Equity Rising S2 : Episode 7
equity within the narrative
with delbert richardson
Aunt Jemima, Uncle Ben ... Black Americans have long been used to market products, but until recently they've almost always been missing from positive and engaging storylines in movies and on TV. Delbert Richardson tracked this as a young man in the 1960s and 70s and as he used those ideas to guide his studies at the University of Washington, he also began collecting artifacts of Blackness from popular culture and other pockets of society.
His collections have been rolled into a traveling museum called The Unspoken Truths that he uses to connect with kids, corporations, community groups, and others around the underrepresented and hidden stories of America. In today's episode, Trae and Delbert get into an engaging conversation around where we're going and where we've been—and how we can be ever more mindful about the narratives, and who gets to own and control them.
Learn more about Delbert and his Unspoken Truths work.
Donald Felder, a much-respected former Seattle teacher and principal who now facilitates race-related trainings and works in education reform, gave us this week's beautiful and inspiring Chime-In. You can read more about Dr. Felder in this King 5 Report.
This episode was produced by Laura Sullivan Cassidy, edited by Alex Place, and mastered by Josh Berl. Description was written by Laura Cassidy. Transcribed by Susan Moskwa.
Transcript
Donald Felder 00:02
Joy and happiness. My name is Donald Felder, and I am so proud to have this moment to talk about Delbert Richardson, my friend. I want to talk about Delbert Richardson and the way that you can see why his work is important. I want to talk about the very first time that I had an opportunity to actually work with Delbert, with five African American children. I think about those experiences, in which I understand why we applaud Delbert today. I want us to applaud so loud that his ancestors can hear a thundering roar of gratitude, appreciation, so that they come a-runnin' and shining a magnificent light on his work. So that as we walk through the traveling museum, we have an opportunity to say, I'm going to undo racism in a very special way that's unique to me. I want to applaud Delbert Richardson for the work that he's done over his life: collecting artifacts that represent truth, that represents our history. So I want you to believe that this is not just a traveling museum where you get to sit back and say, "Mmhm, good;" this is really an opportunity for you to share with others why Delbert's work needs to be in every public school, so that we do one thing: we create culturally rich environments that are welcoming for all children in America. How about that? So Delbert, appreciate you my brother. You're very deserving of not only this award, but many more that will come because of your great work. Just remember, I'm tagging along in your shadows. Bye-bye.
TraeAnna Holiday 02:23
Welcome, everybody, to another episode of Equity Rising. Today we have Mr. Delbert Richardson on the line with us right here. It's been phenomenal to watch your work in community. And I gotta start us off properly, 'cause here at Equity Rising, we like to ask our first question always is, First Things First: how are you taking care of yourself?
Delbert Richardson 02:47
Excellent question. Thank you so much for asking me to show up. And I always like to answer that question with today. Right? So what I did today to take care of myself, I actually (of course) have a to-do list, more things on my list than I really can accomplish. So what I did was I intentionally got off the treadmill and laid down and took a Zoom call in the prone position.
TraeAnna Holiday 03:18
[laughter] I love that.
Delbert Richardson 03:20
And I left my avatar on, right, which means I wasn't concerned what people saw or didn't see; I'm laying down, y'all, and this is why, right? And that's the other piece too: is that ability to be transparent and vulnerable about who I am and where I am, and being okay with that, is a form of self-care.
TraeAnna Holiday 03:39
It really is. I think so much of it — I love how you rephrase that, taking care of yourself *today.* I think it's so important because it changes day by day, and you really do have to listen to the waters of your body, I love to say, to understand how to wield it properly for you so that your body shows up in its optimal condition for you every single day. So thank you so much for that. You know, like I said kind of in the beginning, I mean, you have just been a phenomenal force in community; you do a lot. You're a man of wearing many hats. And I get to experience you out there in community and we are excited this season on Equity Rising that we've been able to really focus on the *local* equity changemakers of our time, and I consider you just that. I wanna dive first into some of the ways that you show up in community, and then we'll like expand on all of them throughout our conversation. But what are some of the hats that you're wearing right now in the ways that you are being beneficial, and being one who's bringing different realms of equity to the community?
