There’s Plenty of Work for Everyone to Do in Order to Eradicate America’s 400-plus-year old Cancer: Racism (Part 1)

At a time when the U.S. is experiencing several crises (a Pandemic, Economic Recession, and Civil Unrest), I am grateful that millions of people from all racial backgrounds and age groups have participated in peaceful protests over the death of George Floyd and other victims of racism. Because many folks are still wondering what they can do to eradicate America’s Cancer of Racism that has existed for more than 400 years, in this series, I’ll be sharing several tips, starting with tips for three groups: “Religious Leaders,” “Business Owners/Managers,” and “Non-Black People of Color.”

Religious Leaders

Religious leaders must do their part to help their parishioners understand the historical role that religious institutions have played in condoning racism, lynchings, police brutality, and silencing the voices of folks, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who try to expose what's going on. They must help the youth and adults in their organizations understand how to become true non-racists. Every religious leader should read and share Fredrick K. Price's three-part series: Race, Religion & Racism with their networks.

Non-Black People of Color

We need more non-Black People of Color to help those in their networks examine and address their anti-Black racist mindsets. But first, they must do this work for themselves on a personal level. Many of them “talk the talk” but their actions betray them. In fact, many people of color in positions of power, including business owners, store managers, bank managers, educators, etc. perpetuate and condone the microaggressions (subtle and blatant insults and disrespectful actions) that cause tremendous stress for African Americans and other Blacks on a daily basis. 

For example, when I first moved to the city in which I currently reside, I was treated very disrespectfully at Korean-owned Cleaners. After negative experiences with three different Cleaners, I started dry-cleaning my own clothing, and saved lots of money. In this same city, I was treated so disrespectfully by an Asian American owner of a “Hair and Beauty Supply” store that I walked out without spending a penny there, and have never set foot in that store again.

Years ago, when one of my Armenian doctoral students told me that I could buy fresh spinach-filled pastries at an Armenian bakery near Pasadena, California, I was eager to go there. As soon as I walked in, the owner frowned at me and quickly made it clear that he didn’t want my business. I was embarrassed and my feelings were hurt. I had a similar experience when I went to a jewelry store in San Francisco’s “China Town,” to buy a pair of gold hoop earrings for my young niece. As soon as we entered the store, the owner gave us a dirty look, and then yelled that she didn’t sell that item.

In many of the “Majority-Minority Schools” in which I have conducted Professional Development workshops, I’ve found that non-Black Educators of Color and School Board Members play an instrumental role in condoning the mistreatment of African American students and their parents/guardians. These individuals actually block and undermine the work that I try to do in schools. These powerful non-Black Educators of Color also make it very clear that they don’t want African American children in their schools or classrooms, and they play a strong role in pushing African American children into the “School-to-Prison Pipeline.”

These influential individuals serve as advocates for the students from their own racial backgrounds, but fight work that is designed to improve the schooling experiences of African American students. How very sad and heartbreaking for the African American children in schools and districts where this common practice is tolerated. The bottom line is that like many Whites, many non-Black People of Color believe in the “Myth of Black Inferiority,” and believe that they are superior to African Americans and other Blacks.

Business Owners/Managers

Another ongoing stressor for many African Americans and other Blacks is the lack of respect that store clerks and other business employees constantly exhibit. I often encounter store employees who don’t make eye contact or even speak to me before they start ringing up my purchases. However, these same employees will treat non-Black customers respectfully. One strategy that I’ve used during the past few years is to say “Hello!” when they act like I am invisible. This always gives the employee “a reality check” and  forces him/her to acknowledge me and reply back. I shouldn’t have to do this. Every store and other business owner and manager should train his/her employees to treat all customers, regardless of race respectfully, and hold them accountable for doing so.

Main Takeaway

Often, the daily microaggressions that cause stress for African Americans and other Blacks are the reasons why one or two incidents--such as George Floyd's murder--push many of us to riot. History has repeatedly shown this.

A Question for You

 “What are you doing to improve race relations within your networks?”

Gail L. Thompson, Ph.D.

Founder & CEO of Inspirations by Gail LLC

Website: www.drgailthompson.com

Email: [email protected]

Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs91Cj1EwZsnTJA3isAS5PQ

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