The powerful lens of intersectionality | Keadrick Peters | TEDxBowieStateUniversity

Summary

Dr. Krick Peters delivers a powerful speech on intersectionality and allyship, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing injustices faced by different communities. He highlights the significance of the African proverb 'I am because you are,' and discusses the role of historical figures and movements in advancing human rights. The speech includes an interactive activity to raise awareness about the different levels of vulnerability to police killings and hate crimes, urging the audience to reflect on their own privilege and oppression, and to take action in solidarity with marginalized groups.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The speaker acknowledges the ancestral lands of the pasaway people and the contributions of black people to the country's existence.
• 🤝 The concept of 'true human allyship' is introduced, emphasizing shared responsibility and empathy for each other's injustices.
• 📜 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s influence is highlighted, particularly his quote about injustice being a threat to justice everywhere.
• 🏛️ Bowie State University's commitment to addressing injustice is showcased through their inclusive practices and events like the Tunnel of Oppression.
• 🌈 The Tunnel of Oppression event is described as transformative, aiming to raise awareness about various forms of oppression.
• 📚 The speaker shares a personal transformation through reading 'Hood Feminism' by Mikki Kendall, which challenges the notion of easy allyship.
• 🔗 The importance of intersectionality is discussed, explaining how different forms of identity intersect and influence experiences of privilege and oppression.
• 🚫 The limitations of a single-issue approach are critiqued in favor of a more comprehensive understanding of social justice issues.
• 🙌 An interactive activity is conducted to illustrate the concept of intersectionality and the varying levels of awareness and impact on different groups.
• ⏰ The CDC's declaration of racism as a public health crisis is mentioned, urging a multidimensional approach to address it effectively.
• 💡 The call to action encourages self-reflection on one's position in society, privilege, and ways to serve others in the fight against injustice.

Q & A

Who is Dr. Krick Peters and how does he identify?

Dr. Krick Peters is a human rights activist who identifies with the pronouns 'he' and 'human.'

What is the significance of acknowledging the ancestral lands of the pasaway people?

Acknowledging the ancestral lands of the pasaway people is a way to recognize the indigenous stewards of the land and to honor their history and ongoing presence.

What does Dr. Peters commit to honoring in his speech?

Dr. Peters commits to honoring those who came before, those who are present, and those who will come after, in the context of recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of black people.

What is the meaning behind the phrase 'I am because you are' in the context of the speech?

The phrase 'I am because you are' is an African proverb that Dr. Peters uses to emphasize the concept of human allyship, suggesting that individual well-being is interconnected with the well-being of others.

How does Dr. King's quote from the Birmingham Jail letter relate to the idea of human allyship?

Dr. King's quote 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere' underscores the idea of human allyship by implying that everyone should be concerned about injustices happening to others, as they are all part of a shared struggle for justice.

What is the Tunnel of Oppression event and how does it relate to human allyship?

The Tunnel of Oppression is an experiential learning event hosted by Bowie State University to raise awareness about different types of oppression in society. It relates to human allyship by providing an immersive experience that encourages participants to understand and empathize with various forms of injustice.

How did the global pandemic impact the Tunnel of Oppression event?

The global pandemic led to the suspension of in-person human connection, which paused the Tunnel of Oppression event, highlighting the importance of physical presence in fostering human allyship and understanding.

What is the significance of the book 'Hood Feminism' by Mikki Kendall in Dr. Peters' journey?

The book 'Hood Feminism' by Mikki Kendall resonated with Dr. Peters and changed his life by challenging the notion of allyship and emphasizing the need for continuous effort and understanding of privilege and inequality.

What is intersectionality and how does it relate to the concept of human allyship?

Intersectionality is a concept that describes how various aspects of identity such as race, class, and gender intersect and overlap, influencing the levels of privilege or oppression one may experience. It relates to human allyship by encouraging a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities of injustice and the need for inclusive support.

How does the 'say their name' activity in the script illustrate the concept of intersectionality?

The 'say their name' activity demonstrates intersectionality by showing how different levels of identity (race, gender, sexual orientation) can lead to varying experiences and rates of police violence and hate crimes, highlighting the need to address multiple forms of oppression simultaneously.

What is the call to action that Dr. Peters issues at the end of the script?

Dr. Peters calls for reflection on one's position in the world in relation to privilege and oppression, and encourages individuals to consider how they can be in service to others, promoting a more active and intersectional approach to human allyship.