We have seen great progress in the journey to racial equality in the past few decades. There are more black students and students of color entering and graduating from institutions of higher education than ever before.
But true racial equity in higher education does not mean inserting BIPOC into systems built on ideals of white supremacy and celebrating when they survive those systems. It means building institutions with values and procedures that are meant to give everyone an equal chance to succeed and thrive.
Join Rev. Dr. TLC and her guest, Rev. Michael A. Hunt as they discuss what needs to be done to eradicate racism in higher education. They will examine Rev. Hunt’s journey to developing the Holistic Critical Mentoring theoretical framework, including The McNair Scholars Program & dismantling the GREs (Graduate Record Examinations).
A key to dismantling racism in higher education is to remove barriers that were created to limit racial diversity in higher education and that maintain the status quo of white supremacy.
Tune in for this important conversation at TalkRadio.nycor watch theFacebook Livestream by Clicking Here.
Segment 1
Rev. Dr. TLc introduces her guest Rev. Michael Hunt. Hunt is an educator and holistic critical mentor. Hunt works with students at the McNair Scholars Program with the University of Maryland. Hunt is studying to obtain his PHD at UMBC for Language Literature and Culture. Hunt shares what keeps him grounded while fighting for justice. Hunt talks about his ancestors and how he looks to them for guidance. Rev. Dr. TLC and Hunt talk about the importance of knowing your ancestors and where you came from. Before the break, Hunt talks about the Mcnair program and how it is geared towards first generation and low income students.
Segment 2
Coming back from the break, Hunt shares what fills his passion in his profession. Connecting with the students' lived experiences brings him back to when he was a student at the program and the mentors who were invested in him. Rev. Dr. TLC and Hunt talk about Hunt’s passion to help others. They went on to discuss the progression of the students and how their test scores are affected. Hunt begins to talk about creating a space where students learn to advocate for themselves. Rev. Dr. TLC and Hunt connect cultural differences and how black children are brought up and conditioned not to advocate for themselves. Before the break Rev. Dr. TLC and Hunt discuss trauma and how it follows and affects you throughout life unless you acknowledge it and learn to do the personal work.
Segment 3
Rev. Dr. TLC and Hunt continue their conversation on stereotype threat. They go on to talk about how trauma can affect a black student's performance and why we should recognize some tests should be out of the curriculum. Hunt talks about UMBC and the resources they are providing for their students to succeed. Before the break, Rev. Dr. TLC and Hunt discussed the importance of understanding the depths of systemic racism.
Segment 4
In this last segment, Rev. Dr. TLC and Hunt discuss more on Hunt’s holistic mentoring model. Hunt talks about how it requires self reflection. He says it centers the voice of the mentee and teaches the mentor. Rev. Dr. TLC and Hunt discuss Hunt’s definition of white supremacy. Before the end of the show, Hunt talks about his silent protest and his disappointment in the education system. Hunt ended the show with wise words: “For all those listening, go knowing that you are more than enough. That you have what it takes. You are surrounded by a community of people that not only loves you but are rooting for you and will also help you in dismantling those things that are hindering your blessing. Go forth knowing you are loved.”
