Brené with Austin Channing Brown on I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness
Jun 10, 2020
auto_awesome
Austin Channing Brown, a writer and leading voice on racial justice, shares her insights on Black dignity and anti-racism. She discusses her impactful book, exploring the emotional turmoil experienced during social justice movements. The conversation also tackles the misconceptions surrounding 'niceness' and the importance of true accountability in anti-racism. Additionally, Austin highlights her show 'The Next Question,' which fosters deeper dialogues on pressing social issues, encouraging listeners to engage thoughtfully in the fight against systemic oppression.
Austin Channing Brown emphasizes the transformative power of her book on racial justice and the importance of uplifting Black voices in this movement.
The discussion highlights the necessity of self-care and emotional awareness while navigating the complexities of racism and personal well-being.
Deep dives
Importance of Racial Justice
The conversation centers around racial justice and the transformative power of Austin Channing Brown's book, 'I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness.' This work has influenced many, including celebrities like Reese Witherspoon, who selected it for her book club. The dialogue emphasizes how critical it is to address issues of systemic racism and support Black voices in the ongoing movement for equality. Austin's insights reveal the deep emotional impact that discussions of race and social justice have, resonating deeply with listeners and readers alike.
Navigating Emotional Well-being
Both speakers discuss the complexities of managing mental health during challenging times, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and amid discussions of racial turmoil. Austin shares her struggle with fluctuating self-care routines, expressing feelings of sadness and overwhelm while also feeling inspired by the activism surrounding racial justice. They reflect on the challenges of maintaining self-care when experiencing despair and the influence of societal issues on personal well-being. The conversation highlights the necessity of being gentle with oneself during emotional fluctuations and the importance of finding small moments of joy.
The Role of Ego in Anti-Racism
A significant part of the discussion revolves around the relationship between personal ego and the work of anti-racism. It is asserted that the journey toward acknowledging and dismantling white supremacy requires individuals to prioritize the dignity and voices of marginalized communities over their own ego. Both speakers critique defensive responses that occur when white individuals are confronted about race, emphasizing that these reactions hinder genuine progress toward equality. They assert that true growth occurs when individuals accept invitations to be better humans rather than clinging to feelings of innocence or goodness.
Proximity and Relationships in Racial Justice
The concept of proximity is explored in relation to genuine engagement with racial justice, challenging the notion that merely having diverse friendships equates to doing the work. The dialogue stresses that real change does not stem from a superficial relationship but from understanding the systemic nature of racism and actively participating in equity efforts. Both speakers agree that white individuals should not place the burden of teaching on people of color, but rather take initiative to educate themselves and support systemic changes. This shift emphasizes the idea that forming equitable relationships is about lifting marginalized voices, not using them as a shield against accountability.
Austin Channing Brown’s anti-racism work is critical to changing our world, and her ability to talk about what is good and true about love, about our faith, and about loving each other is transformative. She is a writer, a speaker, and a media producer providing inspired leadership on racial justice in America. In this episode, we connect on her book, I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness, and talk about her online television show, The Next Question.