White Supremacy Is All Around Us with Dr. Akilah Cadet

04/11/2025 55 min Episodio 13
White Supremacy Is All Around Us with Dr. Akilah Cadet

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Episode Synopsis

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Dr. Akilah Cadet, author of White Supremacy Is All Around, and a leading voice in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Together, they explore how systemic racism shapes our workplaces and communities, what it truly means to practice allyship versus being an accomplice, and how individuals and organizations can take real action toward equity.Dr. Cadet opens up about her lived experiences as a Black disabled woman, the realities of running a DEI consulting business amid cultural pushback, and her groundbreaking role as a co-owner of professional soccer teams in the Bay Area. Through honesty, humor, and insight, this conversation challenges listeners to embrace accountability, learning, and unlearning in the ongoing fight for justice and inclusion.What We're Talking About...Dr. Akilah Cadet reminds us that real progress begins when we learn to be comfortable with discomfort.Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are facing growing resistance in today’s social and business climate.White supremacy is sustained by fear and the desire to hold on to power.True change requires more than allyship — it calls for becoming an active accomplice in the fight for equity.Parents play a vital role in helping future generations understand race, privilege, and empathy.Growth happens through both learning and unlearning, with humility as the foundation.Accountability is essential for individuals and institutions that perpetuate harm.Dr. Cadet’s co-ownership of Bay Area soccer teams shows why representation matters in every industry.Dismantling systemic racism is a collective effort that depends on everyone’s participation.Dr. Cadet’s story highlights both the challenges and the strength of marginalized communities.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background of Dr. Akilah Cadet07:48 The Impact of 2020 on DEI Work13:49 The Role of Fear in White Supremacy19:45 Understanding Allyship vs. Accompliceship25:30 Raising Awareness and Responsibility in Parenting30:38 Understanding Privilege and Humanity34:22 Learning and Unlearning in Society36:40 Calling In vs. Calling Out39:38 Navigating Racism in Professional Spaces41:26 Becoming a Co-Owner in Sports54:24 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations54:52 Embracing Discomfort for Change55:20 Accountability and Awareness in SocietyLinks MentionedSocials : @changecadetDr. Akilah Cadet’s Website: https://www.changecadet.com/White Supremacy Is All Around: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/akilah-cadet-dhsc-mph/white-supremacy-is-all-around/9780306831034/Dr. Akilah Cadet’s Substack: https://changecadetactionnetwork.substack.com/Author BioDr. Akilah Cadet is the Founder and CEO of Change Cadet, an organizational development and creative consulting firm that offers services that support embedding belonging into overall company culture, identity, strategy and storytelling. As a