The Better Show
Andrew Grant-Thomas: EmbraceRace
Episode Summary
On this episode we interview Andrew Grant-Thomas, co-founder of EmbraceRace - an organization that supports parents to raise children who are brave, informed and thoughtful about race. Andrew shares his experience in founding his organization and what it means to be an advocate for racial equity in the United States today.
Episode Notes
- 3:28 — We discuss why the topic of equity is important and why we were inspired to explore this topic further.
- 6:40 — March welcomes Andrew Grant-Thomas to the show and we learn a little about his background and how he began his work on EmbraceRace.org.
- 10:06 — Andrew discusses the resources that EmbraceRace provides and how those tools address different aspects of racial equity.
- 13:47 — Becoming more aware of racial inequities in everyday life and how to begin talking to your children about race and racial justice issues.
- 17:55 — How tying school funding to property taxes is a factor in continuing racial inequity.
- 21:19 — How are the recent developments in the US and abroad have increased the level of interest in the resources that EmbraceRace.org provides.
- 26:50 — Andrew recommends a few practical things that people can do if they want to help support the cause of racial equity.
- 32:15 — Ian, Darren and March reflect on the interview with Andrew and some of the things that resonated most with us.
- 35:45 — Ian reflects on how children might be an underserved group when it comes to racial education.
- 41:04 —Ian noted the comment that Andrew made about “there may not be a sideline to stand on anymore”
- 42:25 — Darren reflects on how there are a variety of ways to contribute to the cause of racial justice and how at some level we are all on a journey towards being better.
- 47:17 — “Just because you know what’s going on doesn’t mean that you know how best to address the problem.”
- 51:10 — March shares some historical polling data on trust in the police and speculates how the numbers might have changed recently.
- 53:17 — Darren shares how Andrew’s example of how unconscious bias in how people shop for schools was a point that really resonated with him.
- 57:14 — We explore the issue of inequity of schooling and practical ways to help improve equity in schooling.
- 59:56 — Ian proposes a more constructive way to frame the conversation by focusing on what society gains by increasing racial equity rather than what some people need to give up for the benefit of others.
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