Lunchtime Learning - November

with JD Mass, PsyD

aired November 19, 2025

Topic: Race for What? From Competition to Collaboration

Description: JD’s presentation shares his experiences with Nelly and his life of joining a community of expatriate African Americans globally to learn community building based on health, peace, and sharing. His 2017 achievement with his doctorate in Organizational Psychology resulted in more heavy involvement with White antiracist groups in Los Angeles and later in St. Louis. His presentation illuminates his work in anti-racism and reflects on what he learned throughout his journey, which inspired him to write “Race for What?” JD’s dedication to affecting positive change doesn’t stop with his writing. JD encourages his audience to embrace discomfort and explore challenging topics, exploring the emotions, intentions, and psychology of our current systems, daring the most privileged to stay the course, finally correct the harm of racism and help create a humane world.

About the Speaker:

Growing up within a Black community, witnessing racism firsthand, activist and author JD Mass PsyD shares his successes and missteps in building powerful alliances with melanated people. JD’s parents chose to raise him in the only diverse community in St. Louis where he was able to witness and experience racism and learn of cultural differences. It sparked an inner desire to understand why we created such a world. JD has always had an entrepreneurial attitude, and teaching from spirit, starting a tennis teaching organization with his college coach to playing a pivotal role of structuring musical artist Nelly’s early business ventures, including Apple Bottoms Jeans and Derrty Entertainment.