BIPOC History vs Critical Race Theory • Perspectives Media

The grouping of words, "critical race theory" is being branded by far right political leaders so that they can inflame hate and violence within their mostly white, far right political base. Their ultimate target is to gain political power by attacking anti-racist theory and practice. The first step to using this new vehicle of hate for political gain appears to be fomenting violent language delivered at public school board meetings.

Lots of people who would likely consider themselves left of center are pushing back to correct the record. My favorite clap back is from Kimberlé Crenshaw. You know, the woman who helped create the CRT legal framework.

I personally get exhausted with the idea of going back and forth with national conservative millionaires and billionaires about a legal theory they do not wish to understand. Instead, I side with activist Bree Newsome. I am way more interested in dismantling conservative framing completely and unequivocally stating that teaching the truth about the history of black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) in America is a necessity and should be integrated age appropriately throughout all levels of schooling.

Honestly, in the year 2021, this should not be a debate.

The history of BIPOC people overcoming racial obstacles is not radical, it is simply documented fact. It is radical that far right extremists and racists like Sisters of the Confederacy have been allowed to successfully re-write BIPOC struggles out of history textbooks going so far as to teach our precious children that slaves "weren't treated that badly." In my view, conservatives and racists had won this battle over the past 50 years and progressive thinkers ought to assert their own narrative--we have nothing to lose and everything to gain if we win.

If your perspective is warrior style then consider pushing back on these obnoxious people who want to erase BIPOC history by checking your local news for what is happening at your school board meetings. You might consider finding out who your reps are and who is on your school board and possibly attend a school board meeting to offer alternative framing. A less public idea could be to consider emailing your local school board and asking them if they teach BIPOC history age appropriately and at what grade levels.

Rev Dr William Barber Arrested Fighting for Voting Rights

Systemic equity in the American public sector is under an all out far right authoritarian assault on multiple fronts. Far right groups are attacking anti-racist free speech as we mentioned above and at the same time, "As of June 21, 17 states enacted 28 new laws that restrict access to the vote" according to The Brennan Center for Justice.

The Republican party's election checklist is right on schedule:

Inflame far right base

Attack voting right

Try to win election with unfair rules

Since Democrats control all branches of the federal government, the question has become will Democratic legislative leaders allow Republicans to further enshrine systemic inequity and voter suppression with these new state laws? Or, will they abolish or amend the filibuster and pass federal legislation that ensures voting rights.

This fight is happening now.

For front line updates, I have been following the work of Repairers of the Breach and Reverend Dr. William Barber. Since his time as President of the North Carolina chapter of the NAACP, Repairers of the Breach has been on the front lines of fighting for the rights of poor and low wealth people. Latest update, Rev Barber did a "Moral March on Manchin and McConnell" for not passing the For the People Act which would have expanded federal voting rights.

"The For the People Act — which would restore voting rights to millions of formerly incarcerated individuals, mandate safeguards for voters who lack identification, and prohibit voter intimidation among other issues — also addresses deep inequalities that impact U.S. democracy."

If you want to go deeper, here is a substantive explainer of the voting rights bills before Congress.

Consider signing up for updates from Repairers of the Breach. They have virtual and local events, phone drives, and call your elected campaigns.

Lastly, the Biden-Harris DOJ, led by former federal judge Merrick Garland, has joined a voting rights lawsuit against the state of Georgia. Among other horrifying regulations, Georgia law SB202, "...allows state officials to take over local elections boards and limits the use of ballot drop boxes."
NGOs Say Equity Gaps Are Worsening

The Brookings Institute released some great work on multiple equity gaps last week.

Women's earning have stayed steady for the past 15 years at 84% of men's earnings. The black-white earnings gap points less and less toward an education (human capital) gap and more toward systemic inequality. For poor folks with SNAP benefits, welfare to work requirements hurts the most vulnerable among the vulnerable--those who cannot find capitalist employment opportunities. Check out this synopsis of all of the work released last week.

Consider these stats before taking that next job, promotion, or raise. Am I earning what I should be compared to my colleagues? If you're a decision maker, never hurts to ask for a department or company-wide analysis of your pay gap.
Corporate EDI vs Corporate Actions in Public

San Jose Sharks released this cringe-worthy image to celebrate Juneteenth.

Marketing that makes you go...ew.

Beyond the cringe of bad marketing is the substance of bad actions. This local reporting states that 12 companies including General Motors, Lockheed Martin, and Jetblue have resumed corporate PAC donations to those who voted against certifying the most recent presidential election. Far right authoritarian politicians are not your regular political donation so keep those company names in mind before you make your next purchase.

For a more affirming example of equitable corporate citizenship, the University of Michigan is standing with students from diverse backgrounds as unknown white supremacists stoke backlash to diversity based trainings.
Tik Tok Creators Go On Strike
Artists must be paid for their work.

My childhood Pastor would say that he needed a Hallelujah handshake ($$) because the work of the church did not happen with prayers alone. Black creators on TikTok are letting the world know that they need recognition for their work, as that work is not free.

"Bloomberg BusinessWeek published a report two months after the incubator's creation, which found Black TikTok influencers were paid less by marketers than white TikTok influencers who appropriated their work and had fewer followers."

Here are a few perspectives from various outlets.
- The Root
- NBC News
Their time is not free. And they are reclaiming their time.

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