This American Life – Episode 758: Talking While Black

Release Date: February 16, 2025

Summary

This American Life’s Episode 758, titled "Talking While Black," delves deep into the escalating backlash against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the United States. Hosted by Emmanuel Berry, the episode explores the profound personal and professional repercussions faced by Black individuals as DEI programs become increasingly scrutinized and dismantled across various sectors. Through poignant personal stories and incisive commentary, the episode captures the essence of contemporary racial tensions and the struggle for Black voices to be heard amidst a climate of resistance.

1. The Backlash Against DEI Initiatives

Emmanuel Berry opens the episode by highlighting a series of high-profile failures—ranging from the Los Angeles wildfires to the midair collision near Washington, D.C.—that have been erroneously attributed to DEI programs. He underscores the peculiar narrative that posits DEI efforts, which aim to promote marginalized groups, as the root cause of societal disasters. Berry notes, “Disney, GM, Google, Toyota, McDonald's, and Walmart have all rolled back DEI efforts, following President Trump's lead” (00:32).

2. Dr. James Whitfield: A Case Study in DEI Backlash

Early Advocacy and Initial Support

Dr. James Whitfield, the first Black principal of a high school in Dallas, Texas, exemplifies the challenges faced by Black educators championing DEI. In the summer of 2020, amidst a national racial awakening sparked by the murder of George Floyd, Whitfield sent a heartfelt email to his school community reinforcing the importance of confronting systemic racism. He wrote, “I am here with you to do whatever we need to do to disrupt systemic racism and eradicate it” (04:20).

The email was well-received, garnering support from parents, teachers, and students who appreciated Whitfield’s transparent and warm communication style.

Escalation and Dismissal

However, as the political climate shifted, particularly with the return of Donald Trump to office, attitudes towards DEI initiatives became hostile. By the summer of 2021, Texas had enacted laws banning Critical Race Theory (CRT) in schools—a term often conflated with DEI efforts. Whitfield found himself at the center of this backlash when a school board member publicly accused him of indoctrinating students with CRT based on his 2020 email (06:29).

Despite Whitfield not teaching CRT or altering the curriculum, the board voted not to renew his contract, citing reasons such as “insubordination” and “alerting the media” (08:22). Whitfield’s personal and professional life unraveled as he grappled with being ousted from the role he cherished.

In his emotional one-minute public statement, Whitfield pleaded, “My unapologetic stance for these things has brought us here tonight, which is disheartening. I can assure you I have not changed. I'm still the same man” (08:50). His dismissal was met with disbelief and support from those who knew his dedication to equitable education.

3. Nevaeh’s Struggle: Navigating Racism in School

The Incident

Nevaeh, a 16-year-old Black biracial student in Traverse City, Michigan, faced a harrowing experience when she became a target in a racist Snapchat group chat named “Slave Trade.” The chat consisted primarily of white students who auctioned up their Black classmates, demeaning them with derogatory comments and dehumanizing bids. Nevaeh discovered her inclusion in the chat when her friend Katie alerted her to the hateful messages, including statements like, “All blacks should die” and “Another Holocaust” (19:18).

Seeking Justice and Facing Silence

Despite reporting the incident to the school and police, Nevaeh received minimal support. The police concluded there were no chargeable offenses, leaving her feeling invalidated. Determined to bring attention to the issue, Nevaeh decided to speak to the press. While initially supported, her actions soon sparked further backlash during a subsequent school board meeting where some adults vehemently denied the existence of racism, declaring, “Not a racist city and the US” (15:58).

Social Consequences

Nevaeh’s courage led to strained relationships with peers and friends. She recounts, “I was just like, oh, we disagree on such a big topic here, like racism” (25:29). Navigating the fallout, Nevaeh faced ostracization and uncertainty about whom to trust, culminating in the painful decision to distance herself from long-time friends like Luke and Katie. Her quest for answers led her to file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, which only deepened her frustration as most of the responses were redacted, leaving her with more questions than answers (33:40).

4. The Farce Awakens: Book Bans and "New Kid" by Jerry Craft

Rise and Fall of Black Authored Books

Following the murder of George Floyd, there was a surge in the popularity of Black-authored books that addressed race and systemic racism. Titles like Ibram X. Kendi’s Stamped from the Beginning and Jerry Craft’s graphic novel New Kid became bestsellers, celebrated for their honest portrayals of Black experiences. However, this period of acclaim was short-lived as opposition grew, leading to unprecedented book bans.

Jerry Craft’s "New Kid" Under Attack

New Kid tells the story of Jordan Banks, a 12-year-old Black boy navigating the challenges of attending a predominantly white private school. The book was lauded for its relatable protagonist and its nuanced depiction of microaggressions, such as a teacher mistakenly calling Jordan "a coach" despite no record of him coaching sports. Jerry Craft shared his motivation, stating, “I make those books that I wish I had” (43:19).

Despite its positive reception, New Kid became a target of censorship. In Katy, Texas, a parent named Bonnie Anderson spearheaded a campaign against the book, falsely labeling it as Critical Race Theory. Anderson argued that the book's portrayal of racial dynamics was harmful to white children, claiming it would “poison the minds” of young readers by portraying white characters negatively (49:00).

Board Meetings and Public Testimonies

The controversy escalated during school board meetings where parents like Courtney passionately defended New Kid. Courtney recounted personal experiences of racial harassment, emphasizing the importance of authentic representation in literature. She implored the board, “Representation does matter. Please don't thank me for my service. I do it because I love it” (59:49).

In response, the Katy Independent School District conducted a ten-day investigation, ultimately finding no inappropriate material in New Kid. The school reinstated the book and Jerry Craft’s author visit, yet opposition persisted, with some parents demanding a complete audit of the library.

5. Broader Implications and Ongoing Struggles

The stories of Dr. James Whitfield, Nevaeh, and Jerry Craft illuminate the broader societal resistance to acknowledging and addressing systemic racism. The DEI backlash extends beyond education, permeating corporate environments and everyday interactions, often silencing Black voices and undermining efforts toward racial equity.

Emmanuel Berry reflects, “The line of what's acceptable to say about race and racism in America has moved. It’s as though we were having one argument and then the terms changed” (12:54). This shifting landscape forces Black individuals to constantly navigate what they can and cannot express, often at the expense of their personal and professional well-being.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. James Whitfield (08:50): “My unapologetic stance for these things has brought us here tonight, which is disheartening. I can assure you I have not changed. I'm still the same man.”

• Nevaeh (19:18): “The group chat was called Slave Trade with two purple devil emojis. ... I was sold. I don't know how bad that is, but I assume it's not the best.”

• Courtney (59:49): “Representation does matter. Please don't thank me for my service. I do it because I love it.”

• Emmanuel Berry (12:54): “The line of what's acceptable to say about race and racism in America has moved. It’s as though we were having one argument and then the terms changed.”

Conclusion

Episode 758 of This American Life provides a compelling exploration of the intense backlash against DEI initiatives and the profound impact on Black individuals striving to foster racial equity. Through the compelling narratives of Dr. Whitfield, Nevaeh, and Jerry Craft, the episode underscores the resilience required to speak out against systemic racism in an increasingly hostile environment. It serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for representation, understanding, and justice in America today.

Additional Information

• Host/Author: This American Life, hosted by Ira Glass
• Produced in collaboration with: WBEZ Chicago
• Awards: Winner of the first-ever Pulitzer Prize for a radio show or podcast
• Access: Explore more episodes and bonus content at ThisAmericanLife.org