Delbert Richardson 04:44
Wow. How much time we have? [laughter] So one of the ways I'm showing up — and this is important — I've taken on a mentor, excuse me, a mentee. I'm actually looking at what does legacy look like, right? Because I think one of the things that we get — we as community people, or people that then invest in this work for years — we lose sight that there's going to be a transitional period. And at some point, I'm'a go be with the great ancestors; but what am I leaving, right? How am I, what am I depositing into the next generation? As you can see behind me, I'm an avid, voracious reader and researcher. And so I've taken on a mentee, which makes me slow down enough, and focus enough to do my best to make sure he's getting the information in a way that best sits with him where he is right now. And, y'know, we all show up in different ways at different times. And I've got adult children; I'm always trying to figure out, how can I get them to a place; but the reality is, they're right where they're supposed to be. So that's one way. The other way is learning to say no. Because just like you said, I'm being asked to do a lot. And because of where society is with George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Black Lives Matter, January 6... I'm just gonna say this: you know, it's not uncommon for me to get a lot of calls from white folks. Because, y'know, this is a Delbert-ism, I think when they get into their feelings, they have a tendency to want to be a part of, and I'm not always sure what their motives are. And just so you know, for those that have never experienced me, I speak from a place of honesty. And so I always do my best to be, to show up. And so being asked to do this, and being asked to do that, and being real clear about what I can do, and what I can't do, which is that self-care piece around capacity. So my main work is working with pre-K to 12th grade Black kids, plain and simple. And I have an amazing national award-winning traveling museum that we'll talk about. And so when I'm with the children, that's when I get the best joy, because I know for a fact that because of the assignment I've been given by the Creator, when I leave them, they feeling better about themselves.
TraeAnna Holiday 07:17
Wow, wow. So phenomenal; so phenomenal. Thank you for that rundown. And I too wanna really thank you for being able to be transparent and real with us. Y'know, ultimately, I think that when people share their truths, we're all the better for it. And I love how you said, y'know, really being able to kinda dissect where people's, y'know, motivations are coming from; what is, you know, inspiring them to reach out to you, I think is so key. I've had to recently school some primarily white group on, you know, when you're asking for somebody to share their experience in the Black community, you're really... you need to understand that they're an expert in what you're asking them to speak about. They're the ones that have the lived experience that are sharing with your audience so that your audience can be more prepared, or better off for it right? Now you have a injection of thought that isn't your own, and an experience that you're able to build your work off of. And so when you're asking folks from community to share in that regard, you have to look at them as experts; you're asking a consultant at that point, you need to come with a consultant kind of fee. You need to be actually — you know what I mean? Not thinking that people just want to share their experience for the sake of sharing their experience, or for these ideas around "seats at the table," right? Because we're creating our own tables. We don't necessarily need a seat at your table, right? So I just love how you said that, 'cause I think so much of it is if we don't do that, then inherently the status quos are going to continue to emerge. And ultimately, we have it upon ourselves now to, as someone said this weekend, it behooves us to do better, and to really be able to hold folks accountable. So I appreciate you for that. So let's dive in, I mean, creating this opportunity for you to be a mentor, I am so thrilled because we need more mentors like you. How has it been for you to be able to share your experiences with your mentee and to get them to understand some of the ways that you have been able to carve out your ideals of the world in your work?
Delbert Richardson 09:27
It's been it's been, it's been... it's been work; and I must say that good work, because a lot of times we do work alone, and it's just the nature of our business; but when we start taking on — it's no different than, say for instance, if I had a company and I'm hiring a new employee. What I put into that employee at the very beginning has a lot to do with the output by which they're going to produce; and so it's really being intentional and strategic and not overwhelming them regarding what I'm pouring into them. And here's the other thing: creating healthy space, so they have an opportunity to share. And so I believe there's always a reciprocal in terms of learning. I always say I'm a learner moreso than a teacher. Because when I say I'm a learner, that opens me up for the opportunity to grow.
TraeAnna Holiday 10:20
Yeah, I agree. I think for those of us who think that we know enough, that we're never learners at all, that's where we fall short, right? And so much of this is I think about growing with the sign of the times. I mean, we just saw — you made mention of this — the Black Lives Matter movement, you know, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, you know, George Floyd, and sooo many countless others, right? When we think about what it looks like in terms of Black community being the ones that are experiencing those... that level of violence towards us, it's very particular and peculiar all at the same time. And so, even for those of us who have lived longer, and y'know, I talked to my grandma about this, still being open to new ideas and opinions is really key, because that's how we move a lot of progress forward. So I'm thankful that you have a young Delbert coming out there, being able to, you know, spread your love in that regard. And, y'know, I've known you as the one who's always — you keep the message alive about this traveling museum, and the work that you're doing with young folks. Let us learn a little bit more about what this museum is.
