Was That Racist? Evelyn R Carter in Conversation with Octavia Goredema

How do we combat racism in a world determined to tell us it doesn’t exist? To hold the line against racism, we need to know it when we see it. Whether you’ve ever wondered “Was that racist?”, “Did I say the wrong thing?”, or “How do we talk about this better?”—this conversation is for you. Join Dr. Evelyn R. Carter, author of Was That Racist? in conversation with Octavia Goredema about how we can all detect, interrupt, and unlearn bias.

About the participants:

Evelyn R. Carter, Ph.D., is a social psychologist and author of cutting-edge research on how to detect and discuss racial bias. As a diversity, equity, and inclusion expert, she has applied those evidence-based practices in a vast array of industries ranging from higher education, to financial services, to technology, to retail and professional sports, and at organizations like American Express, Burberry, Cushman & Wakefield, Nike, the NFL, Uber, and UCLA. Known for blending research, pop culture, and corporate DEI practices into unique insights, Dr. Carter’s work has been featured in The Atlantic, USA Today, Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, and more.

Octavia Goredema is an award-winning author, advisor and founder who guides professionals to unleash their full potential at work. Octavia is the founder of Fire Memos, a Techstars portfolio company that helps you unlock your next promotion and raise. An acclaimed career expert, Octavia is the author of PREP, PUSH, PIVOT: Essential Career Strategies for Underrepresented Women and two Audible Originals, Brand Yourself for Success and How to Change Careers with Octavia Goredema.

About the book:

Practice a new framework for dismantling racial bias in our society, our workplaces, and ourselves: by learning to detect it as well as people of color do.

How do we combat racism in a world determined to tell us it doesn’t exist?

To hold the line against racism, we need to know it when we see it. And as the dominant racial group in our society, White people must take up the charge. The problem, says researcher, DEI leader, and organizational consultant Dr. Evelyn Carter, is that White people haven’t been socialized to detect racial bias in the way people of color do. Racism is more than using racial slurs or overt, hateful speech, and it’s more than unintentional slights; it's about an entire system that upholds Whiteness as the preferred standard.

Fortunately, detecting it is a skill that can be learned.

Was That Racist? is a re-education, call to action, and practical guide, full of research-backed strategies including how to: cultivate a growth mindset about bias, unlearn colorblindness and practice color consciousness, talk to kids about race and racism – and bring others along for the journey.

At a time when DEI is under coordinated attack, Was That Racist? is the essential toolkit for anyone who believes we all have a role to play in creating a more equitable world.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Village Well Books & Coffee