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Letter from the Founder

by | Oct 10, 2024 | Blog | 0 comments

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Dear Constructors, 

As a Black woman, business owner, native Portlander, and a few other identities or not…

I am acutely aware of how intersecting identities shape our experiences in the world. I use my experiences in Portland in much of my facilitating. Intersectionality, as mentioned briefly in last month’s newsletter, is a word from Kimberlé Crenshaw helping us understand how various identities, such as race, gender, class do not exist in isolation. Identities interact and overlap. They create unique and complex experiences of both discrimination and privilege.

The last month has reminded me of the urgency of understanding and addressing intersectionality. Though I live it everyday, there are two moments that are very visible in the media that can be used to help us all understand it a little bit better. At CTP our desire for progress is rooted in learning and this is a moment where collective learning can help us all.  

The tragic murder of Sonya Massey and the historic presidential nomination of Kamala Harris showcase intersectionality in ways that are more similar that we may think and offer space for our reflection. Sonya Massey’s murder highlights how intersecting identities increase vulnerability to violence and injustice. It demands we recognize how systems have enabled people to act and begs that we protect and uplift those that sit at intersections. Kamala Harris’ run for President showcases how class can shift the privilege but does not allow one to escape the marginalization. It inspires us and also asks us to unpack stereotypes about ability and charisma to create more inclusive and equitable leadership.


We don’t need more allies.

To recognize systems and unpack stereotypes that have emboldened those in positions of social power and privilege, allies are not going to get the job done. Allies are great and have been helpful, however we have been having this conversation for far too long. If an unarmed Black woman who called the police for help can be killed by that police officer while a Black woman who has the education and career experience to lead a country can be targeted based on her race and gender intersection we need people ready to dive deep. People who are willing to unpack marginalization, and work tirelessly for our collective liberation and greater good. We need co-conspirators. 
Co-Conspirators actively making daily choices and steps to eliminate oppression


Be a Co-Conspirator

In thinking about action we can think about mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. Dr. Rodine Sims Bishop introduced this concept. Mirrors being something that shows you your reflection. A window showing lived experiences that differ from yours. And finally, sliding glass doors that invite our learning and active participation. Being a co-conspirator means utilizing all three. 

Looking in the mirror motivates reflection in your personal life.

Looking through the window asks us to acknowledge the experiences of others even in spaces we do not experience it ourselves. 

Using the sliding door is actively prompting a shift in policy, process, and practice in the places we work and play. 

It is crucial that we not only understand intersectionality but also ACT as co-conspirators in interrupting oppression. Co-conspirators actively work to challenge and dismantle systems of oppression, standing in solidarity with those who are marginalized.

Look in the Mirror

Your self education and advocacy is imperative. This is only a short introduction to intersectionality. Learn more, understand more, use that knowledge to advocate for change within your community and personal networks. Often the end of September prompts thoughts for what a new year can bring in business. Let that start with you. It’s a great time to do our  Constructing Perspective reflection workbook. 


Look through the Window

Implement Intersectional training programs. Training programs give people new perspective while also making space for practicing new understandings and making a commitment to shift behavior. Training for the best results is specific and catered to the audience with goals for next steps. Separate people by positional responsibility and power to create spaces for dialogue linked to actionable commitment. Develop  an entry level or new employee space where one can understand intersectionality and their bias creates difficulty for living out the organizational values or commitment to inclusive culture. These trainings can connect with people’s annual reviews and program assessments as well. All of this is possible when there is a review of policies and practices that can support those that experience intersectional marginalization in the workplace. 

Though all of these trainings can be developed in house, there is such value in connecting with subject matter experts. Remember, we are not free until all of us are free.

CTP is partnering with Oregon Employment and Training Association (OETA)  to bring equity focused training to members. We encourage our partners to sign up as members or simply join us in the public training. All are welcome. This is a virtual training session designed to support cross-state engagement. See our resources below for more information.


Step through the Sliding Door

This work doesn’t move forward without co-conspirators that recognize and activate their privilege to disrupt systems of inequity. Intersectionality specifically affects Black women entrepreneurs in the current economy. Though we have been in space to make difference before, I hope that we can make the type of difference that will not be needed 20 years from now.  We have been talking about diversity, equity, and inclusion being challenged in policy, practice, and even law. Earlier this year a court ruled that a non-profit providing grants to Black women could no longer do so as race based grantmaking of its kind was prohibited by civil rights law. In short, an organization that was seeking to create equity was stopped because it was unfair. 

Equity is not fair. It is the work to undo the harm that has been done by marginalized and excluding people based on their identity for the last 400+ years in what is not called the United States. Co-conspirators do more than point that out or educate others on the system. Co-conspirators understand intersectionality and do what is necessary to give people sitting at these marginalized intersections access to capital and networking opportunities. They use their privilege to interrupt the bias. 

We are at a critical juncture where understanding and acting on intersectionality is not just an option but a necessity. This is how we construct the present we desire and make space for future generations to safely dwell.  I not only hope but I urge you to join me. I challenge you to construct spaces and workplaces that embrace  diversity, demand equity, and breathe inclusion. By becoming co-conspirators in the fight against oppression, we create environments where everyone—regardless of their intersecting identities—can thrive.

Together,  let’s create the communities we talk about, 

Alexis


Follow us on LI or IG to comment on how you’re challenging your socialization and engaging as a co-conspirator.

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