Assistant Dean of Students for Multicultural Affairs Marc David presented the keynote speech at a workshop sponsored by the YWCA Racial Justice Department on Sept. 17. The workshop, "A Community's Journey Towards Racial Harmony," was the third community dialogue sponsored by the organization. David's lecture was titled "Beyond Power and Privilege: Practical Solutions for Improving Race Relations in America."
David began his speech with an interactive exercise, as he asked his audience a series of questions relating to white privilege. He explained that for some members of the audience, white privilege might have been a new idea; for others it may not have been. However, white privilege, David explained, are the advantages whites inherit oftentimes unknowingly.
He continued his speech by citing historical examples of social, political and economic "atrocities committed against blacks." These atrocities need not continue, he explained; whites are given a choice what to do with their white privilege. They can perpetuate the cycle of white privilege, or they can invest in the future and "open the doors of oppression." David listed successful minorities in medicine, television, professional sports, the military, the sciences, and in politics. "We need to invest in the best and brightest…to empower an entire nation!"
Referring to the United States not as a melting pot, but as a "mighty quilt," David urged his audience to celebrate differences and diversity in the United States. He claimed that whites can not hold onto their privilege, as it will prohibit the entire nation from reaching its full potential.
David recommended engaging in a sustained dialogue to develop solutions. "The dialogue needs to continue in business, education, and government, in community centers and churches, too," he explained. Businesses need to diversify their ranks, and seek ideas not from the executives or decision-making boards, but from all employees. Businesses specifically must provide support during recruitment and adjust the working climate to make minorities feel comfortable; similarly, David advised companies to not only offer, but also endorse sensitivity training for all employees.
Finally, he said, companies needed to make partnerships with various community groups to continue the dialogue needed to end white privilege.
- by Emily Lemanczyk '05
