Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man

In a landscape changed by the recent Supreme Court decision cutting down affirmative action, looking at how race impacts our country is essential. The oft quoted Sandra Day O'Connor quote, “We expect that 25 years from now, the use of racial preferences will no longer be necessary to further the interest [in student body diversity] approved today.” highlights that affirmative action will no longer be necessary to increase student diversity. Unfortunately, collegiate diversity has shown itself to be stubborn to move. Further, when affirmative action has been removed, diversity declines. How are we to increase opportunities for groups who have been steadily and systematically subjugated? One proposal to work an end around the policy prohibition is to use zip code preferences. The next few years will be interesting as progressive institutions attempt to include higher percentages of marginalized groups.

Reading Emmanuel Acho's Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, made me more aware than ever about how the canvas of America is built upon pushing some groups down. This book does a great job of presenting challenging topics, explaining the history around the issue, and then asking the reader to walk the walk. This includes calls to complete further research which are highlighted in the text. The book covers topics that are uncomfortable in a real way. While he addresses real concerns and issues and is matter of fact, his tone is not one of you did this, but rather, you need to learn from and about this.

Years ago I was in a classroom where students were discussing the N-word in response to some racial situations that had occurred at school. One group of young white boys were adamant that it was not a problem for them to use the word. I wish I had the chapter where Acho discusses the word at that time. He clearly describes why it is not ever ok for white people to use the term. I think his approach might have at least made those boys think about their language differently. By the way, it is never ok for white people to use the N-word.

I really enjoyed the historical approach that Acho takes throughout the book. While I was aware of many of the the things he highlights, there were some ones I was unaware of and I am grateful that he researched the material so thoroughly to highlight his points. 

I am disappointed that the Justices did not look at the compositin of our universities and say we are not there yet, and we need to continue to work towards the goal. The decision sets us back in terms of trying to find equity for our community. I firmly believe, however, that with continued efforts, we can achieve a more equitable society where the content of our character is how we all are judged.