00:00:00 In this section, the speaker introduces the podcast series and the aim of the discussion to confront anti-black racism and become better allies. They acknowledge the complexity and emotional nature of this conversation but are committed to creating safe spaces to challenge and grow as an institution and community. The panelists introduce themselves and their backgrounds, and the discussion begins with a quote from Larone Bennett Jr about the history of anti-black racism.
00:05:00 In this section of the video, the speaker discusses the historical context of racism in America and how it has evolved into anti-black racism. They discuss the Nathaniel Bacon rebellion and how it led to the plantation elite importing more African-American slaves to control them due to language barriers. This resulted in a racial bribe that offered poor white people power over slaves, creating a divide that paved the way for racism against black people. The discussion emphasized the importance of calling out anti-black racism specifically and acknowledging the systems and experiences that perpetuate inequities in the black community. The conversation was held on the day of John Lewis’ funeral, a renowned civil rights activist and leader.
00:10:00 In this section, the speakers discuss the concept of anti-black racism, which they define as dehumanizing and marginalizing Black people, ultimately stripping them of value. They bring up the example of redlining and its impact on communities of color, explaining how it determined where people could rent, live, and buy homes, which had significant implications for the quality of education and resources that these communities received. They emphasize the importance of focusing on anti-black racism while acknowledging the intersectionality of other marginalized groups. One of the speakers shares a personal experience of her family’s struggle to purchase a home in Granada Hills due to redlining. Another speaker also shares her experience of being one of the few black families in her neighborhood and school.
00:15:00 In this section, the speaker shares their personal experience of growing up in a middle class neighborhood predominantly occupied by white people and being aware of anti-black racism in their life. They believe that anti-black racism exists in forms like economics, education, and exclusivity. They explain that exclusivity is a bad word to them because it means trying to keep black people out deliberately. They gave various examples of how anti-black racism is present in car dealerships, stores, classrooms, and professional conferences, where white participants are preferred over black participants. Overall, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having conversations about anti-black racism.
00:20:00 In this section, two speakers, Catherine and Cecily, share their personal experiences with anti-black racism. Catherine talks about the conversations she has had to have with her children about their safety as black individuals, even growing up in a place like Santa Clarita. She emphasizes that no matter what her accomplishments may be, she is still seen as black first and foremost. Cecily adds to the conversation by discussing the importance of recognizing the struggles of our ancestors and how racism still exists, even in supposedly liberal spaces like California. Both speakers highlight the pervasive nature of anti-black racism, both covert and overt.
00:25:00 In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on anti-black racism because of the historical systemic oppression faced by Black Americans. By addressing the root of anti-blackness, it can help eliminate its causes and recognize how it also affects other marginalized communities. The speaker notes that other issues are often addressed quicker than black issues and often perpetuated as a cycle. By acknowledging and understanding anti-blackness within various communities, it allows for unity and the ability to work towards eliminating the real issue, which is the human rights of equality and recognition. The speaker highlights the need to address the root cause of racism and tackle it at its core to paint a clear picture and gain victories.
00:30:00 In this section of the video, a panelist discusses their experiences with racism in high school, where conversations about race and money were uncomfortable, and the topic of whether they could afford things like prom tickets and dresses was always brought up in relation to black students, but not white students. They also discuss the importance of acknowledging anti-black racism specifically, due to the unique historical experiences and trauma faced by the black community. Another panelist notes that while other forms of racism and discrimination should not be forgotten, it is important to address anti-black racism at this time and reckoning with the root of the problem in order to make changes going forward. They emphasize that black people had to fight for their rights and could not vote their way to having them, due to the structural issues of the system.
00:35:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the historical context of the United States and how racist policies and laws have been put in place to explicitly marginalize communities from the full blessings of liberty as granted by the Constitution. They also emphasize the importance of acknowledging the historical pain and the intergenerational trauma that is embedded in the history of this country, particularly for the black community. The speaker shares a personal experience about working in a medical school where they witnessed concerns and alarms from some administrators about a large number of African American graduates finishing medical school. The speaker argues that we must acknowledge the policies and practices and the intent behind some of the things that are kept in place to be able to address those from a standpoint of equality and egalitarianism.