Delbert Richardson 11:34
Okay. Well, probably... thank you. The museum is really my story. And I think we all — no, I don't think that we do have stories, and I want to make sure that, TraeAnna, I send you this link: I'm doing a junior storytelling event Thursday, in collaboration with Seattle Public Library, so you can share with others. So, I am 60... I'm a young 66 years old. I was born in 1954, so let me just put this into context. Being born in 1954, probably my birth certificate probably says either Colored or Negro; so the question becomes, what... just close your eyes, so just imagine this beautiful melanated young man being brought up in... I was born in Detroit, we were... we moved here a year before the big riots in Detroit, I think it was '67; but just imagine going to elementary school, middle school and high school and never really having any Black history at all. So for the most part, I was socialized to believe who I was by the lens of those that had the power. When I say the power, that would be — in this case, for you guys, social media for us was TV, radio and the newspaper. Wasn't no cell phones, wasn't no MySpace, wasn't no none of that. And so my socialization in regards to identity was primarily through watching the Civil Rights clips with Martin Luther King, the dogs biting the protesters, the hose on the children, that lens that they normally show; but I never really was shown anything positive about who I am, right? And so when I think about movies like Cleopatra, and there's Liz Taylor, and Richard Burton, I think he played Marc Antony... So there was never really these connections to Africa and melanated people. And then, last one is this show called Tarzan. It was this marooned white boy, that young white boy was marooned on the continent of Africa. And he was called the king of the jungle! Right? So here are these messages that I'm getting, and the only images that I had of my people on Tarzan was people that look like me, but they had grass skirts talking about ooga booga. Right? So, here it is: so, where am I gonna get something of value consciously from elementary school? But going to University of Washington transformed my life. In 1973 we — it was a prerequisite you had to take African American Studies. That was transformative, 'cause not only did I learn that there was these great people in Africa, but there were contributions of Africans *around the world.* So that was transformative. So I've always collected Black Americana. And for some of you, it may be things like Aunt Jemima salt and pepper shakers... there's the Uncle Ben's rice... So in other words, we've always been used to market product, right? So I'm in the process of preparing for a large installation at King Street Station in Seattle, so here is... this is Nigger Hair stove polish. So it wasn't uncommon for our images to be used to market items. So I started collecting those things at antique shows, and before you know it, I started having a host of things in my home. But this experience I had of being raised and socialized being Negro and colored, and then being transformed at University of Washington, I start asking the question, If I'm feeling that way, how are other children, Black children, being seen and treated? And so without going into a lot of detail, I just decided to take the artifacts in my home and turn them into a unique interdisciplinary teaching pedagogy to help children better understand where they're from, what was done to them, and what they were able to accomplish. And so now what you have, I have this amazing work that's transforming school systems.
TraeAnna Holiday 16:06
Wow. Oh, my word, Mr. Delbert. I mean, kudos to you for having the foresight to understand how necessary this was, just based on your own lived experience. You know, I really get so inspired by those of us who understand the void that's there. And then we say, No, we take it upon ourselves to fill this void. And I see you doing that in the ways that you have. How has it been going for you in terms of contracting with schools, getting this museum in to the faces and minds of young people, and taking it from your home perspective now out to the public?
Delbert Richardson 16:48
Too darn slow for me. Let me just be honest, because here again, you know, I just pulled a couple of items out, just so happens. These are real child slave shackles. Here's adult slave shackles, right? So the question is, who in a school system — and let's be honest, 80% of these public school teachers are white females, right? — so the question becomes, who in these school districts and school systems want to really hear and embrace the truth? So I've been building this network of those individuals, some white and some Black, one class, one principal, one district at a time. And so things have started to improve. But I think that the sad part is, and this is not uncommon, I've gotten more national recognition than local recognition. And so — and it's not uncommon, a lot of artists will tell you, be it music or painting, they'll say, a lot of times you have to leave town. But I believe I'm here for a particular reason. And I am doing the work necessary to change the minds and hearts of people. So I'm involved in a contract now with six schools, in Seattle Public Schools, it's a pilot program, and we're looking at developing an Afrocentric curriculum. It's a test, and it's rooted in ancient African studies as a foundation. And so once we start to understand where we come from, then we have a better understanding of who we are. Y'know, let me just share this 'cause I can... I took this off my mantle on purpose, right? This is a Sankofa bird. And some of you may know or may not know, but this is the work I do. And the Sankofa bird is a mythical bird of the Akan people, in Ghana. And it flies with its head backwards. And so the belief is, it's almost impossible for us to move forward without taking that which is behind us — which is our ancestors, which is our culture, which is our identity — forward. So the egg represents me and you and the babies that haven't been born yet. So what I'm doing, I'm taking the histories that's part of our rich past, and embracing in a way so we move it forward, so our babies fully understand that everything they would ever want is already inside of them.
