UN Interviews ‘Silence and erasure have no place’ in a just society
Mar 24, 2025
Sarah Lewis, an Associate Professor at Harvard specializing in African and African American Studies, discusses the pivotal role of education in combating racism. She emphasizes how ignorance fuels racial injustice and the need for historic awareness. The conversation highlights the necessity of inclusive visual representation in education and critiques traditional narratives that exclude diverse voices. Additionally, Sarah inspires listeners to transform personal failures into catalysts for justice, fostering a more equitable society through critical analysis and collaboration.
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The Power of Narrative
- Narratives shape our understanding of belonging and influence the implementation of laws and norms.
- Culture plays a crucial role in shaping these narratives through various mediums like the built environment and images.
Pictures and Progress
- Frederick Douglass, in his speech "Pictures and Progress," highlighted the power of images to reveal unseen injustices and inspire action.
- He emphasized perceptual changes from confronting images, anticipating the importance of visual culture for justice.
Education's Role in Combating Racism
- Ignorance enables racism.
- Education is crucial for combating racism by revealing the historical context and ongoing effects of slavery and systemic inequity.