NOVEMBER LUNCHTIME REVIEW of Dr. J. D. Mass
Last month’s Lunchtime, Race for What? From Competition to Collaboration, was presented by Dr. J. D. Mass. His presentation touched on the positive effects of White antiracism. Although rarely-discussed, White antiracism is “a process of recognizing the impact of race as a system of oppression and engaging in practices, behaviors, and ways of that that disrupt racism.” This practice of racial abolitionary activities usually refers to people of European descent.
Even though White antiracist citizens are often not celebrated in American history, they are recognized for their abolitionist spirits of advocacy and truth; much of which has proven to be helpful in moving civil rights forward in America.
Dr. Mass elaborated on his experiences of growing up within a Black community of St. Louis, and witnessing racism firsthand.
Blog Prompt:
1. How important (impactful) is it for non-minoritized persons to directly experience Black life in America?
2. Can they understand the painful effects of racism without directly witnessing or experiencing the lived experiences of American minorities?
3. Have the direct recordings of racist acts (i.e. the murder of Floyd) influenced some Whites to become antiracist?