TraeAnna Holiday 17:02
Wow. Oh, my word. You know, that's a beautiful piece right there, that Sankofa bird you just showed. And I talk about Sankofa all the time in my work, 'cause I think that we need it. It is so necessary right now. And when I think about, you know, going back to ancient African practices and understanding so much of what was so rich in the original cultures and civilizations of our time, is that there was so much more time being spent on building up the *people,* right? It wasn't about systems then, it wasn't about corporations. It was such a village mentality, where everyone in the village was giving to each other in a way that was so organic. It's one of the things that I really see as a resurgence of what we're doing now in communities, right, is understanding how to share each other's gifts and brilliance; how to be inspired by it, so that we say, You know what, yeah, I can do something with myself; I can do something with my life force right now, that is gonna go above and beyond. And, you know, oftentimes, it means we have to wake up from some of the ideals of Western culture that have been so now ingrained in us and cultivated in us, to start to understand the brilliance of what we had as original societies. And so I just love that; I love the Sankofa bird, everything it represents. And thank you for sharing that. I think, when I think about equity, right, for instance, I mean, what you're actually providing is a modicum of people being able to understand the history so that they can build what is needed in an equitable way as we move forward and as we progress. What are some of the things that really stand out to you when you hear the terms, you know, "equity," and it's different than "equality," right? But I want to hear from you, what stands out to you?
Delbert Richardson 21:20
Y'know, I was just having this conversation with a photographer; I'm in the process of documenting my artifacts and getting ready to do a publication around my work. And I was just sharing with him the difference between "equity" and "equality," right? So equity basically means — this is a Delbertism — that if you, the dominant culture, have gotten for the last 20 years, it's time for you to get nothing. Equity may look like, I get 80% of the candy bar and you get 20. Because the question becomes, how do we... how do we - it is something no different than reparations - So how do we right wrongs? How do we fix things? How do we repair things that are broken? Here's a piece of paper, right? So equality means that if I split it in half, and it's equal, and I tear it down the middle, then we both get equal share, right? Well, if you've gotten the lion's share all the time, it may mean you getting this, and me getting this! That's equity. So what I'm learning is that the dominant culture of white folks have a hard time with this analogy or mindset, because in their mind, they think they're losing. You can't lose, when you've always gained.
TraeAnna Holiday 22:42
Such a great... I'm gonna steal that paper right there. I like that one right there.
Delbert Richardson 22:47
Well, please do because — I'm sorry — because I think a lot of times, and I'm a storyteller and I use, I think, artifacts, storyboards and storytelling and visuals, because all of us learn differently. And so sometimes something as simple as that can resonate with somebody rather than telling them what equity and equality is.
TraeAnna Holiday 23:08
Yeah, you know, and I love that, and I think so much of it, it can get lost in language. And sometimes you just need a simple demonstration like that, you know, to really showcase what it is all about. We talk about it from a, y'know, King County Equity Now perspective, we talk about, you know, the sense of agency and ownership. And when we think about equality, it doesn't inherently include those things. But we're moving in a way that is saying, No, we're unapologetic about ownership, and a sense of agency, which really means get out of our way, right? Let us do what we need to do, y'know what I mean, and move out of the way; stop putting the barriers in place to try to impede on that progress. And I think you are spot on when you talk about fear being such a driving force of what that activity is surrounded by, right? Where it's like, Oh, no, if we do this, then what does that mean for us? Oh, what does that mean for our children and their offspring? What does that mean for our lineage? Well ultimately you are so right, and the data now is beginning to showcase that when we invest in what it means to actually have, you know, Black equity, first and foremost, when we invest in that very specifically and intentionally, *everything* else lifts for *everyone* else. So the idea that we don't need to split it up is real. Sometimes I hear people — and maybe it's the Pacific Northwest thing, because I don't know that it exists so much in the South with my friends on the East coast as much — but the term "BIPOC," right? When you think about some of our ways of trying to bring everybody into one thing. And it's supposed to stand for "Black, Indigenous, and People of Color," right? And I've heard multiple arguments around this, why this term is utilized. But for someone with your expertise, I really want to ask you, when you show me, you know, you as a young boy seeing these artifacts and being described as a Negro, right, for much of your young life, you know, when you hear something like "BIPOC," how does that resonate with you?
