How Can I Be an Antiracist?

Humans originated in Africa, then spread into the other continents by walking on land bridges that no longer exist. In fact, the Sans, a hunter-gatherer tribe from Southern Africa, has the oldest genetic pool on earth, suggesting that we all come from this small group of people. In other words, as our guest today says, we are all part of the human family.

Today, we are honored to chat with Lauren N. Nile; she is an author, keynote speaker, organizational development trainer, consultant, retreat facilitator, and retired attorney. Lauren was born 9 years before President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. As a Black child growing up in New Orleans, she experienced the American version of South African apartheid.

Lauren still remembers the day her mother told her why that law was such a big deal for them. She also remembers telling herself, "I've got to do something when I grow up, to teach people that judging each other based on our race, skin color, or class is just wrong." Today’s episode strives to further that mission and answer the very important question: How Can I Be an Antiracist?

Across her distinguished career, Lauren traveled to Jordan and Gaza to speak with members of the press, university groups, and Palestinian women's groups on cultural and gender diversity issues in the American workplace. She also delivered keynote addresses on workplace diversity in Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and Sao Paulo, Brazil. Lauren is a former radio and TV host. As a consultant, she has worked with governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and Fortune 500 corporations. At the selection of the Equal Employment Opportunity Office of the Executive Office of the President, she conducted Equal Employment Opportunity training, which included members of the White House staff. Lauren holds a BA degree in Philosophy from the University of New Orleans, a MA degree in Philosophy from the University of Connecticut, and a Doctorate in Law from Cornell University.

In this episode, Lauren helps us answer today's question through a masterclass on racism, equality, and humanity. We had a fantastic conversation about Lauren's childhood, science, and affirmative action. Lauren kindly shared a number of childhood lessons that she still leans on today, striving to respond with grace and dignity in the face of “daily indignities.” Finally, as an answer to our question, Lauren gifted us with a list of seven specific actions we can take to be antiracists.

Some Questions We Ask:

• Could you please share your experiences growing up in the segregated South in New Orleans? (12:08)
• What do you think knowing humankind's origin does for people in confronting this idea of racism or of being an antiracist? (24:57)
• How do you show up in the way that you do, warm and compassionate, rather than any other alternative when dealing with contentious situations or discussions? (29:30)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• How influential Lauren's family was in molding her character and teaching her how to respond to injustice and racism (15:03)
• The science behind the origin of the human race (18:53)
• Three valuable lessons Lauren carries with herfrom childhood about how to deal with racism (32:42)
• A list of seven things to do to be an antiracist (44:24)
• The importance of meeting people where they are, then acknowledge their pain and humanity (59:11)

Resources:

• Lauren N. Nile website
• Book: Race: My Story & Humanity's Bottom Line: More Than a Book.......It's an Experience
• What I Want White People To Know And Do - Lauren N. Nile
• Race And Racism: Going to the Core - Lauren N. Nile and Bridget Sampson
• Book: Ibram X. Kendi - How to Be an Antiracist
• TEDxMileHigh: Nita Mosby Tyler - What if white people led the charge to end racism?

Connect with Lauren: