Lesson Plan: Practical Applications of Racism-Centered Intersectionality

Lesson Plan 5

This lesson is designed to help students and organization members understand and apply racism-centered intersectional approaches and genuine anti-racist collaboration in their workplaces and communities. In preparation for this lesson, students should read Chapter 5.

Discussion Prompts and Workshop Activities

- Since the summer of 2020, non-profit organizations, academic organizations, colleges, universities, companies, and businesses have issued statements on DEI, going “pro-Black,” land acknowledgements and support of Asian American communities targeted by racial violence. What do you think of these statements? Has your organization, university, or company issued such a statement? What kind of planning went into this statement? Did you feel included in the drafting of these statements? Were these statements tied to actions? If so, is there a timeline attached to those actions?

- Research and read DEI and related statements issued by companies, organizations, and universities starting in 2020. To what extent do these statements illustrate liberal white supremacy? Are some statements stronger than others? How many include a statement or timeline for actions? If you were to revise these statements, what would you do? Can the more liberal statements be used to push forward more radical actions?

- What would racism-centered intersectionality look like in your organization?

- Malcolm X’s thoughts on liberals and radicals are important to this book. Hear more about what Malcolm X says about Civil Rights Legislation here. What insights on building social justice do you gain from Malcolm X’s words on education and legislation?