The Confronting Whiteness Podcast

Confronting Whiteness Podcast: Testimonies of Transformation Ep. 6

In this episode of the Confronting Whiteness podcast, Rev. Dr. Ben Boswell speaks with Rev. Dr. Dick Hester, a retired professor and therapist with a rich history of activism and opposition to racial oppression. Hester shares his journey of racial awakening from his segregated upbringing in Fort Worth, Texas, to his confrontations with white supremacy and racial injustice throughout his career. Highlighting his experiences as a pastor in racially turbulent times, Hester discusses his involvement in civil rights advocacy and his eventual realization of his own deep-seated racial biases. This transformative journey was further amplified by his participation in the ‘Confronting Whiteness’ course. The episode offers profound insights into understanding whiteness, fostering racial justice, and the continuous work of unlearning ingrained racial prejudices.00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntbv0H1-Etc] The Hidden History of Racial Oppression00:46 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntbv0H1-Etc&t=46s] Introduction to Confronting Whiteness01:41 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntbv0H1-Etc&t=101s] Meet Dick Hester: A Journey Through Academia and Ministry03:01 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntbv0H1-Etc&t=181s] Early Life and Racial Formation10:53 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntbv0H1-Etc&t=653s] Facing Racial Realities in Gainesville12:49 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntbv0H1-Etc&t=769s] Challenges and Changes in the Church16:23 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntbv0H1-Etc&t=983s] The Impact of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Assassination17:33 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntbv0H1-Etc&t=1053s] Confronting Racial Discrimination at Sunland Training Center22:36 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntbv0H1-Etc&t=1356s] Interracial Pulpit Exchange Controversy25:32 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntbv0H1-Etc&t=1532s] Reflections on Whiteness and Missed Opportunities30:54 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntbv0H1-Etc&t=1854s] Introduction to the ‘What Does It Mean to Be White?’ Program31:37 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntbv0H1-Etc&t=1897s] Immersion in Black Authors and Films33:15 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntbv0H1-Etc&t=1995s] Rewriting the Book: A Confessional Journey35:47 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntbv0H1-Etc&t=2147s] Reflecting on Personal and Societal Whiteness38:01 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntbv0H1-Etc&t=2281s] A Childhood Memory and Its Impact42:06 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntbv0H1-Etc&t=2526s] The Inner Textbook Concept47:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntbv0H1-Etc&t=2820s] Resistance Against Trump and White Supremacy51:53 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntbv0H1-Etc&t=3113s] Historical Deficiency in Education56:33 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntbv0H1-Etc&t=3393s] Final Reflections and Words of Hope58:28 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntbv0H1-Etc&t=3508s] Conclusion and Call to ActionSubscribe to Rev. Dr. Ben Boswell’s Confronting Whiteness Substack: https://confrontingwhiteness.substack... Learn more about Confronting Whiteness: https://confrontingwhiteness.com Music: “Liquid Spirit” by Gregory Porter, recorded by the Carolina Social Music Club https://samply.app/p/A33KleusgtaOTTCv... This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/subscribe [https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Confronting Whiteness Podcast: Testimonies of Transformation Ep. 5

