Black Empowerment Public Lecture by Dr. Robert Livingston (Academic Enrichment): How Do You Play the Game? (3 points)

    On September 30th, I attended an Honors Program lecture led by Dr. Robert Livingston, the author of "Play the Game, Change the Game, Leave the Game." His lecture/interview was a lot about black empowerment through politics, while also highlighting ways the black community can expand and improve prosperity and joy in the world we live in now. I took specific notes because I wanted to learn more about what black empowerment means to other people. To me, it's about being proud and unapologetic about your history and where you come from, as well as not comparing yourself to others in terms of what makes them "black." During this lecture, there were a few things that stood out to me, and it wasn't just what he said, but rather when he made those statements, our situations and circumstances started to make more sense. In other words, he made it clear as to why we as black people have to work twice if not ten times as hard for the things we earn.

    One topic that Dr. Livingston touched on was the concept of "whitening résumés." To put it plainly, black people with rather exotic, ethnic, or "unusual" names would either use their middle name or part of their first name, modifying it into something that sounded more "white." From there, they would put it on their résumé as their first name, knowing it would increase their chances of getting interviews and jobs. This topic made sense but it rubbed me in so many wrongs ways. For one, people's names may have sentimental value and serve as a reminder of who they are and where they come from. However, because of the hatred, bias, and/or discrimination from other people, most of them being white, we have to compromise in order to make a life for ourselves. It's not right, and it wasn't until a recent conversation I had with a few friends that the mentality of refusing our identity just to live truly spreads from generation to generation. A few days ago, I met up with some friends and one student I don't particular spend time with. We were having brunch, talking, and the subject of names came up. I expressed that when I have kids, I would absolutely love to name my daughter Phoenix. In mythology, it's a creature of fire that turns to a pile of ash when it dies, but from those same ashes, it's reborn brighter and more beautiful than ever. I wanted that name to serve as a reminder that no matter how many times she falls, she will always be able to get back up and try again. However, when I said this, one of my friends and the student decided to get on my case and say that I need to pick a normal name, one that sounds "white." Otherwise, she would never be able to get a job. This truly tested my Ethical Discernment, and I politely excused myself from that situation, but it made me realize that we are slowly but surely repeating the same ideals our parents taught us as black people. Because the outside world can be ignorant most of the time, we have to compromise in order for people to take us seriously, and I honestly don't believe in that. Even through names, I want my future children to know that they're not unique just because they're black, but because they're black and individual people, with different perspectives and insight. 

    Another conversation Dr. Livingston touched base on was how white people see black people. It was one statement he said that actual put a lot of things into perspective. He expressed how "they don't know how to be white without being better than people of color." To me, white people's identity solely depends on them either participating in other cultures or stealing their traditions. Without them, as well as without putting systems in place to tear other people of color down, they simply have no culture and no identity. However, I believe there are other ways for them to live life without it being about the misery and extermination of other minorities. It's a shame that we have to maneuver through society and speak, think, and act through a white lens, but I'd rather live authentically and celebrate all parts of myself, even if the rest of the world doesn't agree or simply understand.

by Caitlyn Hickman '29