I recently attended the African American Policy Forum Critical Race Theory (CRT) Summer School: No U-Turn on Racial Justice, where we delved into critical discussions on the persistent nature of racial inequality, the mainstreaming of white nationalist rhetoric, and the ongoing impact of white supremacy. Some of my key takeaways from the conference included: the relationship between intersectionality and food oppression, as highlighted by Professor Andrea Freedman; Professor Jelani Cobb’s take on the assault on Black freedom; Professor Jason Stanley’s clear reminder that “[[the] structure of Othering is always interlinked with patriarchy”; and Tim Wise’s sobering reminder that “when money talks, free speech walks.”
The sessions underscored the urgent need for robust alternative visions to counter right-wing racial narratives and the critical role of political education. It was clear from the start of the conference that we were all in agreement: our work is about directly and effectively engaging people and by telling a story that presents a positive and hopeful future built on a robust democratic debate that means something to somebody and isn’t so deeply entrenched in academic language that it is unappealing, inaccessible, and unnecessarily overcomplicated.
Dr. David Johns of the National Black Justice Coalition called on the forever legendary and mover of the movement, bell books, repeating her quote, “education is the midwife of democracy.” This quote from hooks rang in my mind as I attended a session led by Professor Jonathan Feingold, who talked about the right-wing’s ongoing attempt to lead a war that dismantles affirmative action and classrooms and lecture halls that reflect the diversity of America. This discussion perfectly complemented eye opening plenary remarks from Professor Cheryl Harris who made it clear that these attacks on democracy and these anti-Black campaigns are ‘beta tests’ and that the mainstream media has failed to resist white supremacist rhetoric (e.g., the false argument that ‘anti-racism is somehow code for anti-white).
It just happens that this year’s CRT Summer School is occurring during the most important US presidential election of most of our lifetimes. Democracy is an ongoing endeavor – as is combatting fascism. However, a fascist regime feels closer than we’d hope, especially as a former president and candidate for president of the United States champions his over 34 criminal convictions, accuses every naysayer, including members of the free press of corruption, who gleefully taunts the arrest and imprisonment of his political opponents, installs his supporters to critical security and election posts without merit, throws around racists attacks for humor, and tells Black and brown American-born citizens and members of Congress to ‘go back to where they come from’.
“What is at stake now is more than a book, a practice, or a value. What is at stake is our democracy. But of course we cant address what we cannot see. We cannot fix what we’re not allowed to name. So that is the question before us now.”
Dr. Kimberlé Crenshaw, Professor of Law (Columbia Law School; UCLA), Executive Director of the African American Policy Forum
The AAPF went above and beyond to make this hybrid highly meaningful and engaging. I am incredibly proud of their work engaging those of us who joined remotely. Hybrid and virtual conferences champion accessibility. Aside from easing access for those with disabilities, hybrid opportunities make it easy for those with work commitments, those who simply perform better online, and those who cannot afford or do not wish to spend exorbitant amounts of money to travel. AAPF’s efforts to make this conference accessible to all deserves praise. I would like to personally thank the organizers on Prof Crenshaw’s team who worked to frequently engage online attendees and manage the digital engagement for all of the plenaries and every single breakout session. Thank you!