Common Experience

In Junior High and High School, I had numerous conversations about race with several of my white classmates who felt safe asking me questions about “Black people”.

Learning about the concept of imposter syndrome from my Native American professor in college and the impact that it had and continues to have on me at times as a woman of color.

Shifting my perception on race, religion, power, and just about everything in between after reading the book Caste as a middle-aged adult. What I just listed are the four most impactful experiences that I have had throughout my lifetime as it pertains to race, my self-identity, and the societies of our world. This book has completely shifted my understanding of not only the construct of race but the use of caste systems by the dominant who use them to not only attain but to maintain power over those deemed “less than”.

I am in no way an expert or researcher on race but discussions about race is something I have actively engaged in for over twenty years with scholars, friends, and colleagues. It is my belief that having conversations with others is the first step to gaining a better understanding and appreciation for those dissimilar from ourselves which can evoke the empathy needed to change the inequities within our societies. This book allowed my colleagues and I to engage in conversations about race and caste systems in a space in which participants felt safe to openly discuss topics that are often considered to be off limits, especially at work. Given that these crucial conversations took place during the height of the racial justice movement made it so much more impactful for our institution and the individuals within. It came at a time when many of us were trying to find ways to support the movement while others were trying to gain a better understanding of what it was and what was needed make a difference. I thank Dr. Braddy for making a book selection that for some may have been considered bold at the time. However, for those of us that were encouraging its selection we understood, if not now than when? Thankfully, she agreed!