328: Thoughts on anti-racism and fighting white supremacy

On today’s episode, I talk about the need for the ceramic
community, myself included, to be actively antiracist in our
actions. As we make changes to create a more inclusive ceramic
community for Black, Indigenous and artists of color I encourage
you to consider Dr. King’s words on the dangers of the white
moderate and the hesitance to take up the fight for social
justice in favor of slow reforms. The time for change is now.


 


“First, I must confess that over the past few years I have been
gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost
reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great
stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White
Citizen's Counciler or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white
moderate, who is more devoted to "order" than to justice; who
prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a
positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly
says: "I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I cannot agree
with your methods of direct action"; who paternalistically
believes he can set the timetable for another man's freedom; who
lives by a mythical concept of time and who constantly advises
the Negro to wait for a "more convenient season." Shallow
understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than
absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm
acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.”


 


Martin Luther King April 16, 1963 - Letter from a Birmingham
Jail 


 


To support BIPOC in our community, institute equitable hiring
practices, purchase art work, and support inclusive efforts such
as The Color Network: www.instagram.com/thecolornetwork