In this episode of the Confronting Whiteness podcast, Rev. Ben Boswell converses with Gail Perry, a Cleveland, Ohio native and daughter of the first black mayor in Ohio. Gail shares her experiences growing up in the 1960s amid racial tensions, attending Kent State during the tragic National Guard shooting, and her lifelong journey in civil rights activism. Gail reflects on her religious upbringing in the United Church of Christ, blending faith and civil rights, and acknowledges the challenges of navigating predominantly white spaces in her spiritual and professional life. Through her extensive anti-racist work, Gail highlights the importance of understanding and confronting whiteness, the impact of systemic racism, and the need for truth and reconciliation in American society. This episode is a profound exploration of identity, transformation, and the continuous fight for racial justice.00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_UU5eViZJM] Introduction and Family Background00:32 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_UU5eViZJM&t=32s] Experiencing Racial Tensions00:46 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_UU5eViZJM&t=46s] Kent State Shooting Recollections01:37 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_UU5eViZJM&t=97s] Podcast Introduction02:28 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_UU5eViZJM&t=148s] Guest Introduction: Gail Perry03:31 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_UU5eViZJM&t=211s] Religious and Racial Formation04:29 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_UU5eViZJM&t=269s] Church Involvement and Civil Rights06:25 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_UU5eViZJM&t=385s] Challenges in Church Leadership07:15 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_UU5eViZJM&t=435s] Reflections on Civil Rights and Christianity11:11 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_UU5eViZJM&t=671s] National Guard and School Shootings16:53 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_UU5eViZJM&t=1013s] Confronting Whiteness and Anti-Racism Work19:09 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_UU5eViZJM&t=1149s] White Supremacy and Historical Context30:13 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_UU5eViZJM&t=1813s] Challenges in Anti-Racism Efforts32:10 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_UU5eViZJM&t=1930s] Wealth and Ancestry33:14 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_UU5eViZJM&t=1994s] Racism in America36:39 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_UU5eViZJM&t=2199s] Whiteness and Racial Hierarchy38:55 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_UU5eViZJM&t=2335s] Church and Racial Diversity42:27 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_UU5eViZJM&t=2547s] Housing and Segregation43:52 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_UU5eViZJM&t=2632s] Impact of Confronting Whiteness50:10 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_UU5eViZJM&t=3010s] Hope and Reconciliation56:32 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_UU5eViZJM&t=3392s] Conclusion and Call to ActionSubscribe to Rev Ben Boswell’s Confronting Whiteness Substack: https://confrontingwhiteness.substack... Learn more about Confronting Whiteness: https://confrontingwhiteness.comMusic: “Liquid Spirit” by Gregory Porter, recorded by the Carolina Music Club https://samply.app/p/A33KleusgtaOTTCv... This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/subscribe [https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Confronting Whiteness Podcast: Testimonies of Transformation Ep. 4

In this episode of Confronting Whiteness, Rev. Dr. Ben Boswell interviews Rev. Dr. Mel Williams, a seasoned pastor with over 40 years of service. The conversation explores Williams’ upbringing in a segregated North Carolina, the impact of his spiritual mentor Denny Spear’s resignation over racial integration, and the lifelong influence of his mother’s childhood friendship with an African American girl. Williams reflects on his experiences with racial and religious formation, his efforts to foster racial reconciliation through church partnerships, and his work in anti-poverty and anti-violence initiatives. He emphasizes the need for white individuals to engage in deep emotional and spiritual work to address the legacy of racism and the importance of contemplative practices in sustaining social justice efforts. The episode offers a moving testimony of transformation and a call to action for redistributing resources and fostering genuine relationships across racial divides. 00:00 Introduction to Transformation 01:20 Welcome to Confronting Whiteness 02:14 Meet Reverend Mel Williams 03:16 Childhood and Early Influences 04:01 Pivotal Moments in Racial Awareness 04:51 Stories of Friendship and Segregation 08:19 College Years and Anti-Racism Efforts 10:45 Impact of Confronting Whiteness Course 13:35 Emotional Journey and Reflections 21:21 Contemplative Practices and Social Justice 22:55 Exploring Contemplative Traditions in Black Culture 23:29 Howard Thurman and the Importance of Spiritual Practice 24:10 Integrating Anti-Racism Training with Spirituality 25:11 The Role of Lament in Social Movements 27:58 Addressing the Racial Wealth Gap 32:05 The Intersection of Race, Class, and Economic Justice 38:07 Transforming Trauma Through Spiritual Practice 42:00 Final Reflections and Call to Action Subscribe to Rev Ben Boswell’s Confronting Whiteness Substack: https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com Learn more about Confronting Whiteness: https://confrontingwhiteness.com Music: “Liquid Spirit” by Gregory Porter, recorded by the Carolina Social Music Club https://samply.app/p/A33KleusgtaOTTCvYYoY?group=8e39806a-8e06-4c86-a77f-970fe120d103 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/subscribe [https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Confronting Whiteness Podcast - Testimonies of Transformation Ep. 3

