In today’s episode of Speaking of Inclusion, I am joined by Sharon Hurley Hall: author, educator, and anti-racism activist.
Sharon is well known for her insightful anti-racism newsletter, and her book “I’m Tired of Racism: True Stories of Existing While Black and Exploring Shadism”. Sharon’s work has been a huge influence on my understanding of inclusion, and I’m so pleased to bring this conversation to you.
In our chat, we explore everything from colourism and the origins of racism, to white saviourism and how anti-Blackness continues to shape our world today. Sharon generously shares her personal experiences, how she found her voice as an anti-racism writer, and why collective unlearning is crucial if we ever hope to build a fairer society.
Here are three key takeaways you’ll want to listen for:
Race is a made-up social construct – but racism is devastatingly real, impacting the everyday lived experiences of Black people and those racialised as non-white.
The legacy of colonialism and colourism continues to play a direct role in present-day inequalities, shaping everything from beauty standards to the world’s economies.
The importance of moving from learning to action – it’s not enough to simply be more informed; the difference comes when we ask ourselves what we will do differently as a result.
As you listen, reflect on this question:
What stories have you inherited about race, and how might they still be influencing your thoughts, actions, and assumptions today?
Things we said we'd include in this episode's show notes:
A link to Sharon Hurley Hall’s Anti-Racism Newsletter > HERE
Fact check about the origins and meaning behind the board game Monopoly > HERE
Reference to “Citizens” and the authors names I couldn't remember being Jon Alexander and Ariane Conrad.
Reticular activating system (RAS) being the term I couldn't remember that means we always see red cars when we just bought a red car.
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Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen. Katie is a specialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations.
www.KatieAllenConsulting.com
Theme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds – “No Drama” by Alder