#016: Dr. Frederick Engram provides an informative and eye-opening conversation on the subject of race.
Did you know that racism was created long ago in civilization? Critical Race Theory suggests that race was constructed as a social concept by white people to further their economic and political interests at the expense of Black people. This is why whiteness and blackness exist in the first place.
In this episode of Beyond the Culture, my guest is Dr. Frederick Engram. Dr. Fred is an assistant professor of instruction in the Department of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and the Center for African American Studies at the University of Texas at Arlington. He focuses his work on the lived experiences of African American graduate students enrolled at PWIs (predominantly white institutions).
Dr. Engram explains Critical Race Theory in detail and the importance of the civil rights movements like Black Lives Matter in pushing towards reparations and change. Listen in to learn why honesty is the only way to move forward, even in the current political scene.
Quotes:
“Black people cannot in and of themselves be racist because race itself- whiteness and blackness- was socially constructed by white people.”- Dr. Engram [27:16]
“We have to start telling the truth. For too long we have lived in a whitewashed environment that created this image of something that is completely false on average.”- Dr. Engram [45:20]
What you will learn in this episode:
· [3:17] Dr. Fredrick explains his view on the nomination of Kamala Harris as the first black woman on the national presidential ticket- she is qualified but...
· [5:46] Is Kamala Harris qualified as a Black woman or as a political leader?
· [7:45] The opposition and challenges Black women leaders face when vying for top political positions.
· [11:27] He describes how he got involved in helping Black students get into predominantly white institutions with the right kind of representation.
· [18:57] Critical Race Theory- how the issue of race existed to separate classes with lighter skin seen as superior.
· [21:45] When the term ‘white people’ was constructed and legalized. The difference between the ‘white society’ of then and now.
· [27:00] Why Black people cannot be racist since whiteness and blackness was constructed by white people to exalt authority.
· [30:15] The process of reparations that is needed to at least repair the damage of four hundred years of oppression.
· [35:03] The Black Lives Matter movement- the importance of civil rights movements to achieve justice.
· [38:00] The individual roles we can play in the Black Lives Matter movement when protesting against the killing of Black people.
· [40:19] The significance of the NBA and NFL’s contribution to the Black Lives Matter movement by supporting policy changes.
· [45:18] Why we need to exercise honesty in what we teach, so we can move forward.
Books Mentioned:
· Birth of a White Nation: The Invention of White People and Its Relevance Today, Dr.Jacqueline Battalora
· Black Labor, White Wealth or PowerNomics, Dr. Claud Anderson
· Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America's Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing, Dr.Joy DeGruy Leary
Relevant Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/FredEngram
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.engram