A CHIT CHAT CONVERSATION ON #BLACKLIVESMATTER MOVEMENT, RACE, & SOCIAL INEQUALITY: Where Do We Go From Here? With Guests Doneilous King & Melissa Prest

EPISODE 9: A CHIT CHAT CONVERSATION ON #BLACKLIVESMATTER MOVEMENT, RACE, & SOCIAL INEQUALITY: Where Do We Go From Here? With Guests Doneilous King & Melissa Prest

Let’s have a conversation about understanding what is happening in our country right now, what are all the terms people are seeing and hearing and how can our white brothers and sisters stand with us in the social justice movement, the new civil rights movement. 

***Please excuse the audio as this is recorded conversation where I wanted to bring you the raw unedited audio that is truly authentic.*** 

I also want to make you aware that this is an educational conversation among my colleagues and myself. We are feeling the pain that is happening in the world in the social justice movement, #BlackLivesMatter and we wanted to share with listeners how they can engage in a conversation.  

If there is anything you take away from this episode is to engage in conversation with your black friends and family. LISTEN!!! Listen to what is happening and people’s experiences. We all need to learn and we all need to be part of the conversation to help make the change. 

Let’s Dive In!

What is EOP? 

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) has been around for over 50 years. Initially started in New York state. It’s a state funded program that designs to increase education for historically disadvantaged, under-represented populations. Specifically for students who are able to succeed in college, but due to certain circumstances wouldn’t normally be admitted into college. The program is designed to help students achieve academic success while having a positive college experience and helping them succeed in their life after college.

For more information on the EOP Program in New York go here: https://www.suny.edu/attend/academics/eop/

How has the situation impacted you as an educator and what do you say to someone who doesn’t understand? 

Melissa shares that she grew up multiculturally and she believes it important to use life experiences and how your views are shaped to better understand what we are living with. 

Doneilous shared that it is important to educate ourselves as much as our students/young people. It’s important to keep them safe, but  also help them understand the importance and values of voting, civic engagement, politics, history, and lead them into a positive place in society. More importantly loving who you are and where you come from. Accept those parts of you and love yourself! 

How is today’s movement different from the one we have seen in recent years and the civil rights movement? 

More people who would oftentimes not find themselves affected by what is happening are getting involved and are recognizing that it is going to take everybody to make it better. 

At the root of it, Black People have been historically seeking Human Rights and Equal Right which is a basic fundamental value and right that white people have always had, but black people have had to fight for. 

The difference between today and the past is that social media plays a pivotal role in how it is seen and how it is being circulated. Harnessing the power of social media to not just share it but use it as the tool for the voice. The response of the people and their reaction to get involved has ignited people to go out and support the change that is not just social but a fight for equality in the treatment of black.

 

How can you educate someone who is white and is trying to educate themselves on what they are seeing and hearing?

Supporters or white allies, be humble and become a listener. Watch movies and documentaries that can help you understand the historical context and educate yourself a little to see the history of how this has been building. It will help understand how black people have suffered for hundreds of years for what has been done to them. From slavery to Jim Crow Laws, to Civil Right Movement in the 1960’s.

People can also understand what white privilege is. It’s been a super power in america that has built an advantage or a generational pass through. To be white in america is to never have to know the black experience. 

 

What can white people do? 

They need to put black people at the table and not let them be part of the menu. 

White people are not qualified to decide what issue is race related. For example, if you want to learn about domestic violence, you talk to the victim not the perpetrator. White privilege prohibits people from seeing racism and microaggressions. 

White people need to understand the agents of the overarching problem which is white supremacy. You don’t have to be racist but you’re perpetuating the values of racism. 

You have to go back to where racism comes from. Racism is learned behavior and it starts in the home. A young child doesn’t know what racism is, their values and sometimes it’s faith driven. Understanding where someone’s racism is stemmed from and how it is embedded into someone’s views and beliefs. People have to experience it to understand it. 

Recognizing the built in racism and hate that religion to have the conversation of where it stemmed from. Understanding and knowing the history is important to be able to move forward to create the change that is needed for today and the future. 

 

What is the takeaway from this movement and what would you as a black person want people to know and be aware of? 

Share in someone’s pain. Learn, listen and share in the experiences of being able to validate someone’s experiences. 

It’s important to hold people accountable. People of color are always fixing their problem in society. It’s important to hold people accountable for their actions in the situation we are living in right now, this is a problem for everyone, but caused by white people and white people need to fix it even though it is perceived as it is only impacting black people. 

 

Guest Bio & Info

Thanks again to both of my guests, Donelious and Melissa in having this conversation with me. It is not only important for people to start having more conversations such as this one, but to be forgiving of people who are unaware of the terms and the language that is being used. As we mentioned earlier in the episode some white people aren’t aware of what white privilege means. This is key to help others learn but also allow them to be part of the conversation to create awareness, support, and create a social impact. 

 

Melissa Prest 

Melissa is the Director of EOP & Multicultural Affairs at SUNY Polytechnic Institute. Born in Utica, NY. Melissa had the distinct opportunity to live across the country as the child of a military family. Her upbring, values, and views were shaped by the many places she lived. She has an affinity for social justices issues and is a lifelong learner. Melissa identifies as someone who is multicultural based on her upbringing and values. 

You can connect with Melissa on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissachris.prest

 

Doneilous King

Doneilous was born and raised in Utica, NY. He plays an active role in the community working with youth and is an active leader.. He currently holds the role of EOP Senior Counselor, SUNY Polytechnic Institute. He is also an Adjunct Professor, Mohawk Valley Community College

You can connect with him via: 

315.534.5821

doneilousking@hotmail.com

IG, FB @ Doneilous King

 

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Jose Miguel