Delbert Richardson 25:25
Well, that's a very sensitive topic that no, I've heard on both sides. So let's just start with this whole thing about identity. Right? So the question becomes, when do I get a chance — you talk about agency. So when do I get an opportunity to value me how I want to be seen, versus boxes being created? So if you think about colored, Negro, African American, *African* American, Black... so at what point, which one of these boxes do I want to fit into, right? Now, here we got BIPOC, right? So I really am trying to be mindful of being strategic about not being put into a particular category. So let me just say this here: there's a term called "targeted universalism," by I think it's Professor powell. And he basically — and you can look it up — it basically says, I think, something you were talking about: when those individuals that are most marginalized are brought up, are being supplied with resources in a way, everybody benefits. So we think about the social construct of race; "social construct" because it has no basis in terms of genetics. So it's all designed around power: white being at the top and Black being at the bottom. So for me, if Black people are being taken care of in terms of resources, are being supported in terms of needs, then everybody benefits. So I really do my best to really be careful about... who made up BIPOC anyway, right? And I'm not — here again, I'm not to say that it's bad or good, I just really do my best to make sure that I'm intentional. Now, let me share this with you. I've gotten to a place now — and this is my own growth piece — I no longer identify as African American. This is me. I identify myself as an African born in America. That's just me. Now see, I've had to evolve from that, based on what was created for me in terms of African American, Afro-American, BIPOC, and Black. Now, those still may exist. But my agency is, I am clear: that I'm African first, and that I was born in America.
TraeAnna Holiday 27:58
Mmmm. I love that distinction. I knew I just had to ask you that. Because I love that distinction of, you know... I find that no matter who you're talking to, when I'm speaking with folks that are my elders, that I respect so much, I get so much from you all; and I'm just so grateful that you were able to take some time to be with us on Equity Rising today, because honestly, I know our audience is gonna be all the better for it. And really what you just described there, in terms of that very specific nuance of "no longer African American, but an African born in America" really sets the tone for me. And I just appreciate you sharing that, and being being open enough to share that with me. When I start thinking about the ways that our community is shaping up around what equity looks like, I mean, we have a lot of — it feels like it's an explosion almost, right now, of very specific organizations, institutions, individuals, that are, like, in this wave of working in a collaborative way, while everyone is retaining their own identity; but moving in a wave of collectivism that is really working towards dismantling the systems that have not worked for us. And I see the Traveling Museum as such an integral piece to that, because without us being, you know, seeing the examples of how often and how many different ways, you know, it was trying to normalize the ideas of the construct of race, as you talked about, this social construct. It really was in so many of the artifacts that you have in the museum. But also, too, you're part of this entire wave happening. And from your perspective and your lived experience, how are you really identifying this wave of action right now? Maybe it was a protest, George Floyd, just people being like, You know what, no; we can no longer deal with these things. And we have to start dismantling these systems that no longer work.
Delbert Richardson 30:09
Well, thank you. So can I ask you a question?
TraeAnna Holiday 30:11
Absolutely.
