EP15: Anti-Blackness

In this episode of FARSIGHT Chats, hosted by Farah Bala, special guests Shanya Cordis, Taylor Dews, Tori Jackson, and Indie Johnson engage in an in-depth conversation on Anti-Blackness. The episode delves into the historical and contemporary implications of Anti-Blackness in society, particularly through the lens of microaggressions and systemic biases. Each guest shares their lived experiences and academic perspectives, addressing how Anti-Blackness intersects with race, gender, sexuality, and colorism. They highlight the need for both personal introspection and systemic change, emphasizing the importance of artistic expression and rigorous storytelling in advancing an inclusive and equitable society. The discussion also calls for more intentional efforts from non-Black and White communities to address and dismantle Anti-Blackness through critical examination, accountability, and active engagement in anti-racist work.

| KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED |

Understanding Anti-Blackness:

• The conversation defines anti-Blackness as systemic, global, and deeply ingrained, manifesting in everyday micro-aggressions and institutional inequities.

Intersectionality:

• The guests highlight how anti-Blackness interacts with other identities such as gender, sexuality, and indigeneity, affecting individuals differently based on their intersectional experiences.

Personal Experiences:

• Each guest shares personal stories to illustrate the ways anti-Blackness has shaped their lives, including experiences with colorism, trans identity, and societal expectations.

Global and Structural Perspectives:

• The discussion contextualizes anti-Blackness as a foundational aspect of social structures in the U.S. and beyond, emphasizing the need to challenge systemic inequalities.

Art and Advocacy:

• The guests explore the role of art in dismantling anti-Blackness, calling for authentic storytelling, freedom of expression, and critical examination of who funds and produces artistic works.

Call to Action:

• The episode urges individuals, especially non-Black audiences, to engage in self-reflection, education, and unlearning, emphasizing that combating anti-Blackness requires systemic change and accountability.

| SHOW NOTES |

00:00 Introduction to FARSIGHT Chats

00:45 Exploring Anti-Blackness

02:23 Meet the Guests

05:56 Personal Experiences with Anti-Blackness

19:31 Intersectionality and Anti-Blackness

24:49 Colorism and Anti-Blackness

33:50 Navigating Multiple Identities

39:22 Choices and Systemic Myths

40:18 Living in Intersections

42:25 Unlearning Anti-Blackness

44:48 The Role of Education

46:31 Individual and Structural Work

47:18 Accountability and Action

01:02:42 Artistic Spaces and Anti-Blackness

01:03:28 The Importance of Diverse Storytelling

01:13:20 Funding and Audience Dynamics

01:13:37 Final Reflections and Gratitude

| WORKS CITED |

Wayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments: Intimate Histories of Social Upheaval by Saidiya Hartman. Book.

Anti-Blackness books by Frank B Wilderson III. Books (3).

Connect with our guests:

• Shanya Cordis, Ph.D | Anthropologist & Professor, Columbia University
• Taylor Dews | PhD Student, NYU Cultural Anthropology Cert. in Culture and Media
• Tori Jackson | Artist & Activist
• Indie Johnson | Artist & Creative Director - The Harvest Cabaret

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