Interrupting Racism

This woman changed my life.

Years ago I partnered with Dr. Joy DeGruy to help the organization I led improve its cultural competency. We had had a sometimes-tense relationship with communities of color. Many people in the Latino and African American communities did not trust us. And we as an organization felt misunderstood and unfairly blamed by them. Things needed to change.

Dr. DeGruy’s approach was not necessarily easy or comfortable for me and my staff. It was direct, candid, and unflinchingly honest. But that was its power. Her no-nonsense, practical style made a big and lasting impression on me and my work. I still implement the lessons she taught me.

This video has been around awhile. But it’s as relevant now as it was when it first came out. It illustrates the power of white allies to interrupt incidents of intentional or unintentional racism. Take a look.

Let’s discuss how your business or organization can be an ally in interrupting racism.