Delbert Richardson 30:13
How do you want to be identified in terms of your name? T? See, that's important, because, see, if I don't watch it, I've been done made up some stuff, right? So. So let me... so how I'm doing it — and I wrote this down, 'cause you mentioned a little while ago was language right? Now, you gotta follow me on this, okay? So my work is called the American History Traveling Museum: The Unspoken Truths. It's not called Black history, or African American history, on purpose. Why? Because I operate from a belief — and you'll hear me say belief quite a bit — that [if] we call it African American history, there are some people (probably of different ethnic groups or different cultures) that may not think the history pertains to them. When we call it Black history, some people say, I ain't Black, I don't have nothing to do with it, right? But if we call it American history, it makes it all-inclusive. Now, Trae, listen to this: when I call it American history, I get a chance to see myself in the story. Because "American" has been defined as "white," based on who? He who tells the story controls the narrative. I'm a storyteller. I'm telling a story. That's why my work, even though it's called American History Traveling Museum, I start with mother Africa. Why? Because I can. [laughter] But it's intentional. So our history is a lot greater than the enslavement period. There's this whole piece of our history. If we identify as African American, we got to ask ourselves, when and how are we being taught the positive part about our African American name? So by starting with mother Africa, I create this healthy foundation of identity from the motherland. But here's the other thing too: by calling it American history, Trae, it allows me to get into schools. Because see, that's the paradigm by which they think, right, the dominant culture. So when I show up teaching American history, and I drop this museum on 'em, they be saying, Oh, my goodness; because they even have never been challenged to look at us through an American lens, right? So, museum's into four sections: Mother Africa, 's where I teach about the rich history of our ancestors; I teach STEM, or STEAM, coming out of Africa. I teach about American chattel slavery. And I teach about Jim Crow. I don't teach civil rights, I teach about the social construct of how whiteness was constructed as a dominant force. And the last section is, to me, the most powerful section: it's a 40 foot every day section on Black inventions, or inventors. So what I've learned is that Africa is who I am; and the inventors are what I'm capable of accomplishing, or efficacy; and slavery and Jim Crow had two things in mind: keep me from who I am, and what I can accomplish. So me using language as a foundational piece is to have us, all of us, start looking at the stories through a different lens.
TraeAnna Holiday 30:19
Oh, Trae is fine. Trae Holiday. Oh my gosh; I'm getting the chills. I'm just like, yes; everything that you are saying is so spot on. And I'm so grateful. I really am. you know, I think about this platform — and I was just saying this right before we started this recording, I was having a conversation and just talking about how, you know, we understand that there's so many negative activities that have become normalized over the course of time. You know, just today learning so much more about how the police can get on the stand in a courtroom and just lie; because they've done it, they get away with it, the system is set up to protect them from doing this, they don't have to actually say the truth. But yet we as an everyday citizen, we are expected to get up there and say the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help us God, right. And we swear on that, right? And these ideas that this is really how warped the system has become. I say to myself, Well, what can I do right now in my lifetime with the life force that I have, how can I wield it in a way that allows for what we want? In terms of the "we," I do mean most of — well, a lot of people, I'll say, right? Whether it's most or some, there's some that love the system the way that it is, it works for them. They, you know, get wealth and all of that, and they like that; but for so many that it doesn't work for, that are like, I don't care how many times I lace up my boots, you know, it's not gonna equate to me getting certain things that are really owed to me as a person. So how can I wield my experience and my existence to be impactful in terms of changing the minds of people, opening up the hearts of folks, getting us to start understanding the ways that what we do is literally weaving history as time goes on every single day. And I'm always saying to people, see yourself as a part of the solution. It's like, I repeat it so much that it's just, it's, I could say it in my sleep; it's just, I'm always saying it, because I realize how important it is that all of us are a part of this. As you utilize the tools that are given to you, Mr. Delbert, you clearly said to yourself at some point, I gotta see myself as a part of these amazing solutions. How does that resonate with you?
Delbert Richardson 36:07
Well, it resonates with me that I have control over, for the most part, one person. That'd be me. So the question I have to ask myself, How am I showing up in a way to influence others? And I say that humbly, because there are times when I want people to be in a different place, and to be... speak in a different way. But I gotta remember, here's the thing, I gotta remember what it took for me to get to where I'm at. And so sometimes I need to exercise some patience and tolerance for other people. But I don't lose focus on what my responsibility is, of showing up in a way authentically. And so something else is coming up, that's that BIPOC. So the question becomes, for those of us that fall within that category, or box, what's our responsibility to understand that all of us represents the Other? So you have the Other, and then you have the dominant culture. So the way this whole system is set up, is divide and conquer. So the challenge I see is around — is anti-blackness, right? So how are we understanding and becoming more aware that sometimes the things that we struggle with the most are self created? That my Latino brother, that my Asian sister, we're all for the most part Others; we may be at different levels of how the dominant culture sees us. And so I'll never forget, I was in this workshop, and this Asian lady said that she never really understood the model minority thing, until she had her own lived experience, right? And then she understood that, even though she may be seen or viewed as dominant-culture, it's only a matter of time for it to come after her. So the question becomes, let's not wait 'til that happens. How do we collectively come together as a BIPOC group, and move, right? And so I'm going to share this because it's true. During the Civil Rights Movement, you may have had Martin Luther King, Ralph Abernathy, Andrew Young, all of these guys, Bayard Rustin; behind closed doors they didn't always agree, Trae; but when they went outside, they agreed to disagree and move forward collectively. And that's one of the things I believe that's so important for us is to be able to agree to disagree, but keep our eye on the bigger picture. And that's really about humanity.