00:40:00 In this section, the panel discusses how they define anti-black racism and what it means to them. The host starts by giving his definition, which revolves around the perpetuation of an unwillingness to recognize the humanity of African-American people, while also seeking to undermine their culture, customs, identities, and experiences. Cecily echoes this definition while acknowledging that the definition may differ for different Black people based on personal experiences. She talks about how anti-blackness affects her in terms of exclusivity and how it impacts her sense of belonging in different spaces, including academia. She highlights the need for more Black representation and inclusivity in spaces and the importance of having Black mentors and idols beyond sports and entertainment.
00:45:00 In this section, the speakers discuss their understanding of anti-blackness, which they define as a form of exclusion where black folks are not represented and are excluded from various spaces such as businesses, professionalism, and opportunities for investment in houses. They also mention how anti-blackness shows up in different forms, including being the only black person in a class and being tagged as a spokesperson, which undermines the diversity of experiences within the black community. There is a need for greater inclusiveness and representation of black folks in various realms to combat anti-blackness.
00:50:00 In this section, two speakers, Diamond and Catherine, share their personal experiences related to anti-black racism. Diamond recalls being the only black student in class and feeling discriminated against based on her skin color alone. She also realizes how anti-black attitudes are passed down through generations, citing an example of her white friend whose father did not like black people. Catherine echoes Diamond’s sentiment and emphasizes how systemic anti-blackness affects black individuals’ access to resources, education, and housing, as well as corporations’ lack of inclusive representation. Both speakers highlight how anti-blackness happens every day, globally.
00:55:00 In this section, the speakers share their experiences with being the representative of their race in school and the impact of exclusivity. They emphasize that the Black Lives Matter movement is not about taking away opportunities from other groups, but rather about having the same level of access and respect as others. The speakers also discuss how looking to one person as the representative for a whole race negates the entire experience and historical context of Blackness. They highlight the power dynamics present in different isms and the need for equal access to opportunities.
01:00:00 In this section, the speakers discuss the power dynamics involved in anti-black racism and how it affects everyone. They emphasize the need for those in positions of power to consciously afford their power to others and create space for important conversations and policy changes. The term anti-black racism can make people uncomfortable, but it is important to acknowledge and shift the power dynamics at play. The speakers emphasize the impact of the pedagogy and policy on the false narrative that black is inferior and minimizes their accomplishments. They call for a dismantling of systemic policies that lead to healthcare disparities and the need to evaluate their rewards and inputs.
01:05:00 In this section of the video, the speakers discuss how anti-black racism manifests itself in pedagogy and health. They argue that it is racist to teach students to accept certain things as “part and parcel of communities of color” instead of bringing down rates of problems that disproportionately affect these communities, especially black communities. They further examine the power structures and policies that uphold these processes and inhibit change. One speaker shares a personal story of her mother’s malpractice case to illustrate how even successful black people are still vulnerable to racist actions.
01:10:00 In this section, the speakers discuss the impact of anti-black racism in the healthcare and education systems, as well as in access to loans for businesses. They also provide tips on how to be a better ally, including focusing on individual actions to create a collective movement, educating oneself by reading books and talking to colleagues, and listening to the experiences of Black individuals. The speakers acknowledge the historical context and complexity of the issue, and emphasize the importance of slow, steady progress towards eliminating anti-black racism. They also recognize the challenges that non-black allies may face in their own communities and offer their support.
01:15:00 In this section, the panelists discuss how important it is to acknowledge and elevate the history of those who fought against anti-black racism, even if they were white. It is essential to build cultural capital on both sides, invest in values that propagate society, and promote the narrative on both sides. This is an opportunity for allies to start working towards equality and healing. Allies can define their heroes from different backgrounds, ethnic and racial identities, and walks of life. Being open and conscientious while approaching the abilities and experiences of others is necessary. It is crucial to listen and take in what people of color have to say without brushing them off.
01:20:00 In this section, one of the panelists emphasizes the importance of genuine allyship and not performing it for show. Caring from a genuine standpoint is crucial and not using black people in your circle for free education or support on how to treat black folks is important. The panelist shared their own experience of being asked to present on how to be anti-black instead of being checked in on after the murder of George Floyd. Black folks have had to endure and cope with so much, and while this moment is an opportunity to learn, it should not come at the cost of the “black tax.” The panelist stresses the importance of coming from a place of genuine care and thoughtfulness and not placing your black friends under taxation for their education or support.
01:25:00 This transcript excerpt does not contain any relevant information about the topic discussed in the video.