The Gray Area with Sean Illing

Honoring Juneteenth with Ibram X. Kendi

Jun 17, 2021

Ibram X. Kendi, a leading voice in the fight against racism and author of "How to Be an Antiracist," discusses the ongoing journey toward true systemic change in America. He reflects on the evolution of anti-racism following last year's protests, emphasizing that awareness must lead to action. Kendi unpacks complex definitions of racism and anti-racism, highlighting the need for personal accountability and constructive conversations in professional spaces. He also honors Juneteenth's legacy as a crucial step toward inclusivity and community empowerment.

53:19

Episode guests

Ibram Kendi

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

Reflections on Anti-Racism in America

11min

The Complexity of Racial Reckoning: Awareness vs. Action

4min

Understanding Racism and Anti-Racism

20min

Unpacking America's Anti-Racist Potential

3min

Navigating Anti-Racism in Professional Spaces

7min

Exploring Community Building and Resource Disparities

2min

Reflecting on Juneteenth and the Path to Inclusivity

3min

In this special edition of Vox Conversations in honor of the Juneteenth holiday, Vox race reporter Fabiola Cineas spoke with author and podcast host Ibram X. Kendi before a virtual audience about the big ideas around being antiracist. They discussed where we are after a year protesting racism and police brutality, Kendi's approach to defining and fighting racism, and how we all can work to enact change.

Host: Fabiola Cineas (@FabiolaCineas), Reporter, Vox

Guest: Ibram X. Kendi (@DrIbram), Author; director and founder of the Boston University Center for Antiracist Research

References:

Be Antiracist with Ibram X. Kendi (Pushkin)
How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi (One World; 2019)
“Juneteenth, explained” by Fabiola Cineas (June 16; Vox)
The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee (One World; 2021)
Dying of Whiteness by Jonathan Metzl (Basic Books; 2019)

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This episode was made by:

Producer: Erikk Geannikis
Editor: Amy Drozdowska
Engineer: Paul Robert Mounsey
VP, Vox Audio: Liz Kelly Nelson

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