TraeAnna Holiday 38:48
You know what, I agree 110,000%. So much of what we've done at King County Equity Now no matter what is exactly that, right? And we may have things that we have to deal with behind closed doors that make it so that we can understand the differences, right, of where people are coming from. There's a variance of opinions out there, and perspectives, and approaches and strategies. But ultimately, I understand that all of them together go in a bucket of equity, Black liberation, justice, right? Reparations, all of those things. There's some pillars that we get to stand on in that regard, that are going to keep our eyes on the prize in terms of moving it forward in every day and in every interaction we encounter. It's why we love to say for the organization, we're unapologetically Black. And people go, Well, what does that actually mean? No, we say unapologetically pro-Black. And they go, Well, what does that actually mean? And it's like, no, we also realize that sometimes it's — we have to be the ones that are gonna say the thing that maybe nobody's been wanting to say, because we're gonna be unapologetically pro-Black. And if you're going to connect with us or work with us in any way, please understand that first and foremost, right? And be willing to dissect what that means for you. Right? As you begin to build relationship with us. So I just think that that is so important in terms of that unity factor. You know, it's something that we, I really feel like we can't afford not to have. And when I think about that Sankofa bird, again, looking back to know how to move forward, ultimately it is the divisive tactics of the system that will keep us working in silos. And that will keep us thinking that unity is something that is unattainable. I've had many people tell me my ideals of uniting with everyone, some type of kumbaya moment, is just... it's not reality, right? People say it's just not realistic. And I say, but why? Why is it not realistic? And why do we actually utilize that language to then permeate that into our bodies, and into our souls and our mindsets about what's realistic or unrealistic? Something you just said there that really struck me when we think about the term BIPOC is I love the term "global majority." Because honestly, it really cements for me when I think about my two sons, and what it means for me to have them be injected with that spirit of understanding their brilliance, of pride in themselves, of recognizing the lineage that they really come from, of the kings and queens that we always have been, the ones that have built the first civilizations. I'm gonna take that back to them, that "we're Africans that were born in America" piece today; that was a real gem that I get to share. But that is exactly right for me: that no, we're actually not the minority. We're actually not. And when I think about the word — again, talking about language here — and when I think about the word "minority," minority really means that you are a person that needs someone to care for you. That's actually what minority means, right? It means that somebody else has to be more dominant than you in order to care for you. And ultimately, I said, Oh, no. We're not that at all right? I love that you see so many things in storytelling mode. Because for me, one of the main reasons why I work in media as a media personality doing this podcast, Media Director for King County Equity Now, is because we have to wield these narratives ourself. I'm really grateful for you and your presence in community. I don't get to spend enough time with you, Mr. Delbert. But I know every single time I have, I have walked away from that experience going, My gosh, that man is up to so many amazing things! [laughter] At one point in my life, I'm gonna have to sit down with him and just talk with him about all the things that you have done. So I can't thank you enough. Is there any last words you'd like to share with our audience about your work, about what you're doing, about your purpose? Because you're one of those folks that I see living in his purpose. And it's a beautiful thing to witness.
Delbert Richardson 43:27
Aw, thank you. Let me just say this: I'm only a phone call away.
TraeAnna Holiday 43:30
[laughter] That's right. We got each other's numbers now. Yeah.
