As the anti-racism protests and movement continue to spread across our country, I wanted to talk to some people who are living it. And no one is more in it than Louiza Doran, who took time out of her insanely busy schedule right now to speak with me for episode 294 of the podcast.
Louiza, who goes by Weeze, is a coach, educator, political activist, organizer, and strategist, among many other things. She’s in direct action toward moving the system forward to equity, justice, inclusion and liberation for the Black community.
Weeze and I talk about how we’re doing in our response so far after the George Floyd murder, 3 things that white people can do right now to support, and our historical culture of whiteness. She helps me get clear on how to define racism and what it looks like in everyday life, because it’s not always so obvious. She also answers some great questions from our listeners.
This is an amazing listen, folks. It will wake you up, may make you uncomfortable (and that’s a good thing — it means you’re being activated!) and inspire you to look at your own life and take action.
Click here to listen:
- 7:25 Introduction Louiza “Weeze” Doran
- 10:55 Society’s response to George Floyd’s death
- 19:30 What white people can do to support the anti-racism movement
- 25:55 Defining racism
- 32:30 How living in your personal bubble keeps you from understanding other people’s lives and experiences
- 40:30 How to support the Black community without coming across as condescending
- 45:30 Where to get news and unbiased information
- 47:00 Examples of “unchecked white privilege” and covert racism
- 54:00 How to support Black people at work
- 56:05 About “white-centering”
- 59:45: How to talk to kids about racism
- 1:05:50 Hope about the future
- 1:11:35 Action step
Thankfully God and my parent’s taught us to not be prejudice. We were not allowed to make negative connations against anyone. Including, Asian, Italians, Germans, etc.. My father developed friendships with black people in the Army and at work. Yet, he was dragged into a dark alley by two black men; my father slipped out of his jacket and ran, while three gunshots aiming for him as he ran. My ex-husband was kidnapped by three black men, and one black woman. My in-laws had an in-home invasion because they owned a jewelry store. I believe in encouraging others. In 2015, I was asked to be a business partner with a young black man, who took my money and never paid me back when I asked for my share to be returned since he did not keep his word. $10K. I do not have any hatred against black people. I do not condone lawlessness from anyone. Your guest did not talk about the crime that is brought upon innocent lives by black people. I did see videos of black people beating up innocent bystanders. Both sides of the equation need to be discussed for solutions.
hi Marlene, thanks for sharing your experience and I agree that a lot more conversation needs to happen on this topic. Thanks for listening -Meg
Thank you for this interview! It was an eye-opener for an European.
Sadly, racism is deep in many cultures and societies.
I have had a glimpse of it through my daughters life. She’s 100% from “white” parents but has brown eyes and beautiful brown hair – which are common even in our country.
Ever since the political right wing rise, she has been bullied for her looks and has been told “to go where she’s from”! Teenagers’ choice was to dye her hair blond to get some peace…
The concept of “you’re an outsider because you’re not like me” is incomprehensible to me. We are all humans – why that’s not enough? Actions matter: do you care others and this earth? What are you willing to do during your time on globe?
hi Katriina, it sounds like she’s definitely experiencing discrimination and bullying and I hear what you’re saying about ‘othering’ and how unhelpful it is and it sounds like your heart is in the right place. There’s a wonderful book called HOW TO BE AN ANTIRACIST that you might get a lot from. Thanks for sharing and for listening =) -Meg