care of you. Listening to the podcast is my way of taking care of me and surrounding myself with others who are like me.
One action I take to stay grounded in the work of racial justice is to go for a walk. I focus on my breathing and being present in the activity. It creates a space to pay attention to self. Along the way, I take comfort in listening to a podcast.
Andy Wefald, Ph.D., associate professor
A book that has helped shape how I think about social issues and social justice is How to Be an Antiracist by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi and it’s something I think about often and go back to as well.
I’ve also been trying to improve my active listening skills both interpersonally and with broader groups of people, e.g. how am I listening to marginalized groups and what they are saying about their lived experiences? I also think about developing my own cultural humility which to me is about my commitment to self-evaluation and self-critique to stay grounded and mindful during stressful times.
R.J. Youngblood M.S., assistant director, Academic Achievement Center, adjunct instructor and Leadership Communication doctoral student
What I’m currently reading, Unapologetic: A Black, Queer, and Feminist Mandate for Radical Movements, is from Charlene A. Carruthers, movement educator and founder of the Chicago Center for Leadership and Transformation.
In times of uncertainty, it can be easy to return to the familiar and comfortable. If you are a person with privilege, it is your obligation to interrogate your default perspectives and to be intentional about learning and acting.
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We invite readers to share and consider alongside us.
What are you reading?
How are you grounding yourself in new stories, different voices, and new ways of thinking, engaging, and understanding your own leadership practices for racial justice?
What are you doing?
We encourage you to share and to consider what you will do with that knowledge. The work of racial justice belongs to all of us. How will you prepare to practice leadership in your everyday life that advances racial justice?