In the third episode of the Confronting Whiteness podcast, Rev. Ben Boswell engages in a compelling conversation with Kim Bohannon, a dedicated educator and community leader. Kim, affectionately known as 'Kimbo,' shares her transformative journey through the Confronting Whiteness course and its profound impact on her life. They explore her religious and racial background, the role of spirituality in anti-racist work, and her commitment to facilitating conversations about whiteness. Kim reflects on her experiences with systemic racism, personal growth, and the importance of creating safe spaces for meaningful dialogue. Her testimony highlights the power of embracing uncomfortable truths, continuous learning, and using one’s sphere of influence to enact change. This episode is a powerful reminder of the potential for spiritual and emotional transformation when engaging deeply in anti-racist practice. 00:00 Introduction: The Lie of Whiteness 00:41 Personal Testimonies and Transformations 01:37 Welcome to Confronting Whiteness 02:34 Meet Kimbo: A Journey of Education and Mentorship 03:18 Kimbo's Spiritual and Anti-Racist Awakening 04:17 Childhood and Racial Formation 07:49 The Impact of Confronting Whiteness 09:39 Emotional and Spiritual Transformation 11:08 The Power of Safe Spaces 19:15 The Role of Faith and Forgiveness 23:05 Renouncing Whiteness 25:25 Spiritual Transformation 26:48 Navigating Identity and Oppression 31:36 Impact and Influence 37:21 Continued Engagement and Reunions 39:22 Final Thoughts and Recommendations Subscribe to Rev Ben Boswell's Confronting Whiteness Substack: https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com [https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com] Learn more about Confronting Whiteness: https://confrontingwhiteness.com [https://confrontingwhiteness.com] Music: “Liquid Spirit” by Gregory Porter, recorded by the Carolina Social Music Club https://samply.app/p/A33KleusgtaOTTCvYYoY?group=8e39806a-8e06-4c86-a77f-970fe120d103 [https://samply.app/p/A33KleusgtaOTTCvYYoY?group=8e39806a-8e06-4c86-a77f-970fe120d103] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/subscribe [https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Confronting Whiteness Podcast: Testimonies of Transformation Ep 2

In the second episode of the Confronting Whiteness podcast, Rev. Dr. Ben Boswell engages in a profound conversation with Tracy Onze, who leads the middle school division at Trinity Episcopal School in Charlotte. Tracy, originally from New York, shares her journey and experiences over her 22-year tenure at the school. They delve into her religious background, early experiences with race, and the transformational impact of the Confronting Whiteness course on her perspective. They discuss the challenges and successes of striving for a diverse educational environment that mirrors the city’s diversity. Tracy reflects on the critical roles of anti-racism training, participating in a white affinity book club, and the systemic challenges she witnessed in North Carolina's education system. Her testimony underscores the importance of vulnerability, continuous learning, and actionable commitments in the journey toward racial justice. 00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwdp8xJSv3I] Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:08 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwdp8xJSv3I&t=68s] Tracy's Religious and Racial Background 03:07 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwdp8xJSv3I&t=187s] Experiences Moving to the South 06:54 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwdp8xJSv3I&t=414s] Educational Challenges and Changes 13:33 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwdp8xJSv3I&t=813s] Training and Professional Development 17:25 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwdp8xJSv3I&t=1045s] Impact of Confronting Whiteness 25:54 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwdp8xJSv3I&t=1554s] Exploring Emotional Journeys 27:21 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwdp8xJSv3I&t=1641s] Navigating Multiracial Spaces 30:19 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwdp8xJSv3I&t=1819s] The Feeling of Betrayal 31:34 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwdp8xJSv3I&t=1894s] Interpreting Spirituality and Betrayal 37:50 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwdp8xJSv3I&t=2270s] Defining Whiteness and Power 44:15 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwdp8xJSv3I&t=2655s] Impact of Confronting Whiteness Subscribe to Rev. Dr. Ben Boswell's Confronting Whiteness Substack: https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwdp8xJSv3I] L earn more about Confronting Whiteness: https://confrontingwhiteness.com [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwdp8xJSv3I] Music: “Liquid Spirit” by Gregory Porter, recorded by the Carolina Social Music Club https://samply.app/p/A33KleusgtaOTTCvYYoY [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwdp8xJSv3I]?... This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/subscribe [https://confrontingwhiteness.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]