Delbert Richardson 43:33
Exactly. So let me just say this. I don't know who it was, but I've heard this: that you and I are our ancestors' greatest dream, right? And so Delbert always stays in this question mode that, What's my responsibility to your sons' sons? We talkin' three generations, right? So I stand on the shoulders — so in other words, you're young enough to be my daughter. So you're on my shoulders, right? Which I love, man. But I'm on... I'm on these shoulders, right? So the question becomes, what's my responsibility, right? And so I am responsible. And to my last breath, my wife — I got one of the best wives in the world, because she knows this work is very difficult, but she supports me; but I have responsibility to your children, right? Here's the thing I want to talk to my white brothers and sisters out there when I say this: I don't do allies, I don't do advocates. I do abolitionists. Because I asked my white friends, So, what was it about those white abolitionists that were willing to risk it all for humanity, right? So I asked my white brothers and sisters, So what was it about on the Freedom Ride? I'll never forget this. You can see the documentary when John Lewis and those guys was going across the South. And the bus stopped and John Lewis is getting ready to get off, and the white guy said, No, let me get off first. And he knew he was going to be assaulted. So the question for white folks on here: What are you willing to give up for humanity? And if the answer is help me, I will help you. But I won't do the work for you. Okay?
TraeAnna Holiday 45:28
Snaps all around. I will help you, but I won't do the work for you. It really, really makes me excited, because I've been seeing this, I've been deeming them "the awakeners." It's just that. Because really, they're like New Age abolitionists that are like, You know what, I don't care if this system was built for me as a white man; I am not comfortable with this. I'm not comfortable with the fact that there's people that are not getting their full due because I'm getting so much that that my people thought was due to me. Ultimately, it's gonna take a lot of those awakeners in order to really change the trajectory of this nation. I think we in America, there was something very unique and specific, because when we think about chattel slavery, and we think about how wealth was built, particularly in this nation, we understand colonialism, which they have their own issues, but when we just talk about America, I think that we are really on the precipice of not just understanding and undoing the things that we thought were true, but we're also on the precipice of direct action, in a way that's dismantling things. You got people working on the insides to be... that are outside-minded; you have a lot of folks on the outside that understand the nuances happening on the inside. So their approaches and strategies are very direct, right? Targeting very specific things. And yes, it may take many decades, right? It may take more lifetimes to really identify the root cause, get it out of there, and start fresh and new. But the work is happening now. And it's happening with folks like yourself, and I'm so thankful that your museum is traveling, and educating young people. If folks want to catch up with you and all of the work that you're doing, how do they reach out? How do they say, I need this in my educational institution? Or I need this as a presentation for my board because they gotta understand it and yes, we'll pay you for it. How can people catch up with you?
Delbert Richardson 47:37
Thank you, my website is www.unspokentruths.org. And on there you can reach out to me. And thank you for saying, 'cause I'm starting to be asked more and more by corporations to do trainings, right, around bias and all those things, but I operate from a belief that unless you fully understand the impact of American chattel slavery and Jim Crow, it's hard to understand about bias and all that, privilege and all that stuff, because you don't have a context by which to work from. So... and hopefully, in November I can come back prior to my large exhibit at the King Street Station; that's going to be November to January. We're still working on the particulars and it'll be set up for the community to come down and have their own lived experience around my work.
TraeAnna Holiday 48:32
Wow. Phenomenal. We will definitely do what I can to try to help promote that as the time rolls on. We got each other's contacts, like you said; nothing but a phone call away. I appreciate you. I appreciate you so so much. And you know, people say you gotta give your flowers now, right? Your roses.
Delbert Richardson 48:52
Absolutely.
TraeAnna Holiday 48:53
Yeah. And I'm just so thankful that I get —
Delbert Richardson 48:55
Please give 'em here. Give me my flowers! [laughter] Don't wait 'til I'm gone! Shoot, I can't smell 'em. Shoot.
TraeAnna Holiday 49:02
That's right, that's right. You're just doing phenomenal work, Mr. Delbert; thank you so much for taking on a [mentee], we're gonna be so much better for it. You know, your inspiration is beyond. Everything that you do, I'm just in awe. And I'm truly inspired by it. So thank you again for joining us on Equity Rising. You've been phenomenal.
Delbert Richardson 49:23
Thank you, and I look forward to collaborating again real soon.
TraeAnna Holiday 49:27
Absolutely; absolutely. Well, you guys heard it there from Mr. Delbert Richardson, unspokentruths.org if you guys are looking to get more inspiration, see some of these amazing artifacts that he has in his traveling museum and find some of the ways to connect with him to bring his brilliance into your corporate spaces. Bring his brilliance into your educational spaces or community spaces. Now is the time for us to be engaged and inspired and wake up to these harsh truths because that's the only way that we're gonna make the right progress forward for our future generations. Thank you guys so much for listening to Equity Rising; I'm your host, Trae Holiday, and I can't wait to bring you the next episode. Thank you.
